The Philadelphia Eagles traded up with the Dallas Cowboys for wide receiver DeVonta Smith with their first-round selection. By drafting Smith, the Eagles end a 19-year drought without selecting a single player from Alabama (Seriously, look it up).
The Heisman Trophy winner should instantly improve a weak wide receiver room, but the birds still have several positions of need to fill on both sides of the ball. The Eagles’ pick in round 2 is No. 37 overall, and their third-round pick No. 70 overall.
Here is a list of day 2 prospects I believe the Eagles will target based on need, scheme fit, and talent:
Eagles defensive targets
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State:
Samuel has a nose for the football just like his father. He had 29 PBUs in 31 games as an undersized corner (5’10, 180). He is a perfect scheme fit for a Jonathan Gannon defense that will heavily feature zone. Samuel is a tremendous athlete with a very high football IQ. He can get pushed around by big-bodied receivers but is always in a good position to make a play on the ball. The Eagles could use someone of Samuel's caliber.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse:
Melifonwu is a bit overrated due to his elite athleticism. His game needs some refinement, but Jonathan Gannon might just be the coach to help him reach his potential. Ifeatu is experienced in zone coverage and certainly has the talent to be a shutdown corner.
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU:
Moehrig would be a steal at No.37. He is the best safety in this class and would give the eagles a reliable playmaker for years to come. The former TCU star can play every position in the secondary and he does it surprisingly well. Moehrig lacks elite ball production but is a complete player.
Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana:
Johnson has received a lot of hype for the way he played against Ohio State. The star safety was the main reason why Justin Fields had one of the worst games of his college career. Johnson is versatile and generates turnovers. He works best in split zone coverages and displays physicality in run defense. Johnson will need time to develop and the eagles afford to wait with Rodney Mcleod, Anthony Harris, and K'Von Wallace on the roster.
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama:
Barmore is raw but has immense talent. This pick would ensure that the Eagles' defensive line remains a position of strength. I believe Barmore would benefit from learning from Fletcher Cox. He is athletic and can get to the QB quickly but is inconsistent against the run. Two Alabama players might be unrealistic considering Howie Roseman’s draft history, but Barmore is a high ceiling player.
Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech:
I do not know much about Milton Williams other than he might be the most athletically gifted DT prospect in the past 10 years. He put up some gaudy numbers at his pro day. No one in this DT class is near him as an athlete.
Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest:
Basham is a powerful rusher at 6’3, 272, he can play both sides of the line and can play DT on obvious passing downs. The Wake Forest standout has a relentless motor which helps him dominate in run defense. If this sounds a lot like Brandon Graham, well it's because Basham plays a lot like Graham.
Janarius Robinson, DE, Florida State:
Robinson has long arms and stocky build that is perfect for the NFL. He is an Intelligent Player that excels in stopping the run. There is a lot of room for Robinson to grow as a pass rusher, he will need time to develop. The Eagles have had success taking developmental Edges before with Josh Sweat. A four-star high school recruit, Robinson is talented and will be able to fill out the Eagles Defensive line rotation.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame:
J.O.K. is a freak athlete, he is a hybrid defender who is built for the Pass Happy NFL. He’s excellent in coverage and has sideline to sideline range. Owusu-Koramoah might not have ideal size/bulk to stand up in the run game but he uses his length to shed blocks. J.O.K. is like Davion Taylor but actually good at football. It’s unlikely we select a linebacker early, but Owusu-Koramoah made it clear that he would love to be an Eagle.
Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State:
He projects as a three-down linebacker with the ability to cover tight ends. Werner has enough size and athleticism to be a difference-maker on the Eagles defense.
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Continued on the page below.
Eagles offensive targets
Teven Jenkins, OT/OG, Oklahoma State:
Seen as a first-round talent by many, Jenkins takes a bit of a slide into the second round. The Oklahoma State prospect is a mauler, he plays every snap with intensity and violence. Brett Kollman, host of The Film Room, Described Jenkins as a “dominate lineman, who looks to finish off blocks with hatred towards defensive lineman.” The 6’6, 320-pound lineman fits the Eagles gap/power blocking scheme and has played across the offensive line starting at right guard, left tackle, and right tackle (his natural position). The Eagles value versatility across the line and prioritize the trenches if Jenkins is still available at No. 37, I believe he will be the pick.
Quinn Meinerz, OG/C, Wisconsin-Whitewater:
Meinerz put Wisconsin-Whitewater on the map this offseason. A small school standout, Meinerz dominated the senior bowl practices and impressed scouts from all 32 teams. If you want to have a few laughs check out his film, he bullied defensive lineman at the Division III level. I would not be at all surprised to see Meinerz do the same in the NFL. It’s been reported the Eagles love him as a prospect and he could fit as a replacement for Jason Kelce.
Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
Once thought of as a first-round pick Marshall is falling on draft boards. Marshall has ideal size (6’2, 205), and could play the X receiver role in the Eagles offense. A National Champion, Marshall played a key role in the Tigers' 2019 title run. He’s a good athlete and solid route runner but does not use his size effectively. The Eagles will not be prioritizing WR at No.37, so I think it's unlikely he’ll be the pick. The Eagles could do a lot worse than Marshall though.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC:
The name may sound familiar, St. Brown is one of many prospects this year with NFL bloodlines. His brother, Equanimeous St. Brown is a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. The USC prospect is a good ballplayer, versatile tool and a refined/technical route runner. Amon-Ra is will be a solid player in the league for years to come.
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Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
Carter has a lot of wiggle to his game. He has excellent vision and is more than just a third-down back. This would certainly bolster the Eagles RB room, but I don’t see the Eagles making this pick unless he slides.
Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
He is a tackle-breaking machine, but please wait till day 3 for a running back. Also, Williams is incredible in pass protection, which is immensely valuable in this offense.
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State:
I wasn’t initially a fan of Freiermuth, but I can confidently say I was wrong after studying his film. In the passing game, he can play inline, on the wing, in the slot. He has good instincts and is always in the right place. The Penn State alum is a willing/capable blocker and should be a reliable starter. I believe Freiermuth has been undervalued throughout this draft. He has a lot of similar traits to Zach Ertz but he can break a tackle.
Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Jordan could immediately contribute in the passing game. He is not the most polished route runner but Jordan is impossible to Tackle. He is the most gifted YAC tight end in this class (yes, you read that right). Kyle Pitts is incredible but Brevin Jordan runs like he’s angry at the ground.
Up next
The Eagles should have an excellent chance to get talented players in Day 2. I hope Howie Roseman can keep the momentum from last night going.
The second round of the Draft will kick off at 7PM EST. Don't forget to check out our coverage LIVE on our YouTube channel!
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