The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for the 2024 NFL Draft, where they have the 22nd overall pick. With eight picks in total, the Eagles are looking to address key positions and build on their talented roster.
One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Eagles is how a team with so much talent can struggle on the field. Owner Jeffrey Lurie believes that the addition of experienced coordinators Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore will help address this issue. With a roster that has retained its core of talented players, the Eagles have the potential for a deep playoff run.
However, there are still areas of concern that need to be addressed. One of the key positions in need of reinforcement is cornerback. The Eagles lack significant depth behind starters James Bradberry and Darius Slay, and there are doubts about the confidence in their young prospects. With a draft filled with talented cornerbacks, it would make sense for the Eagles to target this position.
Linebacker is another area where the Eagles could use some help. While they have faith in Nakobe Dean and Devin White, both players come with their own risks. Dean has struggled with injuries, while White had a disappointing season in 2023. With questionable depth behind them, adding another linebacker in the draft would increase their chances of finding a reliable option.
The offensive line is a position of stability for the Eagles, but they still need to address the right guard spot. With Jason Kelce’s retirement, there will be shuffling along the line, and the Eagles don’t want to leave any weaknesses for opponents to exploit. There are several offensive line prospects in range of their pick who could compete for the right guard spot.
Finally, the Eagles could benefit from adding another wide receiver to their roster. While they have two 1,000-yard receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, their depth beyond them is lacking. Adding a talented pass catcher in the draft would provide immediate dynamism to their offense and give them more options for the future.
In terms of mock drafts, experts have varied opinions on who the Eagles should select in the first round. Some suggest defensive line depth, while others lean towards offensive linemen or cornerbacks. Ultimately, it will come down to the Eagles’ evaluation of the available talent and their specific needs.
Looking back at their previous top picks, the Eagles have had mixed success. Jalen Carter, their top pick in 2023, showed promise as a force along the interior defensive line. However, Nolan Smith, their 2023 pick at No. 30, had limited playing time and will need to step up in the coming season. Jordan Davis, their 2022 pick, struggled towards the end of the year but is expected to provide stability on the interior. DeVonta Smith, their 2021 pick, has been a standout wide receiver and is a key part of their offense. Jalen Reagor, their 2020 pick, was traded after failing to meet expectations.
Overall, the Eagles have an opportunity to strengthen their roster in the upcoming draft. With key positions in need of reinforcement, they will be looking to make smart selections that address their weaknesses. By adding talented players through the draft, the Eagles can position themselves for a successful season and potentially make a deep playoff run.