Final Mock on Draft Eve

[Slade]

Its been an incredibly long off-season but I've liked the moves that Howie has made, this should be a fun time as I hope/expect for Howie to be imaginative tomorrow.

Draft Time!!

Complete 1st round 

1. Jags - Ickey Ekwonu OT

2. Lions - Aidan Hutchinson DE

3. Texans - Travon Walker DE

4. Jets - Ahmad Gardner CB

5. Giants - Evan Neal OT

Trade!

Seattle craves a pass rusher and one falls low enough for them to make a move, Carolina needs picks. Seahawks offer #9 & #40 for #6.

6. Seahawks - Keyvon Thibodeaux DE

7. Giants - Derek Stingley CB

8. Falcons -Jermaine Johnson II DE

9. Panthers - Kenny Pickett QB

Trade!

The Saints can't afford to miss out a top tackle and offer the Jets #16 & #49 for #10

10. Saints - Charles Cross OT

11. Commanders - Matt Corral QB

Trade!

The Chargers see a missing piece to defensive line within reach and offer the Vikings #17, #79 and a 2023 2nd for #12

12. Chargers - Jordan Davis DT

13. Texans - Kyle Hamilton S

14. Ravens - Trevor Penning OT

Trade!

The Chiefs want a speedy receiver with big play ability to replace Hill and offer #29, #50, & #94  for #15

15. Chiefs - Jameson Williams WR 

16. Jets - Garrett Wilson WR

17. Vikings - Trent McDuffie CB -

Trade!

Detroit is building something but they know Goff isn't a part of that long term, the problem is they need to get ahead of the Saints, Steelers and possibly the Titans. The lions offer #32 & #34!

18. Lions - Malik Willis QB

19. Saints - Chris Olave WR

20. Steelers - Desmond Ridder QB

21. Patriots - Zion Johnson OG

22. Packers - Drake London WR

23. Cardinals - Tyler Linderbaum OC 

24. Cowgirls - Nakobe Dean LB

25. Bills -Kaiir Ellam CB

26.Titans - Sam Howell QB

27. Buccaneers - Daxton Hill S

28. Packers - Devin Lloyd LB

29. Eagles - George Karlafitis DE - Strong side defensive end IMO has been filled IMO by guys without the power to collapse a LT. George is a powerful rusher who drives the tackle back using his heavy hand to punch and stun a tackles blocks he rips through their anchor attempts. His play will open up gaps cleaning up lanes for newly signed Reddick to wreck havoc in the backfield while causing a lot of disruption of his own. He will require OC's to have to bring an extra blocker to their QB's blindside or at least show some real respect there which teams don't do now. A work in progress in the run game he will be a liability there but so are most pass rushers coming out. Having a high motor the guy never quits and will be an inspiration for the line for years to come. A captain for his defense he will bring those same attributes to a line in transition from leaders like Graham getting close to retirement the line will need that guy to take over, George is that guy. 

30. Chiefs - Boye Maye DE

31. Bengals - Devin Wyatt DT 

32. Eagles - Andrew Booth CB - Slay is a beast and I hope that stays true for a couple more years, but it's time to start planning for life beyond Darius. Andrew is a former five star recruit at WR that converted to CB, he is still raw, but he brings elite talent and a future heir to replace Darius as a true #1 corner. A very twitchy defender he shows fast feet getting in and out of breaks lightning fast with a back pedal that's smooth and efficient he can stay with any receiver. Strong at reading QBs he's going to generate a ton off turnovers proving that he's an amazing playmaker giving the defense something its been missing since Asante Samuel. A physical corner he comes down hill in a hurry displaying a high level of urgency and competitiveness he will take on RBs without reservations. With the opportunity to learn from one of the best he will get to test his incredibly high ceiling while not being forced to be the guy right off the bat which can break some. He falls here due to a recent core body surgery that will take a lot of time to heal.  

Eagles Remaining Picks

2.(#34) George Pickens WR - The Eagles lack a receiver that's a true #1 even after multiple tries, outside Smith it's been a failure. They need a Dawg and this man is a Dawg!! George is an alpha who carries himself as such boasting a very solid 6'3, 205 lbs. frame with room to add more, a true X receiver he attacks corners abuses and humiliates them, he makes them fear and respect him. Displaying amazing body control with strong hands, he contorts to at an elite level to make the catch often diving or jumping upon overs to high point it. More than physical he looks for contact, he's a force when blocking winning most battles easy freeing up others to do their thing. Still young and having missing a lot of games his route knowledge is bit limited plus his emotions can get the better of him, but if he can be molded and be willing to reach his true potential he can give the offense a deadly trio of playmakers.

Trade!

