It's mock draft season! If you follow me on Twitter, @Infante54, you've seen my weekly mocks. I've saved the Eagles roster about six or seven times now. You're welcome.
But reactions on any mock draft put out there by draft experts, college scouts, and people like me are usually "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? NO WAY WE DO THAT ARGHHHHH!"
People fail to realize two things when looking at mocks:
Most mocks do not account for the three compensatory picks the Eagles have coming. They have not been assigned yet, so there's no way of knowing what selection in each round they'll have. They have an extra 3rd and two extra 4th's coming. Be patient.
Free agency will dictate how the draft will go. A lot of mocks will factor in predictions on how the Eagles will look at free agency and then mock draft picks based on that.
I'll run down a few different directions I think the Eagles can go in free agency and how their draft plans would alter based on who they sign.
Current free agents and needs
The free agent list for the Eagles is almost as long as a CVS receipt, but not nearly as long as their injury report during the season.
Free agents:
Rodney McLeodRonald DarbyJason PetersNate SudfeldNelson AgholorVinny CurryJosh McCownTim JerniganRichard RodgersHassan RidgewayJordan HowardHalapoulivaati VaitaiKamu Grugier-HillJalen MillsNigel Bradham (team option)Corey Clement (restricted free agent)Shelton Gibson (exclusive rights)Craig James (exclusive rights)Deontay Burnett (exclusive rights)Cameron Johnston (exclusive rights)
Team needs: WR, CB, LB, S, DT, OL, RB, DE, QB
As you can see, this Eagles team needs a lot. With just over $43 million in cap space, Howie Roseman will have to get his 'cap-wizard' hat on to stretch that money over current free agents and new players. He'll obviously also have the draft in mind as he looks at the free agents. Could he find more talent in the draft at a certain position and afford that free agent to go to another team?
Let's look at some scenarios and how the first two rounds of the draft would change for the Birds as a result. First, we'll look at offense only and not focus on any defensive additions.
Offensive scenarios
In the following scenarios, let's assume the defensive issues are addressed through free agency for the most part.
The "Let's get Carson Wentz some %$^*ing weapons" scenario
Eagles offensive returns: none
Jordan Howard has likely played his last down as a member of the Eagles. After rushing for 525 yards in nine games, he was well on his way to a nice payday somewhere else. However, he missed the next six games due to a shoulder stinger and played one snap in the last game.
His agent will surely argue that, when healthy, Howard was one of the top backs in the league and he should get starter money, or close to it. After the emergence of Miles Sanders and Boston Scott, Howard won't find that contract in Philadelphia.
I can't envision the Eagles placing a tender on Clement. He was outstanding in the Super Bowl, but he's been hurt ever since. They may allow him to seek employment elsewhere with the option to return on a one year deal.
Nelson Agholor is gone. No need to explain that one.
Burnett and Gibson could get a shot next season, but they're not the answers for the wide receiver woes.
Free agent offensive skill player signings: WR Robby Anderson, WR Demarcus Robinson, RB Isaiah Crowell
Anderson has been a widely popular name among fans when it comes to the next young weapon to pair with Wentz. Anderson averaged 15 yards per reception in 2019 for the second straight year. Allowing him to learn from DeSean Jackson and be in an explosive offense like the Eagles' one (yes they can be explosive) could unlock Anderson's potential.
Robinson adds more speed for a wide receiver corps that severely lacks it. He'd most likely be a WR5 type that can rotate in for the occasional big catch (think the Burnett catch a few weeks ago).
Crowell didn't play in 2019 after being released by the Jets, but he's been productive his entire career. I detailed why the Eagles should sign him last March, and that's still the case now. He's the perfect complement to the one-two punch of Sanders and Scott and could help form a devastating trio. He's most likely come on a one year veteran minimum deal, so the cap space is saved. His signing would also allow Elijah Holyfield to develop on the practice squad to be the next late season call up to make an impact if needed. Yes the Eagles need three running backs to run their offense effectively, I wrote about it here.
