The State of the Eagles:
After a trip to the playoffs that surprised some, the Eagles enter the 2022 season with second year head coach Nick Sirianni, and third year quarterback Jalen Hurts. They have already moved one of their first round picks into 2023, as Hurts is in a prove-it year and the 2023 QB class looks to have high-end talent.
As for the rest of the roster, the secondary is in dire need of help in the back-end, as well as someone to play opposite CB Darius Slay. They also must improve upon their lackluster 2021 sack production
#15 Overall
Stingley has the man coverage, athleticism, and ball skills to be an NFL defense’s No. 1 cornerback, but his injury history and dip in on-field production since his freshman year are concerns that need to be vetted.
If available, Stingley Jr. could give the Eagles the best cornerback tandem in the league if he regains the form he displayed as a freshman at LSU.
Kyle Hamilton – S – Notre Dame
Hamilton is a versatile safety who impacts all three levels of the field and is a rangy playmaker with the cover skills, speed, and athleticism to be an elite-level defender against both the run and pass.
With his 40-yard dash time causing concerns, Hamilton could fall into the lap of the Eagles and give them the versatile tone-setter their defense requires.
Trent McDuffie – CB – Washington
McDuffie is a fluid athlete who has the speed, quickness, and transition ability to be a solid shutdown corner at the next level, though his size for the outside and limited on-ball production could be what holds him back.
McDuffie would thrive as a No. 2 cornerback and would force offenses to test Darius Slay more frequently.
#18 Overall
George Karlaftis – Edge – Purdue
Karlaftis is an athletic and powerful edge prospect with his best football ahead of him, especially if he can continue refining his pass rush detail.
Karlaftis shows the ability to rush the passer from the outside, as well reduce down and could take over for Brandon Graham going forward.
Hill is a versatile and competitive defensive back who can be impactful at all levels of the field with his man coverage ability, despite his slight frame.
With a lack of production from the safeties on the roster, Hill could fill multiple roles and looks to have his best football in front of him.
#51 Overall
Jaquan Brisker – S – Penn State
Brisker is a polished, ready-made, versatile DB with a well-rounded set of physical, mental, and emotional tools that add up to a high-floor safety in the NFL.
The Eagles need cohesion on their defense and Brisker can act as a coach on the field and become a leader as a rookie.
Pitre is a super twitched-up athlete with very good instincts for when to attack and a skill set that will have him making plays all over the field, but limited deep cover skills likely limit him to exclusively playing near the LOS.
Pitre is a playmaker that can both sure up the Eagles’ run defense and help boost their sack numbers.
McCreary projects best as a 3rd corner with good height, speed, and athleticism to play in the slot or out wide, and despite his short arms, he is at his best in press coverage.
Despite his lack of ideal length, McCreary is a pure technician that can be left alone on an island.
#83 Overall
Jalen Tolbert – WR – South Alabama
Tolbert has the size, speed, and athletic body control to take the top off a defense at the next level, but he’ll need to improve on the finer points of receiver play to become a more versatile offensive contributor.
The Eagles could use a vertical threat opposite DeVonta Smith and Tolbert is a master at taking the top off the defense.
Cole Strange – G – Chattanooga
Strange has the reactive athleticism to mirror defenders, consistent leg drive to move them, and the nastiness to finish through the whistle, but he’ll need to improve his balance, footwork, and awareness to maximize his potential.
Strange has the ability to play guard at the next level, and at the Senior Bowl, showed that he is also an option at center.
#101 Overall
Pierce is a powerful back who has the contact balance, strength, and toughness to impact the next level, but his lack of playmaking ability, long speed, and receiving impact may keep him from being a three-down player.
Pierce gives the Eagles a running back that fits the current offensive scheme and reduces the future cap hit from that position.
Parham is a smart player with the athleticism and quickness to be a versatile lineman, but will need to get stronger and more physical to maximize his potential at the next level.
Parham’s athleticism and experience across the offensive line make him a prime candidate to take over for center Jason Kelce moving forward.
Sam Williams – Edge – Ole Miss
Williams is a fantastic athlete who will bring good length, strength and upside to a team’s pass rush attack, but he needs to refine his technique and play with more mental consistency to become a reliable three-down player.
With experience ranging from off-ball linebacker to interior defensive lineman, Williams has consistently won with both physicality and athleticism.
To learn more about the Eagles and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.
