In these weird times, I think I can speak for all football buffs that the NFL draft has been able to keep us somewhat sane. If anything, being locked up at home has allowed me and many others more time to dive into this very important draft class for the Eagles. It can end up going in so many different ways. After running a couple drafts and tweeting some out I finally found one that I believe to be both realistic and ideal. I tweeted out one that had the Birds getting CeeDee Lamb at 21 but it also had Joe Burrow falling to New England at #23 so it didn’t feel right to use it. So without further ado here is my Eagles 2020 mock draft.

The Trade: 

What more of a Howie way to start off this draft than a trade. With all of the top 3 receivers in Ruggs, Jeudy, and Lamb going early it was optimal for Philly to move backward to gather more assets later on. Tennessee picked up the phone and agreed to move up into Philadelphia’s #21 selection 

Eagles trade a 1st rounder (#21) and a 5th (#168) to Tennessee for their 1st  (#29) and their 3rd rounder (#93) 

Round 1 #29 Kenneth Murray LB Oklahoma

If you have been listening to me recently you would know I am a big fan of Kenneth Murray. You solidified the DB spots pretty well in free agency that there is no need to spend a 1st round pick there. It is not a bad idea to do so but it isn’t a necessity. I have been adamant about the need for Linebackers in free agency and the draft and while Jim Schwartz isn’t the biggest fan of them I think Murray can spice things up.

Kenneth Murray still needs to improve his play recognition and playing routes behind him in zone coverage, but his range and explosiveness will be coveted by teams that regularly ask their linebackers to fire forward off the ball and rush the passer.pic.twitter.com/83sbQjdTNL

— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) March 25, 2020

First, he is ridiculously athletic. He has the ability to play off the edge and beat Tackles with a quick rip and get upfield immediately. Kenneth has the unique and special ability to play in the front 4 or as an OLB. I feel he would be a solid replacement for Bradham who could also move up in a 50 formation without hesitation. Murray put up 17 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 4 pass breakups this season. This 6’2 240 LB is a stud who would be absolutely perfect for this defense.  

Round 2 #53 K.J Hamler WR Penn State

Philly so far has a solid track record for going for PSU weapons in the 2nd round. Miles Sanders has paid off beautifully and looks like the clear cut RB of the future, so why not try it again. In a draft loaded with WR’s K.J Hamler is one of the best available after the top 3 are taken. Hamler is FAST, this kid has the speed needed to take his talent to the next level. One of the fastest receivers in college last year, he draws a lot of comparisons to Marquise Brown of the Baltimore Ravens. He has the flexibility to be explosive in the slot and make one man miss and break free, or throw him on the sideline and let him burn his man for a deep throw. 

Penn State's KJ Hamler ran 100 yards in roughly 11 seconds while returning the 2nd-half kickoff—a play that was called back for holding #MICHvsPSU pic.twitter.com/OSA0xV3C2y

— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) October 20, 2019

Hamler, in my opinion, is a great target for Wentz, somebody he can launch the ball to and will have the speed to get there. Also, there is a massive opportunity to learn under Desean Jackson to help build his deep threat ability. I think at this point any person who can catch a football who does not drop it would be a great selection for Philly but Hamler looks like the best of the bunch at this point. Putting up 56 catches for 904 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2019.

Round 3 #93 Matthew Peart OT UConn:

There was a heavy loss at the OT spot this offseason, with Vaitai getting PAID by the Detroit Lions and Jason Peters having yet to return to Philadelphia, there is a glaring lack of depth at the position. With it looking like the Sophomore Andre Dillard stepping into the role and Jordan Mailata becoming the main backup, you need some more depth. In comes UConn’s Matthew Peart. Standing at 6 foot 7, Peart is a physical force right off the bat. 

Matthew Peart has one of the longest wingspans you will find in an offensive lineman. The Connecticut tackle is one of the under the radar guys we’re very interested in. pic.twitter.com/qKmTwO4jxG

— Bears Barroom (@BearsBarroom) January 21, 2020

He also has the important ability to flip between sides of the line of scrimmage, starting at LT in 2016 before switching over to Right Tackle in 2017 and for the rest of his college career. Like mentioned earlier, the depth at both Tackle spots is glaring and being able to add a guy who can provide a backup at both is huge for this team and why it isn’t the prettiest selection, Peart will get the job done.

Round 3 #103 Amik Robertson CB Louisiana Tech:

Although I mentioned above that you don’t need to target a DB early, you still need to go after one in the middle rounds and Amik Robertson is perfect for that. Don’t let his small size fool you. At 5’9 Robertson brings the hit stick and has an innate ability to find the ball. 

