The mock drafts for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason have been particularly inaccurate, especially in the first round. It seems like every sports media outlet has either mocked a running back, linebacker, or safety at least once to the Eagles at pick 10. And while it’s really hard to mock players to the Eagles, there are two main indicators of what position they might pick: (A) They make draft decisions two to three years in advance and (B) they have their own evaluations of positional value.
Of all of the Eagles’ first round picks in Howie Roseman’s tenure, they’ve only taken OL, DL, WR, and QB. This is because they want to pay the positions they see as most valuable, low rookie contract money. Additionally, the Eagles picks will most likely not seek to fill current holes in 2023, but rather fill future holes in 2024 and 2025. So the goal in mocking the Eagles is to find what positions have major holes multiple years in advance and are simultaneously valued by the Eagles.
The Eagles have major holes at edge rusher in upcoming years. Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett are both free agents after 2023. Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat are also both free agents after 2024. It’s very likely that only 1 of these 4 guys (Reddick) plays for the Eagles beyond 2024. And considering the fact the Eagles have previously drafted Marcus Smith and Derek Barnett in the first round, edge rusher in this year’s first round feels like a real possibility.
The other position the Eagles will also likely draft in the first round this year is offensive tackle. Historically speaking, when Howie Roseman has a hole at any starting OL spot in a few years time, he seeks to fill it with high value picks. Cam Jurgens was drafted to replace Jason Kelce, Landon Dickerson was drafted to replace Brandon Brooks, and Andre Dillard was drafted to replace Jason Peters. Lane Johnson is probably going to retire within the next two seasons, so that’s a huge need to address. And if Jack Driscoll replaces Isaac Seumalo at right guard this season, the Eagles will no longer have a competent backup tackle. To the Eagles, offensive tackle is viewed as a need down the road at a high value position. I would not be surprised at all if they drafted an offensive tackle with one of their first round picks.