Eagles 2018 NFL Draft Guide – Jake Brown
Needs: G, LB, CB, OT, RB
Picks:
R1P32
R4P30 (via MIN)
R4P32
R5P32
R6P32
R7P32
Cleveland owns the Eagles 2nd round pick (Wentz trade) and Buffalo owns the Eagles 3rd round pick (Darby trade). Given the Eagles limited picks, there is a relatively high chance they trade down into the second round and collect more pick(s).
First Round Picks by General Manager Howie Roseman
2017: DE Derek Barnett (Hit) – Pick 14 via Minnesota after a preseason trade involving Sam Bradford
2016: QB Carson Wentz (Hit) – Pick 2 via Cleveland after trading up twice
2015: *Coach Chip Kelly led the draft process*
2014: OLB Marcus Smith (Miss) – Pick 26 via Cleveland after trading down from pick 22 (Kelly was heavily involved in draft decisions)
2013: OT Lane Johnson (Hit) – Pick 4
2012: DT Fletcher Cox (Hit) – Pick 12 via Seattle after trading up from pick 15
2011: G Danny Watkins (Miss) – Pick 23
2010: DE Brandon Graham (Hit) – Pick 13 via Denver after trading up from pick 24
Players hosted for visits and interviews: www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2018/04/nfl_draft_eagles_workouts_visits_lamar_jackson.html
Round One Options:
C/G James Daniels, Iowa
Daniels is a versatile, fluid interior lineman who played center last season, but he is capable of playing left or right guard. He could compete for the starting left guard spot this season or be Jason Kelce’s eventual replacement.
G Will Hernandez, UTEP
Hernandez is huge (340 lbs). He is a mauling run blocker, yet he moves quite well for his size, and he even did a front flip/somersault at the Senior Bowl. Given Wentz’s mobility in the pocket, he would have to keep up in pass protection.
G Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
While he played tackle at Georgia, Wynn is projected to be a guard in the NFL given his shorter size and arm length. Wynn is extremely consistent and had a very successful career at Georgia.
G Billy Price, Ohio St.
Price tore his pec benching at the combine, but he seems to be medically cleared now. Price hits his opponents hard and can also play guard or center.
CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville
Despite a senior campaign hampered by injuries, Alexander still showed off his fiery attitude and athleticism. He is physical with good ball skills, and he can play outside or in the slot. He’s a willing tackler who could stay in the box under Jim Schwartz’s system.
CB Donte Jackson, LSU
It is unlikely Jackson gets taken in the first round, but he could be a trade down target. He ran a 4.32 40-yard dash and would get most of his snaps playing out of the slot. The Eagles have a need at slot corner after the departure of Patrick Robinson to New Orleans.
LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
LVE can roam from sideline to sideline. He knows how to tackle and is good is coverage. His draft stock rose a lot this year, but there are minor injury concerns surrounding a previous neck injury. The Eagles lack linebacker depth and LB Jordan Hicks has a lengthy injury history.
LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama
Evans is fundamentally sound and gets into the backfield quickly. He tested well at the combine and has good speed.
LB Malik Jefferson, Texas
Another trade down target, Jefferson is a special athlete, but his tape is bad. He has the speed of an elite linebacker, but he is behind on filling gaps in the run-game.
OT Connor Williams, Texas
Williams had a disappointing senior year, but he is still the top tackle in this class. He could kick inside to guard but given the lack of offensive tackle talent at the top of this draft, one team may pick him as a tackle. He has injury concerns regarding his knee.
RB Derrius Guice, LSU
Guice is the second best running back in this class. His senior year was limited by injuries, and he runs hard. He lacks an explosive first step but is very dangerous in the open field.
S Justin Reid, Stanford
Reid plays just like his brother Eric. He’s a versatile safety who can drop down into the box in the nickel package, a formation the Eagles frequent. His versatility may entice the Eagles at pick 32.
S Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
Harrison lacks great coverage ability, but he is a fast safety who hits hard. The Eagles could grab Harrison in the early second round and groom him behind Malcolm Jenkins.
TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota St.
Goedert is a large target who would fill in as tight end depth behind Zach Ertz. He has ideal size and speed for a receiving tight end. He was decent in run blocking, but he never faced any top-tier pass rushers.
TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
Gesicki is similar to Goedert, but he is a superior vertical threat who can go up and get the ball. He had some great catches during his college career, but he is extremely behind in run blocking.
TE Hayden Hurst, USCar
A balanced, reliable prospect, Hurst is a capable run-blocker and an athletic target. His biggest negative is that he will be 25 years old by opening day.
WR D.J Moore, Maryland
Moore is an open-field playmaker with good size and speed. A lot of his production at Maryland came on extending simple routes. He could join Alshon Jeffery on the outside of the offense.
Just The Phacts 