Answering 2022 NFL Draft's biggest questions: Eagles' first-round strategy and options for Steelers at QB

[time2rock]

Answering 2022 NFL Draft's biggest questions: Eagles' first-round strategy and options for Steelers at QB

A series breaking down some of the NFL Draft's biggest questions

 

By Josh Edwards

 

Jan 20, 2022 

A year ago, CBS Sports introduced an NFL Draft series designed to address some of the most pressing questions leading up to the three-day event. The series is back this year with the same quality of insight as every team prepares to improve its franchise at the end of April.

In today's panel, Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso and I dive deep into Philadelphia's draft strategy with three first-round picks, the future at quarterback for Miami and Pittsburgh, and what the Patriots need to reinstate their dynasty.

1. What should the Eagles do with their three first-round picks? Should they be in the mix for a quarterback?  

Wilson: In light of the way their season ended, my knee-jerk reaction is to have the Eagles use those three first-rounders on the defensive side of the ball. In my latest mock draft, I had them taking Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker, Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd and Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary. All three players are coming off fantastic 2021 seasons and would upgrade all three levels of Philly's defense.

Jalen Hurts appears to be the starter heading into the '22 campaign, but the Eagles will have to at least consider one of these quarterbacks should they make their way to the middle of the round. If nothing else, it could provide a trade-down opportunity, which means a chance to stockpile more draft picks and bolster a roster that exceeded expectations this past season.

The other option in Round 1: Find a wide receiver to pair opposite DeVonta Smith. Jalen Reagor hasn't yet lived up his first-round billing, and only Quez Watkins and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside are under contract.

Trapasso: Edge rusher and center are a must. And Tyler Linderbaum is likely going to be there, as the natural replacement for Jason Kelce that the football gods intended. The best edge rusher available when they go on the clock, say, George Karlaftis, would be a home run. Linebacker would be very sensible, too, but Howie Roseman has an aversion to drafting them early. Devin Lloyd would be awesome behind that defensive line. Cornerback should be considered, too -- Trent McDuffie or Roger McCreary, more zone corners, would be fantastic fits. I'm not a huge Jalen Hurts guy but acknowledge that he certainly took a step forward this year. He deserves another season as the starter.

Edwards: First, I am making sure I address the offensive line. If the organization is comfortable in Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson and Brandon Brooks returning, then it lessens the need to make a splash now. The offensive line was critical to the offensive success once it shifted to a more run-heavy approach. Even if those players returned, I would consider taking their replacements to step in next season. I would take Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum or Texas A&M offensive guard Kenyon Green to play with Landon Dickerson. If Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis was available, then he would be my next choice in a heartbeat. Ideally, the Eagles would walk away with Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd, Linderbaum and Karlaftis. I think some combination of offensive line, defensive line, cornerback and linebacker is the way Howie Roseman goes in the first round

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/answering-2022-nfl-drafts-biggest-questions-eagles-first-round-strategy-and-options-for-steelers-at-qb/

ONLY POSTED EAGLES-RELATED SECTION - CLICK ON LINK TO FULL ARTICLE IF YOU WISH TO VIEW FOR OTHER TEAMS

[UK_EaglesFan89]

They've got to go heavy defense there's no doubt. That's not to say all 3 first rounders (though I wouldn't hate that) but they've got to go heavy defense this off season. They have to bring in a lot of young talent on that side of the ball. 

[kiwieagle]

The other relevant section for the Eagles from the article is the point below.....As I read Chris Trapasso's answers, I thought to myself that sounded very familiar, and low and behold you then had Josh Edwards come in 

4. Is Miami making the right decision by investing in Tua Tagovailoa?

Trapasso: No. Point blank. The Dolphins' offense is so limited with him as the starter because he does not have a strong arm and is just an average athlete for the position. You have to aim higher at quarterback in today's NFL.

Edwards: I am going to split the difference and say it is a more-nuanced conversation than a simple yes or a no. Philadelphia is in a similar situation as Miami. If you can find an upgrade, then the team should absolutely pursue it. Unfortunately, it is not exactly a draft known for its quarterback play. I have my doubts that Tagovailoa can ever be a player that maximizes the talent around him but they could do much worse.

[matchew88]

Karlaftis will be a bust, I think.