Draft ramifications
If the Eagles follow the thinking behind this scenario, they're not done getting Wentz some new toys on the offense. After free agency, the wide receiver depth would be Jackson, Anderson, Arcega-Whiteside, Ward, and Robinson. Jeffery won't return to the team until November at the earliest after his Lisfranc surgery in December. Robert Davis is also a name to watch, but the wide receiver talent in this draft may be too good to pass up.
19.8 yards per reception. That was Tee Higgins in 2019. Higgins doesn't fit the speedster build that Eagles fans are screaming for, but he fits right into this offense. He might not have the best separation abilities, but he has exceptional hands, something else the Eagles wide receiver corps is lacking. A weapon is an offensive player who makes the quarterback's job easier. He doesn't need to be the fastest, but he needs to be trustworthy. That's Higgins. The Eagles did well with Alshon Jeffery paired with speed in 2017, they can reinvent that with Jeffery's more athletic clone in Higgins paired with Jackson/Anderson.
With the offensive woes solved, the Eagles can opt to go to the next need on the team: cornerback. Gladney can certainly shoot up draft boards with a strong combine, but if he falls to the Eagles, they should scoop him up. A player that can play both man and zone very well is crucial for a Jim Schwartz led defense, and Gladney fits that mold. Check out 4th and Jawn's Chris Mallee's breakdown here.
The rest of the draft can be spent filling out the depth at the other needs, with running back being solved with the Crowell signing, that's one less area they need to worry about.
New WR depth chart:
WR1: Higgins
WR2: Jackson
WR3: Anderson
WR4: JJAW
Depth: Ward, Robinson
The next scenario is continued on the page below.
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
" all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed - Eleanor Roosevelt" scenario
This scenario is similar to the first, but with an emphasis on speed.
Eagles offensive returns: none
Same reasoning as above.
Free agent offensive skill player additions: WR Devin Funchess, WR Phillip Dorsett, RB Spencer Ware
Funchess goes completely against the speed portion of this scenario, but without Jeffery, the Eagles need a possession receiver. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside fits that mold, but having two doesn't hurt.
He had a career year in 2017 with 63 receptions for 840 yards and eight touchdowns before being relegated to fourth receiver duty in 2018. After a disappointing 2018, he latched on the Colts on a one year deal in 2019. His Colts tenure lasted one game, as he got hurt in the first game and never returned during the season. Funchess' potential on another one year prove it deal could provide dividends for the Eagles.
Dorsett ran the 40-yard dash in 2015 in 4.33 seconds. Speed. He has a career 13.2 yards per reception average and has two years of 16.0 yards or more. He can provide the speed depth behind DeSean Jackson and a draft pick that will be listed below.
Ware isn't the flashiest or fastest, but he's a very serviceable back in a running back rotation. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2015 under Doug Pederson in Kansas City, and could provide the similar skill set that Miles Sanders gives.
Draft ramifications
If the Eagles are convinced the speed receiver they covet will fall to them in the draft, or will be in close enough range to trade up for a reasonable price, you could see the below selections:
At Ruggs' junior Pro Day in March of 2019, he ran a 4.25 40 yard dash. Let me spell that out for you. Four-point twenty-five seconds 40-yard dash. He is fast. He's an Eagles fan's dream weapon for Wentz and he can really take this offense to a new level. The speed of Ruggs, Jackson, and Dorsett with likes of Funchess and JJAW around to snag 50/50 balls? Might not be able to stop that offense. For more on Ruggs, check out Mallee's breakdown here.
Gladney continues to make sense for the Eagles if they opt to go with wide receiver help in free agency and the first round of the draft.
WR depth chart:
WR1: Ruggs
WR2: Jackson
WR3: JJAW
WR4: Dorsett
Depth: Funchess, Ward
The "Enough Band-Aids, FIX ME ALREADY" scenario
In this scenario, the Eagles focus on what went well and what didn't in 2019. The run game was effective when used correctly. The wide receivers left A LOT to be desired.
Eagles offensive returns: RB Jordan Howard, WR Deontay Burnett
The Eagles somehow convince Howard that he should take a one-year prove-it deal to reestablish his value for the 2021 offseason. With only nine full games under his belt in 2019, Howard may not be able to find the long term deal he wants from another team. Coming back to the Eagles to form what should've been formed already with Sanders and Scott could prove to be the avenue to Howard's payday.
