Philadelphia Eagles way-too-early first-round 2022 mock draft

A difference-maker lands with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kayvon Thibodeaux is almost a lock for the first overall pick. A strong case could be made for Derek Stingley Jr. here and as an avid LSU fan, I would be ecstatic; however, Kyle Hamilton is the right choice.

After the 2021 NFL Draft, I did a way-too-early 2022 mock draft. While Stingley was mocked to the Birds first, Hamilton was also in the same conversation. Through seven weeks of the college football season, it’s become easier to value Hamilton tremendously. It’s not that this wasn’t easy to do last season, but this year, his film has blown everyone away.

At six-foot-four and 219 pounds, Hamilton can flat out fly. Most would say it’s not worth taking a safety this early on, but Hamilton is a jack of all trades thanks to his athleticism at his size.

Jonathan Gannon can confidently ask Hamilton to successfully do any task this defense needs him to whether it’s playing at the line, off the edge, in the box, in the slot, in single-high, or two-high.

Earlier this year, he covered a lot of ground on a sweep and made a textbook tackle on a crucial 4th-and-1 stop versus Purdue. An even better demonstration of his athletic ability came on his second interception of the game versus Florida State.

Combine that athleticism with his eye discipline, football IQ, special teams ability, and overall character, and we might be talking about a top-3 pick. He checks all of the boxes and has earned the right to be the first top-10 safety since Jamal Adams.

Safety is a pressing need for the Birds, and so is the cornerback position. That’s why Philly takes one of those with their second selection.