Eagles Mock Draft: 5 first-round targets for Philadelphia

Eagles 2022 draft prospect Adam Anderson

You’ve heard this so much that it’s gotten annoying, but for the sake of argument, let’s revisit this just one more time. As you’re well aware, the Philadelphia Eagles have developed a reputation for placing minimal interest in beefing up their linebacker corps.

Yes, for the 1,000th time, here comes the obligatory ‘the Philadelphia Eagles haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first round of any NFL Draft since 1979’ line. That was Jerry Robinson out of UCLA, so sure, the belief that Philly undervalues the position is an understandable one, but here’s something else to make note of.

The Philadelphia Eagles have never had three first-round draft choices in any draft either. Might this be the year that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calls the name of a linebacker on behalf of the Birds and hugs him?

Adam Anderson of the Georgia Bulldogs is a stud, but he’s more of the outside linebacker variety and more of a pass rusher than a linebacker that can cover. Penn State’s Brandon Smith can play inside and outside (and drop into coverage), but If Philadelphia is in love with the idea of adding a presence at inside linebacker, Demarvion Overshown from the Texas Longhorns is a nice option.

Some may argue that taking Overshown in the top ten or top 15 is a reach though. He may also want to add some weight to his frame for the next level. We’ll see how he progresses as we move through the draft process.

What can’t be denied is the fact that it’s hard not to fall in love with Adam Anderson. He’s six-foot-four. He tips the scales at 226 pounds, and after UGA’s first six games of the 2021 NCAA football season, he had already racked up 25 tackles and five sacks even though the Dawgs are only using him in a limited fashion. He’s truly going to take off at the next level.