Burnett showcased some deep speed at the end of the season. A 22-year-old with that speed has potential to be a deep threat to the Eagles for years.
Free-agent offensive skill player additions: None
The Eagles decided to forgo signing any of the popular names on the free-agent market. Signing veterans to come into a new offense could provide some bumps in the road as they try to establish themselves with Wentz. The risk with veterans is that you never know what will happen after they get their payday. If the Eagles give Robby Anderson a 4 year $40-50 million deal, will they really get production to match that value? In this scenario, they keep Burnett
Draft ramifications
What better way to develop chemistry between a quarterback and wide receiver than draft two dynamic ones to have in the offense for years to come? Drafting a 21-year-old elite possession receiver and a 22-year-old (21 now but turns 22 on March 17, also my birthday. You're welcome for that tidbit) dynamic field stretcher is perfect for a borderline elite quarterback yet to enter his prime.
You've read my Higgins blurb, and now for Aiyuk.
He's 6'1, will run the 40-yard dash in the low 4.4's, and has the ability to stop on a dime while running full speed and change directions in an instant. Having him learn from DeSean Jackson and having them both on the field on the same time would be deadly to opposing defenses. Not many defenses have corners that can keep up with DeSean Jackson. Trying to guard both him and Aiyuk? With Higgins out there too? Good luck.
Aiyuk profile from Mallee.
WR depth chart:
WR1: Higgins
WR2: Jackson
WR3: Aiyuk
WR4: JJAW
Depth: Ward, Burnett
Defensive scenarios are listed on the page below!
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive scenarios
Like the previous scenarios, let's assume the issues on the opposite side of the ball are solved through free agency.
The "Wait, HE'S available?!" scenario
In this scenario, the Eagles keep/add players to suit their needs on defense, and then can't resist an addition in the draft that will lead to some interesting decisions in May/June.
Eagles defensive returns: LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, S Rodney McLeod, DT Hassan Ridgeway
"KGH" was due for a breakout year in 2019 but it ended in disappointment and injury. After a strong 2018 & 2019 was looking like a strong contract year performance. ut 22 tackles in ten games and a lumbar disc hernation later, Grugier-Hill is a free agent. The Eagles could give him a pass for 2019 as he missed the first three games of the season recovering from injury and also played hurt towards the end of the year and give him another one year deal to prove his worth.
After a three game campaign in 2018 that ended on IR, McLeod agreed to restructure his contract in order to stay on the team in 2019. Without the restructure, he would've likely been cut. In 2019, he had the most tackles of his career (74), and added one sack and two interceptions. He, along with Malcolm Jenkins, provided the Eagles with great coverage in the secondary. He's 29 and could fetch a three year deal to stay with the team.
Hassan Ridgeway was a name not many people knew when he was traded to the Eagles during the draft for a 2019 7th round pick. But he quickly made a name for himself as a very dependable piece along the defensive line. But, like many other Eagles in 2019, his season ended prematurely as he went on IR after seven games. He has definitely earned a spot on the 2020 defensive line rotation.
Free agent defensive signings: LB Joe Schobert, LB Stephone Anthony, LB De'Vondre Campbell, CB Kevin Johnson
The corner signing isn't the flashiest, I know. Maybe the Eagles get bad memories from the Nnamdi signing and stay away from Chris Harris, Logan Ryan, Byron Jones, and James Bradberry. Kevin Johnson wasn't great in 2019, but he was very serviceable. He was targeted 44 times and allowed 26 completions, good for 59.1% and a 79.8 passer rating. The Eagles might opt to develop their current corners and land one to develop in the draft. Without Mills and Darby on the team, Johnson could prove as a valuable depth player.
Stephone Anthony has been hailed as a draft bust by Saints fans. After a 112 tackle rookie campaign in 2015, he had a ten game, 16 tackle, IR sophomore campaign. He was traded by the Saints to the Dolphins in 2017 for a fifth round pick. After two very unproductive seasons in Miami, his fifth year option was declined. He signed back with the Saints in 2019, but had one tackle in 12 games. The talent is there, but is the motivation? The Eagles could entice him on a one year deal to see if the rookie Anthony comes back to play.
