The 2nd Round of the NFL Draft is where the Eagles can really shine
We made it through the first round of the NFL draft. Twitter scouts have gone silent – mainly because they stopped doing research outside of the sexy 1st round options. Now, we’re left with hate and ridiculous comments about the decision made by Howie Roseman to draft Jalen Reagor 21st overall.
Those comments are wrong, of course. Jalen Reagor is the perfect fit for an Eagles offense. If you paid attention, Howie and the gang in the front office made it clear all off-season, that speed was the number one priority.
The second round begins tonight at 7pm. If it goes anything like last night, the first pick of the round should come before midnight. Historically, the 2nd round is where the Eagles have found most of their success.
Just looking at 2nd round picks from the Eagles in the past, you’ll find household names such as DeSean Jackson, Brian Dawkins, Zach Ertz, and LeSean McCoy.
Want some more? How about Randall Cunningham, Bobby Taylor, Charlie Garner, Michael Lewis, and a cornerback by the name of Eric Allen.
More recently, Dallas Goedert and Miles Sanders were also second round picks.
The Eagles will have a better chance at finding their star in this year’s draft at pick 53 than in the 1st round last night. Although, I truly believe that Reagor will turn out to be a massive playmaker for the Eagles offense.
I’m hoping the Eagles turn to the defensive side of the football in round 2 – before revisiting the WR position to find someone to compliment Jalen Reagor. After pick 53 – there should still be some solid WR options on board. We outlined those options here. I’m 100% in the Van Jefferson camp.
Assuming the Eagles stay put at 53, below is who I’m currently looking at in the 2nd Round. Before everyone freaks out – I took the descriptions of each player directly from their NFL.com draft profiles. After running through who’s still available, I decided these are the three I’m hoping we target tonight.
Malik Harrison, OLB Ohio State
Long-legged, loose-hipped linebacker with desired combination of size, physicality and range to help ruin the running game for teams needing linebacker help. His constant downhill mode disrupts blocking schemes and brings impact tackles, but it can be used against him with play-action and misdirection. The instincts are just average but his physical traits even it out on most snaps. He has some coverage limitations but can pressure the pocket as a blitzer and has the athleticism to spy mobile quarterbacks. He’s big and tough with the potential to become a good starter inside or as a 4-3 strong-side linebacker.
Xavier McKinney, S Alabama
Ascending safety prospect offering a combination of plus athleticism, field awareness and versatility. McKinney split time equally at slot, free safety and in the box and is accomplished in each. His coverage instincts, athleticism and quick-twitch burst are more cornerback than safety, which is why he’s likely to be a coveted toy for teams looking to upgrade and diversify their sub-packages. He can sit in center field all day if needed, and he’s an adequate open-field tackler but has room for improvement in that area. McKinney represents the new breed of versatile, matchup safety with high upside as an early starter.
Grant Delpit, S LSU
Aggressive, urgent striker with good upside who posted a disappointing follow-up to an exciting 2018 campaign. His evaluation requires a full load of 2018 tape, where his coverage potential was better illustrated. He transitions with instinctive eyes and plays physically against tight ends. Willingness to rush in and hit has never been a problem in the alley or in his fits, but tackle inconsistencies have plagued him throughout his career due to angles and technique that could be challenging to fix. LSU sources say NFL teams won’t be getting the alpha leadership Jamal Adams provided for the Tigers, but Delpit should find a starting role early in his career as a versatile safety with big nickel potential.
The only screw that could change my mind in the 2nd, would be if Penn State Wide Receiver KJ Hamler is still on the board. Although I highly doubt that Howie would draft another small, speedy WR – if he’s the best available, I wouldn’t mind snagging him at 53.
Really hoping we go defense Round 2 then revisit 1 of 4 WR’s here in Round 3. But like everyone else, all we can do is sit back and enjoy some live-sports related content.
