Less than two weeks ago, the Philadelphia Eagles completed a mega trade, ensuring they would have first-round picks this year and next. The trade gave the New Orleans Saints two 2022 first-round picks (No. 16 and No. 19) and a 2022 sixth-round pick (No. 194). In exchange, the Eagles received a 2022 first-round pick (No. 18), a 2022 third-round selection (No. 101), a seventh-round pick (No. 237), as well as a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round selection.
Philadelphia Eagles 2022 NFL Draft Picks
The Eagles current draft picks include the following:
- Round 1 — No. 15 (from Miami)
- Round 1 — No. 18 (from New Orleans)
- Round 2 — No. 51
- Round 3 — No. 83
- Round 3 — No. 101 (from New Orleans)
- Round 4 — No. 124
- Round 5 — No. 154 (from Washington)
- Round 7 — No. 237 (from New Orleans)
Now, with the 2022 NFL Draft a little more than a week away, the Eagles will look to continue their “rebuild” around quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts will be entering his second season as a starter. Despite the Eagles making the playoffs during the 2021 season, the 23-year-old struggled in the pocket.
This offseason, Hurts has been training in Southern California and as the Eagles search to supply him with support, the team is in need of a wide receiver… again. Additionally, the secondary and linebacker positions will be Howie Roseman’s top priority.
With two first-round picks, below are five possible NFL draft prospects that the Philadelphia Eagles may select.
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS
Wide Receiver, Drake London — USC
Drake London is ranked 11th, according to Pro Football Focus, therefore, he may not be around by the time the Eagles get their selection at No. 18. However, his last season ended at USC with a broken ankle, preventing him from running at the NFL Combine which may make other teams weary.
Prior to his injury, he completed 88 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games. As a previous basketball player, his hands work well. Drake has body control and he’s nimble, making him a good match for DeVonta Smith who proved to be a worthy first-round pick last season.
The Eagles had five wide receivers on their active roster last season and thus far, there are only two locks — Smith and Quez Watkins. The Eagles signed Greg Ward and most recently Zach Pascal, however, Jalen Reagor may be traded and it’s unlikely J.J. Arcega-Whiteside will receive another Eagles’ contract. London would be a solid option.
Wide Receiver, Jameson Williams — Alabama
Pro Football Focus ranked Jameson Williams at No. 16 due to his insane speed. The wide receiver began his collegiate career at Ohio State before transferring to Alabama. During his season with the Crimson Tide, Williams completed 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns.
During the National Championship game, he tore his ACL. If he’s ahead of schedule to return, Williams would be ideal on the offense.
Safety, Kyle Hamilton — Notre Dame
This is a stretch. Kyle Hamilton is ranked No. 2, according to Pro Football Focus. However, come Thursday, he could land outside the Top 10 after a 4.6-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. It’s also possible that Howie Roseman trades up again, similar to last year’s draft.
The Eagles need help in their secondary. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Hamilton is a hybrid defender.
The New York Giants may also be interested in Hamilton and have two picks ahead of the Eagles (No. 5 and No. 7).
Cornerback, Trent McDuffie — Washington
The Eagles need a cornerback to pair with Darius Slay, especially after Steven Nelson signed with the Houston Texans. Though McDuffie is small (at 5-foot-11), his collegiate play was impressive. Last season, he was named to All-Pac-12 first team. He allowed only 16 catches from 36 targets for 111 yards with no scores and five pass breakups.
Wide Receiver, Chris Olave — Ohio State
This year’s draft class is wide receiver-heavy. The Eagles have selected a wide receiver in the first round in 2020 and 2021, and it’s certainly possible they do it a third time.
Pro Football Focus ranked Chris Olave No. 21. During his career at Ohio State, he completed 176 receptions for 2,711 yards and 36 touchdowns in 38 games. He’s consistent down the field and has impeccable boundary awareness. Olave has the third-lowest career drop rate (4.7%) among 2022 prospects and will certainly be an upgrade in the Eagles’ wide receiver position.
The 2022 NFL Draft begins next Thursday, April 28. It will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
