Philadelphia, PA—The 2022 NFL Draft begins Thursday night, and GM Howie Roseman is keeping his options open, the Eagles have two picks in Round 1, 10 picks overall, another two first-rounders in 2023, and two second-round picks in 2024.
In the first eight weeks, Philadelphia ranked second with 29.3 points per game and 388 yards per game. They were first in rushing yards per game with 214.4, and also they lead all of football in explosive plays. But in the latter part of the season, the Eagles had problems scoring in the red zone. The Birds have to improve in five areas (Edge Rusher, Linebacker, Corner, Defensive Tackle, and Wide Receiver).
Jalen Hurt
The Eagles need another quality receiver opposite Devonta Smith to open the middle of the field. On too many occasions, Jalen Hurt had to wait for receivers to get open. Philly has two picks in the first round (15th & 18th), more likely they will select one with the first two picks in the round. Wide Receivers Kevin Austin Jr. from Notre Dame and Baylor Tyquan Thornton are very high on the Eagles’ draft boards. Other viable options for the Birds—- Drake London, Jameson Williams, and Chris Olave are also mid-first options.
In 2021 the Eagles controlled the line of scrimmage, they controlled the time of possession, they played balanced and physical football, and they did it behind an offensive line that was among the league’s best. Philadelphia beat teams on the line of scrimmage and fueled a rushing attack that averaged 153.4 yards per game, second best in the NFL and only 3.4 yards per game behind then first-place Cleveland Browns. The Eagles averaged 217.5 rushing yards per game in the last four weeks of the season, three of them wins.
Edge Rusher
The Birds is coming off a season in which it had the second-worst sack rate in the league. Philly have addressed their woes by acquiring Haason Reddick in free agency and signing Josh Sweat to a long-term deal, but still need another bona-fide pass-rusher to create havoc. Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson II would be ideal at 15, but Georgia Nakobe Dean could warrant some consideration as well.
LineBacker
Philadelphia 2022 Draft Order
| Round | Pick | Overall | Notes |
| 1 | 15 | 15 | From Dolphins |
| 1 | 18 | 18 | From Saints |
| 2 | 19 | 51 | |
| 3 | 18 | 83 | |
| 3 | 37 | 101 | From Saints (special compensatory selection) |
| 4 | 19 | 124 | |
| 5 | 11 | 154 | From Commanders |
| 5 | 19 | 162 | |
| 5 | 23 | 166 | From Cardinals |
| 7 | 16 | 237 | From Saints |
Corner
The Eagles are in desperate need of a press/zone combo corner with good size and length, Clemson Andrew Booth Jr. plays with an urgent, competitive nature. He has the strength, balance, and foot agility to press and slow the release. But the downsize, he lacks NFL experience so it will be a wait and see project.
The Birds need a solid lock down corner opposite of Darius Slay. They also, need a ball hawk on the back end. They are hoping by drafting Booth, they resolve the corner issues. Also, CB Alontae Taylor from Tennessee could be a solution for the Eagles, he is wiry strong and thrives on physicality. Philly is hoping that LSU corner Derek Stingley JR. fall into their lap at 15.
