Despite no NFL Combine in 2021, it has returned for the 2022 offseason. The week kicked off in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium on Tuesday, March 1, beginning with quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers.
As teams prepare for the NFL Draft, which is now less than two months away, the Philadelphia Eagles have already met with a number of QB and WR prospects.
QUARTERBACK
Going into the 2022 offseason, head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman confirmed Jalen Hurts would be the starting quarterback moving into next season. This week, the statement was affirmed.
“Nothing’s changed. What really has changed for us is the opportunity to add,” Roseman stated. “We got to continue to add good players and make sure we are continuing to do everything we can to maximize our player’s ability to be successful. That certainly starts with the quarterback.”
Though the Eagles aren’t in the running to replace hurts this week, looking for a quarterback is still on the forefront. Gardner Minshew likely won’t be returning to Philadelphia and with ten potential draft picks, a quarterback could be a likely selection.
Mississippi’s Matt Corral confirmed a mini hoops meeting with the Eagles. He completed 67.3% of his passes for 8.287 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in 37 games. As a top-signal caller, Corral has also met with the Broncos, Steelers, and Commanders.
Also asked to shoot a basketball in a mini hoop was North Carolina’s Sam Howell.
Howell said, “That was probably the craziest thing I’ve had to do so far. I only made like two out of five, so probably not high up on their board right now.”
In three years with North Carolina, he finished with 10,283 yards, 92 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. Last season, he rushed for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns. Considered a top quarterback, Howell will likely go in the first or second round. Though the Eagles could make a move on him, Hurts has already solidified himself as a rushing threat.
Philadelphia also met with Liberty University’s Malik Willis and University of Nevada’s Carson Strong.
WIDE RECEIVER
Philadelphia’s wide receiver position needs help.
Last year the Eagles drafted DeVonta Smith in the first round and he quickly proved how much of an asset he could be. Smith completed 916 yards and five touchdowns, breaking DeSean Jackson’s rookie record for the most receiving yards.
The truth is, Smith has little help outside of Quez Watkins who finished with 647 yards. Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside all had under 300 receiving yards this season and have struggled to find their role on the team.
At the combine, Philadelphia met with Treylon Burks, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross, with the top prospects being Drake London and Jameson Williams. London who is out of University of Southern California finished with 88 receptions for 1,084 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2021. As for Williams, his 2021 season with Alabama with 79 receptions for 1,572 receicing yards and 15 touchdowns.
All eyes will be on their 40-yard dash which will increase their draft stock tremendously, especially for the Eagles who are looking to match DeVonta Smith’s speed.
Offensive line and running backs will work out on Friday, March 4, followed by defensive lineman and linebackers on Saturday, March 5. Defensive backs will close out the weekend on Sunday, March 6.