Eagles package #51, #94, and Jalen Reagor to the Seahawks for #41

2.(#41) Perrion Winfrey DT - The interior of the defensive line is a aging quick and may lose both starters next year. Perrion is exactly the type of lineman the Eagles go for 6'4 305 lbs. with elite length impressive athleticism and explosive quickness. A three down lineman he's shown impressive versatility having played everything from nose tackle to 5 technique another quality the Eagles covet. Plays with a violent style his first step explosiveness is top notch pushing lineman back quickly and his hand use is powerful stunning them allowing him to penetrate with relative ease. His freaky wingspan will generate plenty of turnovers either by punching the ball out or deflecting in. A team first player his play always puts others first an his personal accolades second.

2.(#50) Jaquan Brisker S - My favorite player in the draft and someone I've mocked in each of my off-seasons scenarios, he's a true stud. Jaquan is an extremely athletic safety with prototypical physical traits for the position size, speed, range, long arms etc. His greatest quality that separates him from the rest is his elite instincts, his ability to read and react simply amazing, his gap awareness and how he slices through them is so fun too watch. A strong tackler he doesn't shy away from contact he'll significantly improve the run defense along with giving the defense someone able to play deep or in the box and not get abused.  This is a guy a defense is built around for 10 years, a team captain he puts his teammates in the right position and can relied upon to always lead by example.   

Trade!

Da Bears need a LT and missed out so far and offer #71 for Andre Dillard

3.(#71) John Metchie WR -Pascal is an upgrade over Ward no doubt but he's here for just a year and real long term solution is way overdue. John is perfect for the slot able to find the soft spot in defenses and then generating exceptional YAC which is something Sirianni is looking for in his scheme. Coming off an ACL tear in the National Championship he won't leaned on to come back early, but when he does he offers a tough reliable receiver to go across the middle exploiting short and intermediate routes. A super smooth and savvy route runner he creates separation at an elite level showing soft hands and natural instincts being arguably Alabama's most reliable option for Young.

3.(#83) Sam Williams DE - Another investment is still needed on the edge with Graham nearing the end and Barnett being average on his best of days. Sam is a raw but super athletic pass rusher who should provide a boost on passing down for a defense that generated nearly the leagues lowest sack amounts. An elite athletic prospect who can be not only pass rush but is fluid enough to drop back into zone coverage. Immediately improves sub packages which is becoming more and more important.

3.(#101) Marcus Jones CB/RS - Howie double dips at a position of need but for this time it's the need of an elite return specialist. Marcus is an extremely fast and twitchy slot corner but his greatest ability to be active and on the field for game day is his elite return skills. Electrifying talent with top notch play making skills he is super fast and can reach top speed lightning fast and is a true threat to take it to the house every time he gets the ball. Also provides the defense with a solid replacement option if Maddox can't start.

4..(#124) Dameon Pierce RB - Running back is a still a massive need even with a crowded room. Dameon is a human bowling ball who runs violently imposing his will on the opponent showing no hesitation to hit a hole making a defense feel his urgency. Showing elite contact balance he's incredibly difficult to take down as shown by his incredible production. Reliable in passing options he  has solid receiving skills, while stout in blocking. The offense will get a power back who's energy the team can feed off of, a tone setter. 

5.(#154) Damone Clark ILB - While the Edwards has been ok and the Eagles seem to like him he's on a one year deal and can certainly be upgraded. Damone would've gone much higher had it not been for his injury which will cost him his rookie season. Damone has the desired physical tools that would plug in perfectly in the middle of the defense showing amazing speed and athletic ability for someone his size. Another leader he was trusted to wear the prestigious #18 for LSU. Once healed and a year learning he should offer a long term starter option going forward in the middle.

5.(#162) Matt Araiza P - I generally don't believe in wasting picks for punters but this kid is different he be known to boot the ball 80+ yards multiple times and field position is always crucial.

5.(#166) Dare Rosenthal OT - Dillard replacement and the Eagles new long term replacement for swing tackle. 

7.(#237) Kevin Austin Jr. WR - Super raw with a total of 54 catches his entire collegiate career but his upside is great. 

Depth Chart:

QB: Hurts, Minshew

RB: Sanders, Gainwell, Scott, Pierce

TE: Goedert, Stoll, JJaw, Jackson

WR: Smith, Pickens, Watkins, Austin

Slot: Pascal, Mitchie, 

LT: Mailata, Clark

LG: Dickerson, Opeta

OC: Kelce, Herbig

RG: Seumalo, Driscoll

RT: Johnson, Rosenthal

LDE: Sweat, Graham, Williams

LDT: Cox, Winfrey, Tulpulotu 

RDT: Hargrave, Williams, Wilson

RDE: Karlafitis, Barnett, Jackson

WLB: White, Taylor, Stevens

ILB: Edwards, Clark, Bradley

SLB: Reddick, Johnson

CB: Slay, Booth Jr., McPhearson, Vincent Jr., Gowan

NB: Maddox, Jones

FS: Brisker, Epps, Chachre

SS: Harris, Wallace

PT: Araiza

PK: Elliott

LS: Lovato

PR: Jones

KR: Gainwell

Depth analysis:

Offense:

QB: Jalen Hurts will be the starter and he will be given some weapons to work with, it will be up to him and his development to see if he can utilize it. He seems to have all the intangibles one looks for at the most important position. I trust in his conviction to improve, to take his game to another level, but I still have my reservations. Minshew isn't in a serious topic for conversation IMO.

