Perfect Eagles 2024 NFL Draft plan: Restock the defense, first in the secondary and then at linebacker

The Kansas City Chiefs just got done winning their second straight Super Bowl, which should bring to mind the Philadelphia Eagles advancing to the big game at the end of the 2022 season. But does it? Just a year after contending with Patrick Mahomes and Co. for the NFL’s ultimate prize, the Eagles somehow feel much further removed from their title bid.

Maybe it’s because of the way their 2023 campaign — once marked by a string of clutch shootouts with teams including the Chiefs — ended with an apathetic whimper. Maybe it’s because, for a week or so, head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t even appear safe atop the staff. Either way, Philly has serious work to do if it wants to get back on the top stage.

First up will be free agency, where the Eagles could say goodbye to more than a dozen veterans with expiring contracts, as well as retirement candidates Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox, two of the few remaining pillars from their 2017 Super Bowl LII victory. But the real groundwork for championship contention is arguably done through the draft, where icons like Kelce and Cox were once mined.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the Eagles’ projected 2024 draft picks, as well as an ideal draft plan:

Eagles’ 2024 draft picks

Note: Full draft order courtesy of Tankathon.

Latest first-round mock draft picks

Ryan Wilson

WR Keon Coleman

Florida State

Chris Trapasso

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

Alabama

Josh Edwards

OLB Chop Robinson

Penn State

Tom FornelliCB Quinyon Mitchell
Toledo

Perfect Eagles draft plan

1. Secure a defensive back by the end of Day 2

The Eagles will almost certainly address cornerback and/or safety with a veteran addition considering they’re still eyeing a Lombardi run. But there is perhaps no area on their roster with a more glaring need for blue-chip prospects. Starting cover men Darius Slay and James Bradberry are both over 30 and aged quickly during the 2023 season, while oft-injured slot regular…

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Author : Cody Benjamin

Publish date : 2024-02-14 14:05:20

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