De'Vondre Campbell was a bright spot on the Falcons defense in 2019, registering 129 tackles and two interceptions. He had a 17 tackle game (seven solo and ten assisted) in week four. Could it be one of those contract year break outs? Sure. But the Eagles should take the risk and finally have a surefire tackler on the linebacker corps.
The real gem here is Joe Schobert. He can do it all. He registered 133 tackles and has 408 in his four years in the league. He's in on every play, as evident by his 156 assisted tackles (11th most in a players first four seasons in NFL history). His 408 tackles are more than any Eagles defender had in their first four seasons in the history of the team. He has six interceptions in his first four seasons, so he can cover. Something an Eagles linebacker hasn't been able to do in a long, long time. He trails only Jordan Hicks and Seth Joyner in that category through four seasons. He struggles in run defense, but everyone else doesn't so he'll be fine. It's time the Eagles invest in the linebacker corps, and Schobert is the guy they need.
Draft ramifications
Wait, what? Grant Delpit is available at 21?! That's what Howie and Doug are screaming to each other when they see their big board and see who is available. They rush to hand in their card for Delpit and decide to deal with the consequences later.
In Delpit the Eagles will have a more athletic and faster Malcolm Jenkins. He can play zone, man, he can support the run, and he can blitz the passer. He is the safety the Eagles need for the long run.
Speaking of Malcolm Jenkins, he's still on the team but wants a new contract. Delpit serves as the perfect back up plan if the Eagles decide to move on from Jenkins or if Jenkins decides to hold out. If neither of those options happen, Delpit gives Jim Schwartz the third safety of his dreams.
Yes, Gladney again. See a trend?
Continued on the page below!
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The "Ok the corners can't tackle, but everyone else can!" scenario
It's no secret that the Eagles corners seem allergic to tackling. Well, the same could be said about some of the linebackers, but the corners have routinely thrown their shoulders into receivers and backs only to bounce off and allow a 20 yard gain. In this scenario, the Eagles prioritize ball skills and hope everyone else can learn to tackle better.
Eagles defensive returns: S Rodney McLeod, DT Hassan Ridgeway
The Eagles stay away from KGH in this scenario and look to rebuild the linebackers through free agency and trust T.J. Edwards, Nate Gerry, and Alex Singleton to make leaps in 2020.
Free-agent defensive signings: LB Joe Schobert, LB Nick Kwiatkoski
Do I really need to retell my desire for Schobert?
Kwiatkoski made a pretty good name for himself in 2019. Filling in for Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith, he's a physical linebacker who excels at run defense and is also pretty good in coverage. He could be the 2020 version of L.J. Fort, except he stays on the team.
Draft ramifications
No Darby? No Mills? Deal. Diggs can cover and he can do it exceptionally. He may not be the best choice for zone but if Schwartz allows him to play press-man, good luck getting open. He has the speed to stay with receivers on deep routes and he can find his way to the ball. He just can't tackle. Diggs can form a nice, young secondary with Maddox, LeBlanc, Jones, and Douglas.
Winfield Jr, the son of former NFL cornerback Antoine Winfield, is a playmaker. He can wrap up tackles and make plays in the air. He might not be the fastest out there, but he'll find the ball. His big red flag is his size and durability, which is concerning for this Eagles medical staff. But to add Winfield as a third safety and have him and McLeod over the top while Jenkins patrols the line, it will be something great to behold. Check out more about him here.
The "Nnamdi isn't here anymore" coupled with "we haven't done this in a long time, did we do it right?" scenarios
In this scenario, the ghost of Nnamdi is beaten and the Eagles do something they haven't done since 1979.
Eagles defensive returns: LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, DT Hassan Ridgeway
The Eagles decide to go bargain hunting on their own free agent list and bring back a core depth player and a linebacker looking to reestablish his value for 2021. Rodney McLeod finds a new team on a much larger contract than what the Eagles want to give and they let Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby find new zip codes as well.
