Larry Henry JrThe Philadelphia Eagles have three first-round draft picks in the 2022 NFL Draft and although that may sound great in terms of the amount of talent they will be getting, choosing the right type of players will be just as important.
Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni still have plenty of time to decide who they would like to target in May’s NFL Draft, knowing help is needed on both sides of the ball. Edge rusher, linebacker, wide receiver, and safety/cornerback are the top five needs for the Eagles this spring, especially if they want to be a true threat in the league this fall.
Tight end, quarterback, and running back are the three safest positions currently on the Eagles roster, so I doubt there will be any picks by the Birds at either of those areas.
Although the NFL Draft is still two months away, Philly Influencer has you covered with an early look at how the Eagles could use their three first-round draft picks:
David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
- The Philadelphia Eagles could use an edge rusher and Ojabo would help greatly if chosen with one of the three first round picks. Ojabo was a big reason for Michigan’s 11-2 campaign, registering 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. At 6’5, 250 lbs., Ojabo has good size and would bring a needed spark to the Eagles defense. Although his run defense could use work, his ability to just rush the passer will make him a first round pick.
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
- The Eagles already have a No. 1 corner back in Darius Slay and could further pad their secondary with the selection of McDuffie. Don’t let McDuffie’s two total interceptions in three seasons fool you, he does a good job no matter where he is on the field, from pass coverage to run support. Washington disappointed in 2021, finishing with only four wins, but McDuffie was one of the bright spots for the Huskies.
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
- When is the last time the Eagles had a stud linebacker? Yeah exactly. Devin Lloyd’s physical play would fit right into Jonathan Gannon’s defense and overall would give the Eagles a key building block at the linebacker position. Lloyd exploded for 111 total tackles in 2021 for Utah, setting career-highs in tackles, sacks (8), and interceptions (4). No matter where the Eagles select him, he would be a successful addition.
Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
- Should Lloyd not be around, Nakobe Dean is the next in line for the Eagles at the linebacker position. Dean anchored one of the best defensive units in college football history at Georgia and would be a welcomed addition to the Eagles defense. Dean is a bit shorter than Lloyd, but overall brings the same intensity to the field. He set career-highs in tackles (72), sacks (6), and interceptions (2) in 2021.
Drake London, WR, USC
- The Eagles already have a star in the making in wideout DeVonta Smith and now it would be wise for Howie Roseman to add a second young talent to the offense. Drake London stands tall at 6-feet-5 and took a huge step forward in production for USC in the Pac-12 last season. London totaled 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns on 88 receptions for the Trojans in 2021, doubling his production from a season ago. London is already being compared to Mike Evans and Plaxico Burress, a pair of Super Bowl winners who delivered several good moments in their careers.
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
- Another wideout option for the Eagles to consider is Treylon Burks, another player who registered over 1,000 yards in 2021. Burks stands at 6-feet-3, 225 lbs. and will be a first round pick regardless if the Eagles select him or not. Burks’ numbers got better during his time in Arkansas, finishing with 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021. He is a bit shorter than London, but weight wise does bring a larger frame to the field.
Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
- Jermaine Johnson II didn’t enjoy plenty of winning during his time at Florida State, but never dropped his performance levels in his four seasons there. Johnson is a freakish specimen off the edge and could be one of the gems in this first round. Johnson totaled 12 sacks for the Seminoles last season and also doubled his tackle total from the last two seasons combined. Johnson’s best performance in 2021 came against rivals the University of Miami, where he registered three sacks.
Trevor Penning, OL, Northern Iowa
- The Eagles still have several offensive line options for the next few seasons, but another wouldn’t hurt. Trevor Penning mainly played tackle at Northern Iowa and has been compared to former Eagles Jon Runyan in previous reports. Penning could also switch to the right side if needed and brings nastiness to his game in the trenches, something Eagles fans would surely enjoy. It might take him time to get adjusted to the NFL level from a smaller conference, but the Eagles wouldn’t need him to play right away.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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