WR/TE: The receiving core in this scenario get both an X in Pickens, a current slot upgrade in Pascal and future high end slot in Mitchie. With Pickens the offense like stated before get an alpha male who carries a some serious swagger to a team that lacks it, he believes in taking the fight to the enemy and will win the 50/50 contested plays 80% of the time. Smith should get a lot more open space with the ability to roam all over the field creating miss-matches with his huge play-making ability. Watkins can also now be used to threaten the defense deep more often further cleaning out defenders underneath. Pascal has the knowledge and experience along with a more physical nature to bring an upgrade over Ward. Mitchie is super reliable and not just a first down machine but a home run threat as the 3rd read option most times. Goedert is a beast but the depth is suspect, however he should still get a lot of looks being trusted by Hurts.

RB: The unit for the most part stays as is was when the 2021 season ended. However Pierce takes over for Howard as the power back for short yardage and goal line situations. Sanders provides the home-run threat and I can see scenarios where Nick schemes for the both thunder and lightning to be on the field at the same time. Gainwell and Scott provide deep depth and a change of pace option while providing overall versatility to the offense.

O-Line: Should be elite barring significant injuries and I can see 3 pro-bowlers being elected from this group perhaps more. Rosenthal should be an upgrade over Dillard as a swing tackle and whoever wins the battle between Seumalo and Driscoll for RG should be interesting.

Defense:

D-Line: The front four gets a significant influx of young talent and depth a focus that should shock nobody. Graham, Cox and Hargraves will still more than likely start, but Karlafitis, Winfrey, and the Williams would be huge in the rotation and could seriously take the majority of the snaps late in the season. A total rebuild of the line is achieved without the loss of key veteran leadership and should start another generation of high production Eagles fans have come used to. Sweat should take the next step and hopefully reach double digit sacks with Williams seriously pushing for playing time in the middle.

LB: The addition of Reddick was the first time in a long time that the unit was given a real play maker, the addition of White was also huge as well in free agency. Reddick is a huge threat coming off the edge and can continue his excellence here especially with a young strong and talented line in front of him to clean up the trash. White is a sleeper to have a solid season on the weak-side while providing veteran leadership. Edwards has chance to step it up even further especially with such upgrades around him and behind him. Clark is another top notch prospect with electrifying potential giving the unit a lot of young athletic talent moving forward.

CB/S: Darius hopefully continues to show top notch performance, but with Booth there's now promise for a long term future. Andrew instantly becomes the starter opposite of Slay and his potential is off the charts and the combination should give the Eagles a formidable set of outside corners. McPhearson provides a solid 3rd option outside with even more depth behind him. At slot Maddox has someone to push him in Jones while providing some decent depth. Jaquan gives the secondary a huge upgrade in the middle with someone who has the versatility to play everywhere and strong leadership skills.

Special Teams:

With the additions of a return specialists in Jones and a powerful leg in Arazia to win field position the Eagles should have the advantage moving forward. Jones is a real threat to take returns all the way back each and every time. Arazia will pin the opponent back consistently proving to be an important chess piece. The unit outside of those two gets an influx of some serious talent with Pascal, Rosenthal, Austin Jr., Clark, and Pierce newly added. Specials teams has suffered from a lack of draft hits the last couple of years but its future seems to be reversing with a team committed to rebuilding.

Bottom Line:

Coming into this draft I hope Howie and Lurie understand that this year the value of the draft is in rounds 2-4 and the teams depth concerns can be better addressed with acquiring more day 2/3 picks. Moving back isn't flashy but there has only been reported to be no more than 12-14 first round rated players in this draft everyone else pretty much grades out the same. The depth of this team is currently a joke and with this draft a lot of holes can be filled. Next year in year 3 of the rebuild I can see moving up to get the elite talent the team wants perhaps at QB just not now. Hurts will get two top notch SEC receivers to show what he can truly do, so no more excuses nobody cares about the intangibles they care about winning. The focus I put into this draft was finding high talented players who have proven to be leaders and captains. 

[Infam]

We could have had Jameson Williams there!? Ahhhh… 

[Slade]

5 hours ago, Infam said:

We could have had Jameson Williams there!? Ahhhh… 

Yup I know but the compensation received turned into Karlafitis, Brisker, and Winfrey. Those three would would present much more value then a WR who I do like a lot but won't be fully healed until next year.

[Rob331]

Beautiful. Slade kept his best work for last. Great job!

Completely agree on the round 2 through 4 value.

The forum has had a great year, Hope to see your name often for the next draft. 

[ManchesterEagle]

Yeah I really like it - although high risk to trade out of both first round picks!

But if we end up with that haul, I wouldn't complain in the slightest. 

[matchew88]

If I have to wait until 29 tonight....haha