Free-agent defensive signings: S Jimmie Ward, CB Byron Jones, LB Nick Kwiatkoski
The Eagles go all-in on the defensive side in free agency and get one of the best safeties in the NFL and one of the best corners in the NFL. Jimmie Ward has made a name for himself as a stud safety at the back end of a dominant defense. His experience in the 49ers defense could prove helpful in a young secondary looking for intensity.
Byron Jones allowed 53.1% of completions thrown his way in 2019. He doesn't get interceptions, but he'll contest every pass and can deflect them away with the best of them. His ability to line up with tight ends would allow the Eagles to further invest in the secondary in the draft.
Nick Kwiatkoski provides a great depth piece behind KGH, Gerry, Edwards, Singleton, and the streak breaker below.
Draft ramifications
1979. That was the last time the Eagles took a linebacker in the first round. Marcus Smith was listed as a linebacker, but he played defensive end for the Eagles.
Kenneth Murray is that type of talent to break the streak. He has sideline to sideline speed and is excellent at run defense. He has the ability to drop into zone coverage and can provide the type of impact the Eagles haven't had since Jeremiah Trotter. Here's some more.
Gladney again. Look at this secondary:
CB1: Jones
CB2: Gladney
Slot: Maddox
Depth: LeBlanc, Jones, Douglas
Safeties: Jenkins, Ward, FA signing, Epps
No Phly Zone
Of course, these are just offensive and defensive scenarios, realistically it will come down to a scenario where the Eagles signed some offensive players and defensive players and they will weigh the impact of both sides and see where they need to go. For my ideal* scenario, check out the next page.
*ideals can change like the wind and tomorrow I could have a different ideal scenario. Oh well.
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
My Ideal Offseason and Draft
The Eagles have ten picks coming up in the 2020 NFL draft. That gives them plenty of ammunition to work with. They also have $43 million in cap space. If Bradham's option is not picked up, that can get the number close to $50 million. We all know that Howie Roseman loves restructuring deals to create cap space for the "now", so don't be surprised if that cap space keeps rising. We're in for a hell of an off-season.
With the report that Howie Roseman will pursue free agent corners, namely Byron Jones and Chris Harris, it looks like they might go offense heavy in the draft. I'll only list my big name offensive and defensive signings and my ideal draft based off that.
Resignings: LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, S Rodney McLeod, DT Hassan Ridgeway, WR Deontay Burnett, P Cameron Johnston
You read that right. One returnee on offense. Burnett should get a shot in camp to show what he can do.
This offense needs a huge overhaul. Wentz needs weapons. Sanders needs a complimentary back (Scott is not a complement, he's a different kind of spark). Jackson needs depth behind him and another on the field threat to allow him to get single coverage. Ertz and Goedert need the same.
Trade: WR Alshon Jeffery
The Eagles need to move on from Jeffery. He's getting older and was a shell of his former self when healthy. Who knows if it's because he didn't like Wentz, pictures show a healthy relationship, but it's obvious he needs a change of scenery. The only way the Eagles do this is if they agree on a restructure and release or find a trade partner for a swap of contracts. Enter Pittsburgh.
Their receivers in 2019 all averaged under 50 yards per game. Who knows how long Ben Roethlisberger will play, so they'll need to add another receiver for him and one who could take the pressure off JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Steelers only have a little more than $1 million of space to work with to add play makers and they don't have a first round pick.
An Alshon Jeffery for Joe Haden trade makes sense if Jeffery agrees to restructure his deal. Jeffery will cost $15 million towards the cap while Haden costs $12 million. The Steelers can cut Haden after 2020 for a $7 million savings, but he'll be 31 once the season starts. If Howie can convince Jeffery that his best years ahead will be with another team and the only way that happens is if he restructures his deal, Jeffery can provide a late season spark for the Steelers in 2020 and allow them to have an offense of Big Ben, James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Alshon Jeffery. It would also allow the Steelers to target youth in the secondary to surround Watt and Fitzpatrick.
Joe Haden will bring experience and production to a secondary group lacking both. Howie Roseman preached youth at his press conference a few weeks ago, but this deal makes sense.
