The Philadelphia Eagles are going to have a great chance to fill whatever holes remain on their roster after free agency during the 2022 NFL Draft. Based on some shrewd moves last season, the Eagles will have three selections in the first round this year.
Philadelphia’s own pick fell at No. 19, but they will also be selecting at No. 15 courtesy of the Miami Dolphins and No. 16 from the Indianapolis Colts. Based on some of the recent mock drafts that have been shared, the Eagles are in a prime position to bolster the defensive side of the ball.
While some fans want to see them continue adding weapons for Jalen Hurts on offense, they have used a first or second-round pick on a wide receiver in three straight drafts. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside in the second round of 2019 and Jalen Reagor in the first round of 2020 are both looking like misses. DeVonta Smith was a hit in 2021, but the team may not want to pour any more assets into the position.
But, with three selections in the first round, anything is possible. But, over in the recent mock draft at CBS Sports, they have the Eagles going defensive in the first round with all three of their selections.
With the 15th pick, the Eagles are addressing their need in the secondary with the versatile Trent McDuffie out of Washington. With major question marks begins Darius Slay, it makes sense to address this need early in the draft. Steven Nelson started opposite of Slay in 2021 but remains a free agent.
With the next pick, Philadelphia nabs Utah linebacker Devin Llyod. Some mock drafts have Llyod as a top-10 pick, so getting him at No. 16 presents some good value. The second level of their defense could use an infusion of talent and he will provide it.
Later on, with their own pick, the Eagles land a pass rusher in George Karlaftis. In earlier mocks, Karlaftis was a top-6 pick, but his momentum has seemed to cool as the process went on. Despite that, he would bring an immediate pass rush boost to a defense that ranked second to last in the NFL last season with only 29 sacks.
Philadelphia bolstered the pass rush signing Hassan Riddick in free agency and add even more juice with the former Boilermaker in Karlaftis.
