Eagles Draft: Day Two players to focus on as Howie continues his offseason rampage
Day One of the NFL Draft could not have gone better for the Eagles.
Howie patiently waited out the flurry of offensive players taken and had his choice of selecting their top defensive prospect, Quinyon Mitchell.
With a record-setting number of offensive players drafted last night, there may be a return to the norm as more teams look toward the other side of the ball. Luckily, the Eagles need another wide receiver, and this draft class brings excellent depth on Day Two of the NFL Draft. Besides wide receiver, depth on the offensive line, safety, linebacker, and edge rushers all remain needs for the Eagles.
Currently, they own picks #50 and #53 in the second round with zero third-round picks. One of the picks in the 50s will be traded for more draft capital, while the Eagles could make a move to get back in the third round if the circumstances are right.
Quinyon Mitchell is an NFL-ready shutdown cornerback who can play both outside and in the slot. Additionally, Isiah Rogers Sr and Avonte Maddox’s return makes James Bradberry’s roster spot inconclusive despite Howie’s public backing of him.
Eagles Draft Watch: Rounds 2-3
1. DB Javon Bullard, Georgia (5-11, 198 lbs)
Another Georgia Bulldog heads to the Eagles in this double-dip secondary scenario. Bullard, a standout in the slot for Georgia’s 2022 championship playoff run, showcased his complete skillset by earning defensive MVP honors in both bowl games. His confidence in press coverage and effectiveness against the run combine for a dream prospect in Vic Fangio’s defense.
Moving from his usual slot cornerback role to safety last season, Bullard showed off another aspect of his game with his play recognition and burst to the ball, resulting in five interceptions. His “shot out of a cannon” playstyle and versatility make him a tantalizing prospect if he falls into Howie’s range.
2. WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky (5-11, 210 lbs)
One of the more fascinating receiver prospects comes from the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky. Corley spent two seasons as a running back before finding his stride as a wide receiver. While still very raw in terms of his release, route tree, and footwork, Malachi is like the bullet power-up in Mario Kart in open space.
It’s catch him if you can when Corley gets the ball, as he ranked first in college football with 330 screen yards. The Eagles met with the Western Kentucky prospect after his pro day, and he also has the backing of Steve Smith Sr as a potential “steal of the draft.”
3. LB Junior Colson, Michigan (6-2, 238 lbs)
I get it: “The Eagles don’t focus on linebackers early in the draft.” But with none selected yet, Howie might score big once again if one of the top off-ball linebackers falls on Day Two. Colson grew up in Haiti playing soccer before moving to the US. He was a natural talent at football, earning a four-start recruit rank in high school, playing for the first time.
At Michigan, he started 36 of 41 games, showcasing solid discipline, strength, and reliability against the run. His pre-snap communication and play recognition are impressive, plus he has a good feel in coverage. Considering Payton Wilson’s injury-riddled past, Junior Colson seems like the safer bet if Howie were to do the unthinkable in the second round.
4. EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan (6-3, 275 lbs)
Like Malachi Corley, people will criticize the lack of competition Kneeland faced in college. But when you absolutely dominate every other player at that level, there must be another level an athlete like Marshawn Kneeland can reach. His unique frame and arm length made the bull-rush his bread-and-butter in college but mixed in some gap-shooting ability with his quick burst.
It’s clear watching film that Kneeland was by far the best athlete on the field, running over any blocker who dared to get in his path on the way to the ball. He needs to add more pass-rush moves to his arsenal, but Marshawn is a monster in run defense with an NFL-ready frame, “Juggernaut mentality,” and raw athleticism to mold into a rotational pass rusher at worst.
5. IOL Mason McCormick, South Dakota State (6-4, 309 lbs)
Another player who will be criticized for the level of competition he played against, Mason McCormick, is the perfect mold to become a plug-and-play right guard after graduating from Jeff Stoutland University. Eagles assistant offensive line coach TJ Pagnetti led his pro day workout, so the front office should have a good idea of who they’re getting as competition for the starting right guard spot.
McCormick enters the NFL after 57 consecutive starts at South Dakota State and was the captain of the Jackrabbits for three seasons. Mason has a play-through-the-whistle mentality and is a mauler in the run game, allowing only two sacks in his collegiate career. Don’t let his size fool you; his athleticism score at the combine ranked 2nd among all guards.
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