Why Eagles will take another WR in first round


The upcoming NFL draft could be historic for the Eagles in at least two ways.For one, they are more inclined to draft a linebacker in the first round for the first time since 1979. Secondly, they could draft a wide receiver in the first round for the third straight season.

The Eagles have several needs, and fittingly, 10 picks. With a roster turning over to youth, some of these players will be counted on to play right away.

Here is a look at how the Eagles’ draft will go:

Sep 11, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders safety Reed Blankenship (12) attempts to tackle Virginia Tech Hokies right end James Mitchell (82) at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ryan Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6

James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech 

The Eagles traded OL Matt Pryor and their seventh-round pick for this spot. Dallas Goedert is a star, and the Eagles also like Jack Stoll and Tyree Jackson. But Mitchell, who’s 6-foot-4, 249 pounds, would provide versatility in that he can line up in the backfield.

Alabama A&M Bulldogs quarterback Aqeel Glass (4) is stopped by Alabama State Hornets defensive back Irshaad Davis (0) at the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday October 31, 2021.

Round 5

Aqeel Glass, QB, Alabama A&T

The Eagles got this pick from the Cardinals in the Zach Ertz trade last season. Glass would fit the Eagles’ desires for a developmental QB. Glass won his second straight Deacon Jones award, given to the best player from an HBCU, and also was named the SWAC’s offensive player of the year for the second straight year.

At 6-5, 215 pounds, Glass threw for 3,678 yards with 36 TDs against just 7 interceptions. 

Round 5

Obinna Eze, OT, TCU

Eze is a raw prospect, he was born in Nigeria and didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school. But Eze is 6-8, 315 pounds, and eventually became a full-time starter at Memphis before transferring to TCU.

The Eagles’ depth on the offensive line will enable Eze to develop.

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer (69) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5

Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia

This pick came from Washington last year when the Eagles traded their sixth and seventh-round picks in the 2021 draft. Salyer played all five positions on the offensive line in college. He, too, can develop and provide depth, especially on the interior of the Eagles’ line.

Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. is tackled by Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99).

Round 4

Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama

The Eagles have to be prepared in case free agents Jordan Howard and Boston Scott don’t return. Even if they do, Miles Sanders is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Robinson came in with DeVonta Smith, and got some limited playing time when Jalen Hurts was QB.

Robinson wasn’t a full-time player until this season, and he responded with 1,343 yards on 271 carries. Robinson, who ran a 4.63 in the 40, is more of a power runner like Howard as opposed to someone who can get to the outside like Sanders.

Oregon safety Verone McKinley III (23) leads the NCAA FBS level with six interceptions.

Round 3, No. 83

Verone McKinley, S, Oregon

The Eagles can use McKinley for depth, even if both Rodney McLeod and Anthony Harris don’t return. The Eagles can go with Marcus Epps and either K’Von Wallace or a free agent as starters, with McKinley playing nickel safety.

McKinley had 6 INTs last season for Oregon to go along with 77 tackles. The Eagles need a ball hawk at safety, and McKinley will have a chance to contribute.

Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary (23) breaks up a pass intended for Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Round 2, No. 51

Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Ideally, the Eagles would like to get a starter who can play opposite Darius Slay. But that might be premature with a draft pick. McCreary can certainly develop into that, so the Eagles could go with a veteran free agent for a year, perhaps Steven Nelson returning.

McCreary ran a 4.5 in the 40 at the Combine. He’s not the biggest corner at 5-11, 190 pounds, but he’s physical.

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) is brought down by a slew of Georgia Bulldogs defenders Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Round 1, No. 19

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Eagles will trade back into the back part of the first round to draft Williams, who is recovering from a torn ACL. If not for the injury, Williams would have been picked in the top 10. The Eagles will also add a WR in free agency on a one-year deal, enabling Williams to recover at his own pace.

While this will mark the third straight year the Eagles are taking a wide receiver in the first round, Williams is too good to pass up.

Michigan Wolverines linebacker David Ojabo (55) moves in to tackle Iowa Hawkeyes running back Tyler Goodson (15) on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, during the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Round 1, No. 16

David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

The Eagles will turn the Carson Wentz trade into a bookend defensive end for years to come in Ojabo, who has the potential to develop into an elite pass rusher. In his only season at Michigan, he had 11 sacks last season.

What’s more, he ran a 4.55 at the Combine, and showed he can rush off the edge, move inside and cover a tight end.

Oct 16, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Curtis Hodges (86) during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, No. 15

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Eagles got this pick from Miami last year when they traded back from No. 6 to No. 12. The Eagles might have to trade up a few spots to get Lloyd, but if they’re looking for a starting linebacker in the mold of Dallas’ Micah Parsons, Lloyd fits the bill. 

Last season, Lloyd had 111 tackles, 7 sacks and 4 interceptions, showing that he can stop the run, get to the quarterback and cover receivers. While the Eagles have devalued linebackers in the past, Lloyd is enticing because he can do it all and never come off the field.



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