We are just days away from the National Football League Draft or what is known in media circles, Mock Draft season.
A mock draft is the ultimate expression of wishful thinking, arrogance and signaling that the mock drafter knows more than everybody else out there.
With all the variables involved in every single pick there’s just no way to know what teams are really thinking. That goes double for the Eagles. Executive vice president Howie Roseman can not be projected. Roseman picks players by his own indecipherable logic.
Naturally, we have put together an Eagles-only mock draft that is guaranteed to be completely wrong.
Day 1, April 25, First Round
The Eagles went with two defensive picks last year so logically, the Eagles could go offense this year. The biggest needs for the Eagles are linebacker and defensive back so defense could also be an option.
Don’t be surprised to see a trade here. Roseman is not afraid to move up or down if panic picks from other teams move coveted players within the Eagles range.
First round, pick 22: Cooper DeJean, Iowa defensive back
The Eagles typically go with a lineman early but if DeJean is still around near the Eagles pick, they should do their best to grab him.
Day 2, April 26, Rounds 2 and 3
The Eagles have two picks within four spots of each other. There are few things Roseman likes more than flexibility in a draft. The Eagles can address two needs in any order depending on what the two teams between he Eagles picks are likely to do. If there’s a chance to stockpile future picks and still get the player they want, the Eagles will gladly do it.
Second round, pick 50: Kingsley Suamataia, BYU offensive line
Suamataia is gigantic, talented and has the athleticism and footwork to slot into the right guard position and eventually replace Lane Johnson at tackle.
Second round, pick 53: Keon Coleman, Florida State receiver
Big, fast and tough. Think AJ Brown but younger. The Eagles need a fourth receiver and Coleman fits the bill.
Fourth round, pick 120: Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Clemson linebacker
This would not be just a sentimental pick. A South Jersey native, Trotter has many of the same traits that made his father a fan favorite here.
Day 3, April 27, Rounds 4 through 7
The Eagles have four Day 3 picks, but if you think that they’ll all go off as scheduled, you haven’t been paying attention for the last decade or so. The three fifth-round picks are ripe for trades and swaps to almost anywhere.
Roseman will still have players the Eagles covet to choose from but it will be hard to resist grabbing more options for later in this draft and beyond.
Fifth round, pick 161: Tanner McLachlan, Arizona tight end
Dallas Goedert is older than Zach Ertz was when Goedert was drafted. McLachlan is strong on the ball but will need developing.
Fifth round, pick 171: Gabriel Murphy, UCLA edge rusher
The Bruins’ other edge rusher, Murphy was productive across from star Laiatu Latu.
Fifth round, pick 172: Delmar Glaze, Maryland offensive line
A perfect specimen for coach Jeff Stoutland to develop, Glaze projects as a starter on the interior line eventually.
Sixth round, pick 210: Evan Williams, Oregon safety
At this point of the draft, the Eagles like to build their defensive back room with young guys who can play special teams right away and develop.
