NFL Draft primer: Eagles should hit defense hard, and don’t forget about helping replace a legend

2023 record: 11-6, lost in wild-card round

Draft picks per round

1st round: No. 22
2nd round: No. 50 (from Saints)
2nd round: No. 53
4th round: No. 120 (from Rams)
5th round: No. 161 (from Buccaneers)
5th round: No. 171 (compensatory)
5th round: No. 172 (compensatory)
6th round: No. 210 (compensatory)

(Taylar Sievert/Yahoo Sports)

Top needs

Offensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety

The 2024 offseason marks the end of an era for Philadelphia. The retirement of six-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce leaves a leadership void and a hole on the offensive line.

No rookie is going to step in and replace Kelce’s locker room role. But somebody will have to take his place on the line. Third-year pro Cam Jurgens is the heir apparent at center. He’ll slide over from right guard, leaving an interior line hole that Philadelphia could address in the draft.

The bigger priority lies in the back seven. The Eagles ranked 31st in the league last season in pass defense, allowing 252.7 passing yards per game. The secondary was exposed in Philly’s collapse from a 10-1 start to an 11-6 regular-season record and loss to Tampa Bay in the playoffs. Baker Mayfield torched the Eagles for 337 yards and three touchdowns in Tampa Bay’s 32-9 wild-card win.

The return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson helps, but not nearly enough. Upgrading the secondary is a must if Philadelphia intends to return to Super Bowl contention. The Eagles need linebacker help as well.

Jason Kelce has retired, so the Eagles’ interior offensive line needs some fortification in the NFL Draft. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Best first-round fits

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Best Day 2 fits

Christian Haynes, G, UConn
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-04-11 18:04:48

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