Eagles mock Draft: Philadelphia finds 3 impact starters early
By Reese Nasser
The Philadelphia Eagles still have elite draft capital in 2022. Here’s how they bolster their roster in my latest mock draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the few teams that could have a heavy influence on how this month’s draft plays out. While they have already made a splash by trading one of their three first-round picks to the New Orleans Saints, they still have the room to make more moves.
Even if they choose to not make any more moves pre-draft, Philadelphia will have five selections in the first three rounds and ten total. Given the amount of draft picks that they have, they will be able to revamp both sides of the ball.
With five selections over the first three rounds, the Eagles could be adding quality players who can step in and contribute almost immediately. After a lackluster year in 2021, Philadelphia will be looking to make a big splash this upcoming season.
Given they approach the draft correctly, they could become the top team in the NFC East. Here is a three-round mock draft, with no trades:
Pick 15. Kyle Hamilton, Safety Notre Dame
At one point, Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton was regarded as the best player in this year’s draft class. This may still be true. But in recent years, there has been a trend of safeties falling down draft boards due to how they are valued.
The most notable fall is the player that Hamilton is compared to the most. 2018’s draft saw Florida State safety Derwin James drop to pick 17 while being one of the most praised players headed into the draft. With that being said, a slide for Hamilton isn’t that unrealistic. If he is available at pick 15, the Eagles would be getting a player who could lead their secondary for the foreseeable future.
Hamilton has all the makings of an elite safety at the next level. At 6-4 and 221 pounds, he has the size that allows for him to go against anyone on the field. While his 40-yard dash times left something to be desired, he plays much faster when actually on the field.
Hamilton was effective whenever he was on the field for Notre Dame. In the 31 games he appeared in, he recorded 139 tackles, 24 pass breakups, and eight interceptions.
The flexibility that comes with having a player of Hamilton’s caliber would help upgrade any defense. The Eagles desperately need help in their secondary, specifically at the safety position. Hamilton will help fill this need immediately.