Eagles double-dip on defense in Daniel Jeremiah’s most recent NFL mock draft
Mock Draft SZN is just the best. Nothing but rampant – usually ridiculous – speculation about the upcoming NFL Draft. Given the fact that the Eagles have two first-round picks to play with this year, the possibilities for these mock drafts are endless.
One of the few pundits who actually knows how the draft room works is NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. He spent time working in the Eagles front office as a scout from 2010-’12, so he knows a thing or two about how this team operates and values talent.
In his most recent mock draft, Jeremiah has the Eagles going all-in on defense with their two first-rounders (10th, 30th overall).
At tenth overall, he has the Eagles selecting Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon. His reasoning:
“An edge rusher wouldn’t surprise me here, but I think Witherspoon is the best corner in the draft. He reminds me a lot of former Eagles Pro Bowler Asante Samuel.”
The next Asante Samuel? I’m sold.
Philadelphia is likely going to lose James Bradberry to free agency this offseason and Darius Slay will be 32 years old entering next season. They need an injection of youth in their cornerback room and Witherspoon fits the bill.
Per Pro Football Focus, Witherspoon is sixth on their big board and the highest-rated cornerback in this year’s class. He earned a 92.0 defensive grade in 2022. His 92.5 coverage grade was the best of any FBS cornerback this past season. PFF even uses Slay as his pro comparison.
Witherspoon also brings a level of physicality to the field that’s rare for corners in today’s NFL.
Down at 30th overall, Jeremiah once again goes defense for the Eagles. This time, he believes Howie Roseman will look to bolster his pass rush with Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah. His reasoning:
“The way the Eagles do business, I’d be shocked if they left the first round without an offensive or defensive lineman.“
Pretty cut and dry reasoning from Jeremiah here. Philadelphia is always looking to add depth to their defensive line and even though they led the league in sacks in 2022, it won’t change their approach in the trenches.
PFF currently has a second-round grade on Anudike-Uzomah, writing, “Anudike-Uzomah has really easy tape to project to the next level. He’s one of the higher-floor pass-rushers in the class.” He notched eight sacks and 29 hurries in 2022.
More on the Eagles
- Eagles Outlook: PFF predicts several pending free agents will play elsewhere in 2023
- Miles Sanders posts Instagram Story yet again, expressing his interest to say in Philadelphia
- NFL Rumors: Eagles among top teams to land star running back during offseason
Listen to the most recent episode of Grease the Poles
Jonathan Gannon Aftermath, Reluctantly Putting Our Faith in the 76ers, Unhinged TLL Commenter – Grease the Poles
Mandatory Credit: Illinois Athletics
