Clemson CB prospect Nate Wiggins Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Eagles 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Roundup of B/R Staff, Kiper and Expert Picks

Kristopher Knox

It's been a transformational offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles thus far, and Philly will have a chance to continue remaking its roster in next week's draft.

The Eagles began the offseason by hiring new offensive and defensive coordinators in Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio, respectively. They then snagged former rival running back Saquon Barkley before addressing a defense that collapsed down the stretch in 2023.

Players like Bryce Huff, Zack Baun, Devin White and C.J. Gardner-Johnson should help Philadelphia enjoy a defensive turnaround. The Eagles now have few glaring weaknesses and should be able to employ a best-player-available approach in the 2024 draft.

While we don't know exactly which positions the Eagles will target, we can get an idea of how things could unfold by examining the experts' opinions.

Here, we'll dive into some of the latest mock drafts from around the web with a focus on Philadelphia's top three selections—Nos. 22, 50 and 53.

Pick No. 22

Iowa CB prospect Cooper DeJean Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

B/R Scouting Department: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

NFL Media's Chad Reuter: Projected trade to No. 16 for Duke IOL Graham Barton

For this roundup, we dove into the mocks of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Media's Chad Reuter.

The B/R Scouting Department and Kiper both paired Philadelphia with a cornerback in Round 1. It's a sensible choice because Philadelphia's pass defense was atrocious down the stretch—the Eagles finished the year ranked 31st in passing yards allowed.

Kiper paired Philly with Clemson corner Nate Wiggins, while the B/R staff mocked Iowa's Cooper DeJean to the Eagles.

After suffering a broken fibula in November, DeJean was finally able to test at his pro day," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department said. "He showed his explosive overall athletic ability that flashed during the season. He has the necessary speed to run with most receivers and the added ability of being a premium returner at the next level."

Reuter, however, had the Eagles trading up with the Seattle Seahawks to land Duke lineman Graham Barton.

Barton would likely become Philadelphia's long-term replacement for retired center Jason Kelce, and trading up to land him is far from the worst idea. The Pittsburgh Steelers also need a new center, and they'll be a threat to take Barton at No. 20.

Pick No. 50 (from New Orleans)

Houston OT prospect Patrick Paul Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

B/R Scouting Department: OT Patrick Paul, Houston

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: OT Patrick Paul, Houston

NFL Media's Chad Reuter: Projected trade with Seattle Seahawks

The Eagles have a pair of second-round picks due to a 2022 draft trade with the New Orleans Saints.

In Reuter's mock, the Eagles gave up their first second-round selection to move up for Barton. Interestingly, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner also had the Eagles giving up the 50th pick to conduct a first-round trade.

In Baumgardner's mock, the Eagles moved up for Toledo cornerback prospect Quinyon Mitchell. General manager Howie Roseman may indeed get aggressive in the first round, and with three of four mocks targeting the position, a cornerback could indeed be his target.

Kiper and the B/R Scouring Department both bypassed a Round 1 trade and both paired Philly with Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul. The Eagles don't need a tackle right now, but with Lane Johnson set to turn 34 next month, adding some insurance wouldn't hurt.

Paul is an intriguing developmental prospect who would fit into Philadelphia's long-term plans.

"Paul could serve as a swing tackle as a rookie, as Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are entrenched as the starters," Kiper wrote. "Johnson, however, has dealt with nagging injuries in recent years, so acquiring depth is important. Paul started 39 games at left tackle for the Cougars."

Roseman does have a habit of drafting with the future in mind.

Pick No. 53

Washington WR prospect Ja'Lynn Polk Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

B/R Scouting Department: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington

NFL Media's Chad Reuter: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

There isn't a consensus on what the Eagles should/will do with their second first-round pick, though both Kiper and Reuter have Philadelphia targeting a receiver—Washington's Ja'Lynn Polk and Texas' Adonai Mitchell, respectively.

Baumgardner also mocked a receiver at No. 53, giving the Eagles South Carolina receiver Xavier Legette.

A wideout would make some sense, given Philadelphia's lack of a reliable third receiver. The Eagles have two star receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, plus a high-end receiving tight end in Dallas Goedert. However, adding a prospect like Polk, Mitchell or Legette to the mix would give the offense even more flexibility.

Philadelphia added DeVante Parker and Parris Campbell in free agency, but neither should stop the Eagles from dipping into a talented receiver class.

The B/R Scouting Department, however, paired Philly with Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Despite the additions of Baun, White and Oren Burks, the Eagles could use more depth at linebacker—their second level defense was a serious problem in 2023.

The 2024 draft class isn't exactly deep at the linebacker position, and Trotter is the second-ranked off-ball 'backer on the B/R board. Taking him in Round 2 would be sensible if the Eagles want a more long-term addition than what they've been able to add in free agency.

Draft order via Tankathon.

   

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