Eagles midseason 2022 NFL mock draft: Bolstering Philadelphia’s defense

The Philadelphia Eagles take a shot at their future with a leader from the other side of the state.

Round 2, Pick 40

Passing on a QB in the 1st round could prove to be risky for the Philadelphia Eagles, but if Kenny Pickett is available at pick 40, he’s worth the gamble.

Pickett is six-foot-two and 220 pounds, an optimal size for a QB, but traits shared by both Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts shine through in Pickett’s game. He mixes his ground game and air attack well, and he is on track to lead Pitt to their highest win percentage since 1977.

Pickett can both escape the pocket and do work with his legs. He can also air the ball out, something that Hurts struggles with.

Pickett also shows experience with footwork and stance, another weakness of Hurts’. Overall, while Pickett does have much to improve on, he will be stiff competition for Hurts and has the possibility of being the Eagles’ franchise QB.

Round 3, Pick 71

The Eagles addressed the secondary early in this draft, so with this pick, they select a very athletic player in linebacker Owen Pappoe. While he isn’t the most established linebacker in the draft, he is one of the best athletes in the class and has a high potential to improve.

His length can prove useful in coverage and his speed can help him get around blocks in blitz packages. However, his strength could improve, which is what holds him back from being a better prospect. If Pappoe can work on his strength and ability to break through blocks, he can become a talented young linebacker and shock the league.

Heading into Day 3, the Philadelphia Eagles find athletic prospects and depth players.

Round 4 Pick 110

Thomas is going to garner so much attention during the pre-draft process, it’d be surprising if he was still projected as an early pick on Day 3 when the draft rolls around. He’s ruthless.

At six-foot-five and 267 pounds, his size alone shows that he has the potential to be a physical threat if he can put on a few pounds. Isaiah Thomas has played off the edge and on the interior this season and has the elusiveness to do so. He does have an off-field issue right now with a larceny charge, but overall, he can be a starter on the defensive line.

Round 5, Pick 147 (via WAS)

With the departure of Zach Ertz, the depth of tight ends behind Dallas Goedert is slim: Jack Stoll, Tyree Jackson, and Jason Croom.

Lucas Krull has the opportunity to walk into the Eagles organization and immediately occupy the second spot on the depth chart which is important.

Their playbook usually utilizes a two-tight-end set. Krull is six-foot-seven and 257 pounds, which is a perfect fit for the Eagles as they lack in size right now.

This is Krull’s first year at Pittsburgh, and he already has five touchdowns on the season. A familiar face could also benefit Kenny Pickett if he were to start, and Krull most certainly provides that.

Round 5, Pick 149

Wait, haven’t we seen this before? An offensive lineman who started as an Australian rugby player? Daniel Faalele already had offers from many top schools before even playing a snap of football.

While he would need some conditioning, he is very similar to Jordan Mailata, in that he is big in size, but elusive in nature while blocking. He also usually plays right tackle, which means he would sit behind Lane Johnson until he decides to hang up the cleats. Hey, it worked once. Why not try it again?

Round 5, Pick 174 (via ARI)

Keondre Coburn, if available in the fifth round, would be a steal. At six-foot-two and 348 pounds, he’s built like a defensive tackle and could make his way into the rotation if drafted.

He has the force to penetrate the offensive line and has a proficient run defense. Coburn is expected to move up on the draft boards before late April, but if he stays put, the Philadelphia Eagles could have a sleeper on their hands.