The Philadelphia Eagles are armed with three first-round picks (15th, 16th, and 19th overall) heading into April’s NFL Draft. With a trio of premium selections and five picks in the first three rounds, the Eagles will be paying close attention to the talent in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine.
NFL Draft prospects the Philadelphia Eagles should be watching
Here are the top 11 prospects the Eagles should keep a close eye on at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Eagles haven’t taken an off-ball linebacker in the first round of the NFL Draft since 1979. But if there was a year to break the streak, it would be this one because of two factors: the linebacker class is very good at the top, and the Eagles have three first-round picks.
Nakobe Dean was a standout for Georgia’s national championship defense, and his mix of rangy athleticism and nasty physicality would make him an ideal complement for starting linebacker T.J. Edwards. The Eagles will probably focus on Dean’s work in position drills over everything else.
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Like Dean, Devin Lloyd is definitely worth consideration with the Eagles’ three first-round picks. A safety-linebacker hybrid, Lloyd is quick, tough, and makes a ton of plays on the ball. Last season alone, Lloyd produced 111 tackles (22 for loss), 7 sacks, 6 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. Lloyd’s 40-yard dash time will be a sight to see.
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson admitted on Wednesday that he grew up an Eagles fan and admired Michael Vick. With the Eagles looking to add weapons to the offense, Wilson could join his childhood squad. Wilson is a quick, dynamic receiver who can complement DeVonta Smith and Quez Watkins. Last season, he caught 70 passes for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also showed off his speed as a runner, picking up 76 yards and a touchdown on 4 carries.
Drake London, WR, USC
If the Eagles are looking for a bigger target at receiver, Drake London could be their guy. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver hovers over defensive backs and actually plays to his size. With Smith and Watkins rotating in the slot and the Z-receiver position, London could be the prototypical X to complete the set. In eight games in 2021, he caught 88 passes for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Like London, Treylon Burks is a big man at the wideout position. Listed as 6-foot-3 and 223 pounds, Burks is a bully to opposing cornerbacks. The Eagles could line him up all over the field to create mismatches. But Burks’ 40-yard dash time will probably factor into where the Eagles will consider selecting him. Last season, as a junior, he put up 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns on 66 catches.
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
With top cornerbacks Ahmad Gardner (Cincinnati) and Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU) sitting out of workouts, Trent McDuffie is the best cornerback expected to run this week. McDuffie is a bit undersized at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, but his speed and physicality could make him an appealing option to replace Steven Nelson, who is an impending free agent.
George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Eagles are expected to address the defensive end position early in the draft. In fact, GM Howie Roseman said he would be surprised if the Eagles didn’t make a big move along the defensive line. George Karlaftis could be the right ingredient to add to the fold of the pass rush. The Eagles will want to pay close attention to his three-cone drill this week.
Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Travon Walker didn’t put up eye-opening numbers in college, but his play on film was hard to ignore. While he’s still a bit raw, he’s an athletic freak who can be utilized in a bunch of different alignments. Like Karlaftis, Walker’s three-cone time is more important than his 40-yard dash.
Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
The Eagles lost Brandon Brooks to retirement last month. And while they are known for developing talented offensive linemen with regularity, adding an ace protector to the fold fits with the Eagles’ long-standing philosophies. Kenyon Green is the best guard in the class, and his workout this week could help land him in Philadelphia at right guard.
Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Jermaine Johnson II was the standout of the Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama, last month. Now, it’s time to show off his athletic ability in Indianapolis. Johnson is one of the bigger risers in the early part of the draft process, and a stellar three-cone drill could push him into the top 15 picks in April. Johnson, a JUCO alum, played at Georgia and FSU during his college career, and now he’s looking to find a permanent home in the NFL.
David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
David Ojabo might be the most appealing player on this list for the Eagles. He’s athletic, productive, and comes from a school that has a strong history with the team. Ojabo, listed as 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, should be able to run a sub-7-second three-cone drill this week, putting him in elite company. He is coming off an 11-sack campaign that also produced 5 forced fumbles. If he’s available at No. 15, he could be the Eagles’ top pick in the draft.
