The Eagles not only suffered a defeat on the field when they lost 13-7 to the Giants at MetLife Stadium Sunday, but the team also lost when it came to their draft pick placements.
For the first time in a long time, the Eagles’ own pick is the highest of the three potential first-rounders that they have. At one point of the season, two of their potential selections in the 2022 draft were in the top five. However, the teams they need to lose to get a high pick are righting the ship.
The Miami Dolphins won yet again, defeating the Carolina Panthers soundly Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts, who sent their protected pick to the Eagles in the Carson Wentz trade, looked as if they would win once again, but Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played well in the second half, winning the game.
Even though the selections are lower, there are still many players on the board that will help this team in several areas.
Here is the first-round mock draft for the Eagles regarding their picks:
8. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
One of the cornerbacks that the Eagles could target, Andrew Booth Jr. from Clemson, could also be a high on the Giants draft board, a team that needs some secondary help. The next best corner on the board will be Gardner.
This past week alone, Gardner returned a blocked field goal 60 yards for a touchdown. Gardner also finished with eight tackles and two pass breakups, earning the American Athletic Conference’s (AAC) defensive player of the week award.
According to Pro Football Focus, Gardner has never allowed a touchdown, which is something considering he plays a lot of man-to-man, especially in press coverage. If the Eagles do not resign Steve Nelson, a cornerback group of Darius Slay on one side, Avonte Maddox in the slot, and having Zech McPhearson, Tay Gowan, Josiah Scot or Mac McCain fill the dime corner role would look very interesting.
Gardner will get a good audition in front of many scouts and front-office executives. The AAC Championship game is nationally televised, and Cincinnati is in a position to make the College Football Playoff, meaning Gardner will go against some of the best receivers in the country.
9. (via Miami Dolphins) Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
According to Sports illustrated’s Mike Hutton, Hamilton will not return to the field unless Notre Dame makes the College Football Playoff. Hamilton has not played in the last five games for Notre Dame because of a knee injury, potentially decreasing his draft stock as each week passes.
Hamilton’s descent down the draft board will benefit the Eagles, who will take the versatile safety with the 10th pick. Hamilton is the best safety prospect coming out this year and will fill in long-term need at the position given that Anthony Harris is a free agent at the end of the season and Rodney McLeod is playing in his 10th season.
14. (via Indianapolis Colts) Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
For years, the Eagles have tried to build along the offensive line, using assets in the draft to build up those areas. The strategy has paid off because the Eagles offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths this season. However, a rash of injuries may necessitate the Eagles to use a premium draft pick to fix the situation.
Brandon Brooks continues to recover from the pectoral injury that he suffered earlier in the season. An update on his status will not be known until after the bye week. Right guard Jack Driscoll, who filled in for Brooks, will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury after being placed on injured reserve for a second time, marking another significant injury that the second-year lineman has sustained.
This is where Green comes in. Green, a 2020 second-team AP All-American, can play both guard and tackle, filling in the role that Driscoll played. More importantly, it gives the Eagles their heir-apparent to Brooks. At 6-feet, 4-inches tall, and 325 pounds, Green would be a sizable lineman who does well in the run game and is a good pass blocker, given how much the Aggies throw in their offense.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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