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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.