2020 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles 7-Round Mock Draft

[Editor’s Note: Version 1.0 below was originally published on February 19]

Somehow, someway, the Philadelphia Eagles and their battered, beaten roster stumbled into a home playoff game. It was a season filled with injuries, especially for the offense, culminating in Carson Wentz’s wildcard exit. While the injuries dwindled the Eagles’ chances in real-time, they also opened a window into the depth of the roster, and where improvements must be made going forward. Howie Roseman can go in a few different directions this year, as an injury-riddled, but the semi-successful season could lead to a “run it back” campaign, but another year without a championship could spurn more significant changes. Let’s take a look at how this Eagles’ offseason may commence with a 7-round mock draft.

Team Needs

On the offensive side of the ball, a cast of stars leads the way. Wentz is the real deal and enough to take this team to the promised land, but Josh McCown’s retirement results in a need at backup quarterback. Miles Sanders is set to be the running back of the (near) future but a complementary back or general depth may be considered.

Wide receiver is a glaring need as Alshon Jeffery’s age has reared its head, Nelson Agholor has been all but run out of town, DeSean Jackson is talented but limited, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside did not take the necessary steps in his development during his rookie year. Greg Ward and Robert Davis may have done enough to lock down spots as depth receivers but improvements will be made in the WR room.

Andre Dillard is set to take over for Jason Peters once he calls it quits but, on the interior offensive line, left guard remains a need and Jason Kelce has seen regression. If one thing stands out, on either side of the ball, it is a need for speed on the perimeter.

Furthermore, the Eagles’ defense certainly saw its ups and downs this year, particularly split along stadium lines. At home, the Eagles defense looked exponentially better. Nate Gerry battled injury but rightfully struggled at off-ball linebacker.

Derek Barnett has not lived up to his draft capital, opening up room for an additional EDGE rusher. Both safety and cornerback help is necessary, as the aforementioned lack of athleticism burned Philadelphia last year. 

Subsequently, it makes sense to separate these needs into tiers, where they can be interchangeable, yet still provide some semblance of order. Tier 1 needs are paramount to be addressed, Tier 2 needs demand consideration, and Tier 3 needs would appreciate the upgrade, but don’t require the attention of the prior tiers.

Tier 1: Wide Receiver, cornerback, linebacker, interior offensive line
Tier 2: Quarterback (backup), safety, EDGE rusher, running back
Tier 3: Tight End, offensive tackle, interior defensive line

Philadelphia Eagles 7-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 21: Jeff Gladney, CB TCU

Jeff Gladney has risen up draft boards in recent months to a point where he may finish as the class’ second-best cornerback. Gladney provides near-elite athleticism, and a blend of physicality, ball skills, and coverage chops that teams will swoon over. He is more proficient in zone than man, but a threat to create turnovers in either one. He possesses quick feet and enough functional strength to make an impact against the run. The TCU product can make an impact for the Eagles immediately on the outside.

Gladney’s speed is something that can have a ripple effect across the Philadelphia defense. A potential top-15 player in this class, Gladney has the upside to compete with opponents’ top targets. By having skills at the catch point, along with impressive athleticism, safety help can be less stressed or more focused on particular weaknesses. While Laviska Shenault Jr., C.J. Henderson, and Justin Jefferson were all considered, Gladney’s upside and a well-rounded blend of traits make the most sense at 21.

Round 2, Pick 53: K.J. Hamler, WR Penn State

K.J. Hamler may not have the name value of a Henry Ruggs III or CeeDee Lamb, but in terms of electric athletic profiles, Hamler has a seat at the table. He can make a living both in the slot and outside due to his seemingly overwhelming speed. He can make plays at every level of the field, starting behind the line of scrimmage. He offers a vertical threat and after the catch abilities that were not on the roster last season.

A field stretcher opens up opportunities for the best tight end room in football, as well as less athletic wide receivers and a multitude of passing concepts. There’s no guarantee he walks into the room as the best receiver, but his athleticism is enough to supplant him as a primary snap-getter.

The Penn State product is only going to make Wentz’s job more manageable, and assuming Arcega-Whiteside pans out, presents a cheap, dangerous duo for the future. A Tier 1 need, wide receiver is a glaring hole on the depth chart, and Hamler can step in and solve a lot of problems plaguing the Eagles’ offense. Even with J.K. Dobbins, Robert Hunt, and Kyle Dugger available, Hamler’s upside and day one readiness lead to his selection.

Round 3, Pick 85: Alton Robinson, EDGE Syracuse

I was low on Alton Robinson heading into the year. Thankfully, development as a pass rusher has raised his draft capital and revealed the upside of a starting 4-3 defensive end. It may take some time to get there, but he can certainly step in as a rotational piece, potentially acting as an eventual Barnett replacement. He does not require the level of investment that many quality edge rushers do, in part due to off-field concerns.

Robinson is a developmental piece, but a limited impact can still be seen for year one, helping a defense that, at times, struggled to create consistent pressure, specifically while sending four. Hunter Bryant, Troy Dye, and Matt Peart were all considered here, but Robinson presents a favorable schematic fit at a valuable position.

Round 4, Pick 117: Ben Bredeson, IOL Michigan

Ben Bredeson is a mauler and one of the top interior linemen in this class. His heavy hands and ability to dominate opponents with his play strength lands him rather high on my board. He can start day one at left guard, but the jury is still out on whether or not he can eventually start at center. At worst, he is a quality depth guard, but it is more likely he ends up as an average starter at left guard. Anfernee Jennings, John Simpson, and Gabriel Davis were left on the board, but none have the immediate ability to make an impact like Bredeson.

Round 5, Pick 148: Antonio Gibson, RB/WR Memphis

Antonio Gibson presents a compelling case of untapped potential and college production, but a lack of a position could hurt his stock. Gibson has a fun athletic profile and can use speed, agility, and strength to break tackles and big plays. His history as a receiver will result in third-down upside and opportunities to garner creative play calls.

He is far from a finished product, but there aren’t many players more entertaining than Gibson, at any position. He presents improvements to depth at multiple positions and a potential mismatch opportunity as well. For those reasons, I took him over the likes of Devin Duvernay, Devin Woodward, and J.R. Reed.

Round 5, Pick 150: Anthony Gordon, QB Washington State

Anthony Gordon hails from the famous Air-Raid scheme, which may raise questions for future development. However, Doug Pederson’s history under Andy Reid leads me to believe he can reign in Gordon in a Mahomes-like fashion. The arm talent is undeniable, and he can make plays off script, but he presents questionable intangibles and a bad habit of literally standing still in the pocket.

In the event that Wentz finds himself hurt again, this roster is still good enough to compete. Gordon’s talent should not limit the playbook and keep the offense rolling, even though a clear drop off remains. His ability to keep the offense on schedule in a potentially-catastrophic situation gives him an advantage over Shaquille Quarterman, Jauan Jennings, and Lamar Jackson.

Round 6, Pick 170: Justin Strnad, LB Wake Forest

The final pick in this mock covers a Tier 1 need with a heavy dose of athleticism. He can play sub-linebacker or start as a Will backer for a defense that lacks his speed. He presents some concerns as a run defender and consistent play in general, but his coverage chops can aid a defense that so sorely missed quality coverage linebackers.

He may not start after free agency, but he’ll earn snaps and make an impact with his playing time, being able to carry athletic tight ends and running backs out of the backfield without an issue. Thus, he wins out over Harrison Bryant, Benito Jones, and Colby Parkinson.