Maybe the deal is facilitated by allowing the Steelers to talk to Jeffery to see how his rehab is. The Eagles might have to throw in a conditional pick where it stays a later round pick if he's healthy and plays a certain amount of games/snaps and it is a higher round pick if he's not back when he's projected to be back.
Cue the "This guy's an IDIOT! The Steelers would NEVER DO THAT!"
In the words of the immortal Justin Beiber: "Never say neverrrrr"
Free Agents: CB Byron Jones, LB Joe Schobert, LB Elijah Lee, no big name WR additions: purely depth pieces or one year prove it deals, same for RB: purely RB3 move.
I've addressed my desire for both Jones and Schobert.
Elijah Lee will be 24 when the season starts and has a ton of experience in special teams. If the Eagles decide to move Singleton up to linebacker depth, then they'll need a new special teams monster.
Draft idea #1: Trade up
As mentioned before, the Eagles have ten picks in the draft. When doing mock drafts, you'll only see seven. The three compensatory picks have yet to be assigned. Plenty of ammunition to trade up.
In this draft, Ruggs falls to Miami's second pick in the first round. With the Raiders skipping receiver with their first pick, they could very well be in the hunt for Ruggs. Even if they took a receiver, Jacksonville is also there looking for offense. The Eagles send their first and one of their thirds to move up to select the speedster out of Alabama.
Gladney makes three new corners for the Eagles in 2020. Him, Jones, and Haden provide talent and competition to the group of Maddox, Jones, Douglas, and LeBlanc. Maybe Maddox or Douglas move up to safety in 2020.
In a second trade up, the Eagles send the Colts one of their fourths and their sixth to move one spot ahead of the Cowboys to select Tyler Johnson. Check him out:
https://twitter.com/mallee_chris_24/status/1219299169212473344?s=20
Justin Strnad and Antoine Brooks Jr. will both be third day stars. Get to know them.
WR depth: Ruggs, Jackson, Johnson, JJAW, FA signing, Ward
LB depth: Schobert, Edwards, Strnad, Singleton, Lee, Grugier-Hill
CB depth: B.Jones, Gladney, Haden, S. Jones, Maddox, Douglas, LeBlanc
Safety depth: Jenkins, McLeod, Brooks, Epps, possible FA signing
Draft idea #2: Stand pat and add depth through draft
10 picks. Enough to add a ton of talent.
Jalen Raegor is flying up draft boards almost as fast as he is. He's an electric athlete that can take a screen pass to the end zone at any moment. He or Ruggs would electrify this offense and in this case Ruggs isn't available. He tracks the ball (unlike Agholor), catches contested balls, and his quickness is off the charts.
I've talked about Winfield Jr.
Alton Robinson can be an elite pass rusher and provides depth at a position losing Vinny Curry and provides youth behind Brandon Graham.
Jordyn Brooks. Man, just look at his draft profile here. All you need to know.
The Eagles go back back with the Brooks selections and select their second Antonie of the draft. Antoinie Brooks provides great fourth safety potential, even if Epps is back.
Parkinson is a great TE3 developmental candidate and I'm sure he'd be excited to learn from another Stanford TE alum on the roster.
Van Jefferson may be the steal of the draft. He has height and range. His dad is a WR coach, so you know he has proper coaching. He can take it to the distance and has strong hands. Draft profile here.
With the three comp picks coming, I'd like to see the Eagles grab interior offensive linemen and maybe a corner. Cushenberry wasn't available when I did this mock. Don't yell at me.
WR depth: Raegor, Jackson, Jefferson, JJAW, FA signing, Ward
CB depth: B. Jones, Haden, S. Jones, Maddox, Douglas, LeBlanc
LB depth: Schobert, Brooks, Edwards, Singleton, Grugier-Hill, Lee
Safety depth: Jenkins, McLeod, Winfield, Brooks, Epps
So there you have it boys and girls. I've given you scenarios and how they'd impact the draft. I've given you my ideal* scenario. Even hit you with a trade that definitely won't happen, maybe, but makes sense.
Let me know what you think! Which scenario is your favorite? What do you want to see? Let me know!
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
