NFL Combine is here, as well as a new model project from Mel Kiper.
With three choices from the first round, there are many different potential outcomes for the Philadelphia Eagles. It is unlikely that they will actually make all three selections, but here is what Cyprus thinks the birds will do.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) – Trent McDuffy, CBC, Washington
Let’s fill in some holes for Philadelphia, which has three choices in the first round and problems in several places on its list. The Eagles qualified for the playoffs last season, winning six of their last eight games, but their defense was revealed along the way. They allowed quarterbacks to complete an incredible 69.4% of their passes, which ranked last in the league. McDuffy, who has not allowed a single touchdown in coverage in the last two seasons, could play in place against Darius Slay. He also has the ability to play outside the slot.
It will be interesting how the Eagles cope with their position in the corner back this offseason. We may soon have some clarity on the status of the forthcoming free agent Stephen Nelson. What he has read here is that he is looking forward to testing the market and will eventually receive a bigger offer than the Eagles are willing to pay him. And if that’s the case, they’ll need a new starter from the outside.
The Eagles already have a number of domestic candidates to play for them. The team made a concerted effort to acquire a number of young bodies at the site, as if hoping for at least one to move forward. This group includes:
- Zack McPherson (23)
- Tay Gowan (24)
- Carrie Vincent Jr. (23)
- Mac McCain III (24)
- Josiah Scott (22)
- Andre Chachere (26)
None of these guys should be considered a confident starter entering 2022. Of this group, McPherson showed the greatest potential. The selection for the fourth round in 2021 is likely to start for the Eagles this year.
Or maybe the Eagles will really choose a corner in the first round. Despite the lack of eye-catching ball production, there are things you might like about McDuffie. Check out this scout report from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
A three-year-old starter, the average size of which is overshadowed by skillful strength, which allows it to compete with throws from different coatings. He is an elite racer with a hug mentality of the route, nurtured by body control, dexterity, aggression and outbursts. He is an annoying defender of the press with the tools for supremacy in the area. He is ready to fly down and hit anyone close to football. He keeps his eyes on the prize and has an itchy, quivering trigger to close the throwing windows and play with the ball. He lacks blocking traits, but he has a blocking talent and his competitive energy is contagious. He can play outside or from the slot and has a very high floor with the potential to become one of the best corners of the league at some point during his first contract.
Zierlein also included this note from the NFC Scout Director:
“Of all the defenders (former) Washington coach Chris Peterson has appointed, he may be the best. Talent, athleticism and make-up are really pure. “
Intriguing.
I tend to think that there is a reason for the Eagles to accumulate all these young angles and partly because they do not want to spend more resources on the position. Jonathan Gannon has a history of extracting more or less in the corner, in part because of his use of soft areas of Cover 2 that do not burden his border defenders.
But if the Eagles believe a corner like McDuffie is a star with his head and shoulders above the rest of the prospects on board, it could still happen.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) – David Ojabo, OLB, Michigan
The Eagles finished 31st in the league with 29 sacks last season; there must be fixed. Getting pressure on the quarterback is a way to improve your overall defense. Ojabo is a pure pass-rusher who is still developing as a running defender. He had 11 sacks and five forced touches, causing chaos against potential number one Aidan Hutchinson. I would feel better to take Ojabo in the middle of round 1 against the top 10, because he can be absorbed in the game of running, but his aspiration is undeniable.
I would be shocked by the main ‘S’ (so I guess I should have just written “Shocked”) if the Eagles didn’t leave the first round with a champion. The Eagles value the position, this is a great need for them and there must be a desired perspective for them.
Last week, we downplayed the idea that Travan Walker would be great for the Birds. Cyprus forces the Eagles to switch to Walker to take Ojabo instead.
The latter perspective is more intriguing in terms of tools and production. Obaho has shown incredible athleticism and is coming out of the season with 11 layoffs.
Ojabo’s relative inexperience – he played only 620 photos (20 games) in college – could signal that he will need some time to develop in the NFL. But the other side is annoying.
See what an NFC scout is like said Zierlein:
“I’m not saying he will be a better player overall, but I think Ojabo will be a more productive striker than (Michigan teammate and potential number one overall) Aiden Hutchinson.”
Alas Spicy.
Call it a premonition, but I think the Eagles ended up drawing either Ojabo or Jermaine Johnson in the first round. Cyprus removed the latter from board number 13 in this model.
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Traylan Burks, WR, Arkansas
Another 1st round selection for the Eagles, to which I gave defenders numbers 15 and 16. This could be a place to take another receiver, their third consecutive draft to take one in the first round. Jalen Reagor, number 21 in 2020, is not disappointed – I thought it was an achievement at the time – while DeVonta Smith, number 10 last year, had a good but not great season for rookies. I would buy the Jalen Hurts a different type of receiver at Burks that is large and physical (6 feet-3, 225 pounds) and can complement Smith’s speed. Burkes had 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Razorbacks last season. I’m really curious to see his athletic test numbers in the combine; it is possible that he will rise even higher on the board.
Burkes had previously been cast for the Eagles in Todd McShay’s fake project last week, which we discussed here in BGN.
Speaking at the Combine on Wednesday morning, Burkes I did I say The Eagles are one of the teams he has spoken to. He also said he was modeling his game after Deebo Samuel. The idea of adding this type of player to the Eagles’ attack is a fun idea.
It also makes sense of what the team would like to add to the position of the receiver. Assuming Jalen Hurts is back, I don’t know if Philly will be looking for another volume target. They are already underutilizing their top option at DeVonta Smith. On the other hand, the Eagles really don’t have to make long-term decisions based on a quarterback who hasn’t erased doubts as a player in the franchise.
Overall, not a bad extraction. Some may think it’s unrealistic for the Eagles to take a wide receiver in the first round for the third year in a row, but I actually think it’s more likely than them to take a midfielder or a corner. I doubt how realistic McDuffie’s choice is, but I think Ojabo will definitely be in the game.
what do you say