4 Potential Targets For The Eagles at No. 19 In The 2022 NFL Draft

Eagles, NFL Draft
NFL Analysis Network

The Philadelphia Eagles took some steps in the right direction during the 2021 season. It was the first one under Nick Sirianni as head coach and the team qualified for the postseason, earning a Wild Card spot.

It was a nice turnaround from how things ended in 2020, as the Eagles put forth an embarrassing effort in the final game of the regular season and were called out for it by people around the league. It eventually led to Doug Pederson being fired despite him doing what ownership asked him to do.

This offseason, the team is in a great spot to upgrade the roster. They have some money to spend in free agency, but most importantly, they have three first-round picks at their disposal. Their selection landed at No. 19, but they also have the No. 15 and 16 overall pick from the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts.

Who could the Eagles be looking to add with their selections? Here are three players they should consider when they come on the clock with the 19th overall pick.

4. EDGE Travon Walker, Georgia

The Eagles’ defense needs a boost when it comes to the pass rush. They were second to last in the NFL with only 29 sacks in 2021, so they could be looking to add someone with pass-rushing upside with this selection.

Veteran Derek Barnett is also a free agent, so the team could need to replace him as well. He registered a PFF grade under 65 last season, so the Eagles could use an upgrade on the EDGE in 2022.

Travon Walker has attributes that you cannot teach, as he stands 6’5” and weighs 275 pounds with excellent tools. He is still learning technique and how to become a pass rusher, but the skills are there for him to be a game-changer as a pass rusher.

In 2021, Walker picked up 6.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Given that the team has two other first-round picks, the Eagles can take a chance on the upside that Walker possesses with the 19th pick.

3. CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson

The Eagles have a lockdown cornerback in Darius Slay that can patrol one side of the field or shadow the opponent’s No. 1 wide receiver. However, they could use some help opposite of him in the formation.

Steven Nelson is entering free agency, so their depth will be tested if they cannot find a veteran to come in and replace him. Andrew Booth Jr. is someone that could fit a need for the Eagles and present good value with the 19th pick.

Booth has to clean up his technique a little bit, but he was productive with the Tigers. 2021 was his first year as a full-time starter and he allowed only 29 catches on 46 targets, giving up 312 yards. He finished with three interceptions and five passes defended as well.

2. WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

Philadelphia had the best rushing offense in the NFL in 2021, which helped them turn things around down the stretch and get into the postseason. However, the passing offense was not nearly as efficient.

Jalen Hurts made strides, but still has a ways to go before he can be counted on to carry an offense with his arm. However, the Eagles deserve some of the blame as they have failed to surround him with weapons that produce.

They look to have hit on DeVonta Smith with their first-round pick in 2021 but missed big time on 2019 second-round pick J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and 2020 first-round pick Jalen Reagor. So, the Eagles could dip back into the prospect pool for a second straight year and select Ohio State wide receiver, Chris Olave.

Olave is a polished route runner and would be a good complement to Smith on the opposite side of the field. He also has a nose for the endzone, scoring 13 touchdowns on 65 receptions in 2021. He is a burner, as he ran track and field in addition to football in high school.

1. LB Devin Lloyd, Georgia

The linebacker position is another area the Eagles could afford to upgrade this offseason. Alex Singleton is entering free agency, but registered a grade under 65 at PFF last season, so it would make sense to see what else is available.

Linebacker hasn’t been a position that the Eagles commit draft capital to, as they haven’t selected one in the first round since 1979 when they selected Jerry Robinson. But, that streak could come to an end if Devin Lloyd is on the board.

Lloyd has drawn comparisons to Devin White, as he brings elite athleticism, speed, versatility and range to a defense that needs a talent infusion. Lloyd was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and made the All-American team as well.

He earned those accolades as he racked up 111 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Lloyd also added four interceptions and six passes defended as he is comfortable dropping into coverage as well.

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