The Philadelphia Eagles are entering a pivotal draft, looking to improve a roster that lost six of seven to close the season. The Eagles have a few needs at key defensive positions, as they are searching to reshape the defense in Vic Fangio’s image.
While the most pressing needs for the Eagles are cornerback, linebacker, safety and an additional edge rusher on defense, the Eagles could search for more depth at wide receiver, pick a long-term replacement for Lane Johnson at right tackle, and find a starting right guard early in this draft. Philadelphia signed its productive young players to long-term extensions this offseason, searching for the next group of players to join a core group that has already been to a Super Bowl.
The Eagles added Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and brought back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to highlight the free agent signings. Now the attention turns to the draft to find productive starters, especially with a first-round pick (No. 22) and two second-round picks (No. 50, No. 53). Philadelphia could also move up from No. 22 and find a difference-maker in the middle of the first round.
This is a pivotal time for the Eagles, so you won’t want to miss a second of the action over the three-day spectacle. Here is every single selection the Eagles own heading into Thursday night.
|
1 |
No. 22: CB Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo) |
|
2 |
50 (from Saints) |
|
2 |
53 |
|
4 |
120 (from Steelers) |
|
5 |
161 (from Buccaneers) |
|
5 |
171 (compensatory pick) |
|
5 |
172 (compensatory pick) |
|
6 |
210 (compensatory pick) |
Round 1 (No. 22 overall): Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Mitchell was the first cornerback taken in the NFL Draft, falling to the Eagles at No. 22 overall. Setting school records for passes defended in a season (25) and career (52), Mitchell has the athleticism to match up with any receiver in man or zone coverage. He had 43 passes defended and 6 interceptions over the last 27 games he played.
Mitchell is a Day 1 starter in the NFL and should challenge for a starting spot immediately, even with Darius Slay and James Bradberry there. He had the most passes defended in FBS (37) over the past two seasons.
Pete Prisco’s grade: B+
“The Eagles wait and get the best corner in this draft. That’s smart. There was talk of them trading up, but now they land a player who fills a need with age creeping into their defense. Nice pick.”