Amik Robertson to the 🏠!@LATechFB jumps out to the lead! pic.twitter.com/joNFlgA1Hr

— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) October 12, 2019

Roberston tied the NCAA with most pass breakups in 2019 with 16. He also put up 60 tackles (8 for loss) and 5 interceptions this year also. Roberston brings the swagger with him wherever he goes and carries a chip on his shoulder due to people writing him off for his lack of height. He screams the perfect Philadelphia Corner and would work well with Mills, Slay, and McLeod in that secondary.

Round 4 #127 KJ Hill WR Ohio State:

After taking K.J Hamler the Eagles were not done at the Receiver position going with KJ again, Hill this time. Hill is the All-Time Reception leader at Ohio State University. Standing at 6 foot 195 pounds, he is another deep threat option for Carson Wentz. With it looking like it is going to be a new styled offense in 2020 I expect Philly to go heavy with the Air raid offense and the Patrick Mahomes ideals. So it makes sense for Philadelphia to target speedsters who can break free and make huge plays for the offense.

KJ Hill is so violent and sudden in his route running. Nice set up to carry the initial stem inside, but what allows him to get open is how fluid and efficient that cut was. This is a really good route. pic.twitter.com/J6eV33xnil

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) March 30, 2020

 I just think the words, All-Time Reception Leader just makes you feel confident that he is able to bring the ball in. Clocking in with a 4.6 40 time he has a pure speed that is needed if Philadelphia were to mimic that Kansas offense. Just picture this. Desean and KJ Hill outside, with Hamler in the slot and Ertz on the opposite side with Wentz and Sanders in the backfield. That right there is a deadly group of speed. 

Round 4 #145 John Simpson OG Clemson

You can never go wrong with taking Offensive Line depth in the draft, and I think the Eagles are going to double dip this year taking both Guard and Tackle. Simpson had a stand out year with the Tigers, Simpson is a durable player, having started 29 out of 30 games his Junior and Senior seasons. Being a key piece in protecting star Trevor Lawerence, I think the lack of hearing about the Tigers offensive line is a good sign. If Brooks were to go down again I feel Simpson could provide a nice stop-gap and develop into a really good player. Also, did I mention he can score? 

𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 2019

Starting left guard #74 John Simpson turned his dream into a reality when he took the handoff and scored on a rushing touchdown at NC State.

…He got that bread.#ALLIN pic.twitter.com/zZ8wfqk8HX

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 31, 2019

Round 4 #146 Anfernee Jennings DE Alabama

Continuing the trend of double-dipping Anfernee Jennings out of Bama is a solid mid-round Edge to pick up. The Eagles have had success taking these types of players and proving to be serviceable rotation pieces like Josh Sweat. Being a captain for Alabama in 2019 Jennings has been solid setting the edge for the Crimson Tide. Always being able to stout Tight Ends and make sure nobody gets to the outside of him. Like Murray, he is also able to eventually move out to Linebacker but I do not think that he is there quite yet. 

Alabama OLB Anfernee Jennings is one of the most technically sound players I've watched in the draft. Not flashy but steady player with great hand use and football IQ.

RDE here. Peeks inside to find the RB, gets outside arm free to secure edge, sheds block, makes tackle. pic.twitter.com/Ix3XLrZXZp

— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) March 31, 2020

While Murray was a speedster Jennings is more of a strongman off the edge and more traditional in his playstyle. Overall I think he would fit well in the Edge rotation as the interior guys are already loaded with Cox, Jackson, and Hargrave.

Round 6 #190 Joshua Kelley RB UCLA:

With their final selection of the draft, I think the Eagles go after a Running Back. Victor mentioned some possible free agency options which I will link here, I think they will target someone who can provide you a few touches but if 2019 taught us anything, it is that you can’t have enough depth. Losing Jay Ajayi and Jordan Howard was expected but still left a hole to fill which I think a late guy like Kelley helps with. 

Former UCLA running back Joshua Kelley put up 23 reps on the bench at the #NFLCombine. pic.twitter.com/tg0uN3Aiug

— Annenberg Media Sports (@ANNMediaSports) February 27, 2020

Coming out of UCLA coached by everyone’s favorite NFL coach ever Chip Kelly, despite not really being his type of running back. Kelley is more of a north-south strength back and gets bruised up a lot. Running a 4.5 40 time, he has some speed but strength is where he earns his money. Being a 2nd-team all PAC RB in 2019, he had his best season in 2018 putting up over 1,200 yards rushing and 5.5 YPC. You are looking for a guy who can just do the basics and be able to be put in if the time were to arise at this spot and I feel Kelley can be that guy for you.