We all have our favorite guys.
As the 2022 NFL Draft approaches, mock drafts start to run together in all of our collective fan heads. We know what the Eagles need, know what might be available at picks No. 15 and No. 18, and all have probably envisioned a player or two in midnight green in the last few weeks.
But just like with NFL teams, not every big board is the same. In reality, guys like Aidan Hutchison, Travon Walker or Sauce Gardner would be atop my board. But why waste our time on players that won't be close to available for the Eagles on April 28? Instead, let's focus on what's possible and map out a dynamic Eagles draft.
Here are my ten favorite players for the Eagles to select within the first half of the 2022 NFL Draft, including targets for the No. 15 and No. 18 picks in Round 1, the No. 51 overall pick in Round 2 and names that could fall into the Round 3-4 range on Day 3 of the draft.
The first round guys
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia: How quickly would David be an instant favorite in Philadelphia? My guess would be within the first month of his rookie year. The 340-pounder is more than a space eater. We're talking about a freak of nature. Jonathan Gannon's defense deployed some 3-4 looks, which could give Davis a chance to play nose tackle. If Davis reaches his ceiling, he could give the Eagles an ability to control the run game with less defenders in the box. That means more defensive backs, and more exotic looks to throw at opposing quarterbacks.
Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia: Wyatt is the lesser known Georgia defensive tackle, but might be an even better fit for Philly's front four. We're talking about an explosive interior defensive lineman that could eventually push for double-digit sacks in the NFL. Think of Wyatt as Fletcher Cox's eventual replacement on the front, and defensive tackle worth picking in the top 20.
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington: Some may consider McDuffie a huge drop off as the No. 3 corner in this class, but I don't. He's physical. He can cover. He's a Week 1 starter opposite Darius Slay. The Eagles haven't drafted a cornerback in the first round since Lito Shepard in 2002. That should change on April 28.
George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue: Karlaftis didn't play football growing up in Greece, and is still learning the finer points of the game. Yet we're talking about a dynamic and powerful athlete that became one of the best defensive players in the Big 10. This is the kind of player that could be a long-term replacement for Brandon Graham as a do-it-all defensive lineman.
Lewis Cine, S, Georgia: The Eagles desperately need a safety, and there's a couple in this class that really intrigue me. Would Cine be a reach at No. 18? Perhaps. This could be the kind of player to target later in the first round after a trade down. Cine is an elite athlete, one of the best cover safeties in the SEC, can hit like a truck, and always seemed to make big plays in big moments for college football's best team. He would instantly be the kind of safety the Eagles have always seemed to have when winning is done in Philadelphia.
Round 2 targets
David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan: Let's have the Ojabo talk. When I first thought about my big board in February (yes, I literally started thinking about this article months ago), there was no doubt who would be atop my list: Ojabo. The Michigan pass rusher is exactly what the Eagles need: A combination of speed, agility, power, and pass rush acumen. His knack for swiping the ball away reminds me of Osi Umenyiora. This is a play-making pass rusher. Then, of course, came the blown achilles at Michigan's pro day. I would not risk a first rounder on Ojabo, but would run to the podium if he's on the board at No. 51.
George Pickens, WR, Georgia: I'm out on taking a WR in Round 1. Yes, the Eagles need another pass catcher to help this offense and the development of Jalen Hurts. But there's far too many examples (DK Metcalf, A.J. Brown, Deebo Samuel, Terry McClaurin, Tee Higgins, Cooper Kupp) in recent years of top receivers going beyond the first round for me to ignore. There's value here in waiting. It's just about picking the right player. Pickens is that guy, and the most underrated WR in this class. The former Georgia star has good size (6'3", 200), can run (4.47 40-yard dash), has one of the lowest drop rates (just 2.7 percent among wide receivers in this class), and can go up and make contested catches. Pickens will be a star and could be the perfect complement to DeVonta Smith.
Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois: If not Cine, Joseph is a name on my radar. Pro Football Focus ranked Joseph's coverage skills as the best for a Big 10 safety in six years. With Rodney McLeod out, Joseph profiles as a true long-term free safety option. If the Eagles really wanted to fix the position long term, taking Cine and Joseph would make for a dynamic duo in the back end of Jonathan Gannon's defense.
Mid-to-late round picks
Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers: If the Eagles decide to wait even longer to add to the WR room, Melton is intriguing. The best way I can describe him after a YouTube deep dive: He's Jalen Reagor-ish, only if Reagor was actually good. Melton can be a good NFL wide receiver, plays with a chip on his shoulder, runs good routes, competes for the ball and can excel in the return game. Imagine Reagor, but a smarter and more polished player. I'm a fan.
Zamir White, RB, Georgia: It can't be a big board without a big back. The Eagles are probably a year away from drafting their next "lead" back when Miles Sanders walks in free agency, but adding another runner to the room now should be a draft priority. White, another member of the national champs (the fifth on this list), is one of my favorite runners. A big physical runner with a 4.40 time at the combine, White has caught my attention. He runs down hill, breaks tackles and can protect the quarterback in the passing game. White can be a younger, fresher version of Jordan Howard.
