Eagles 2022 first-round NFL mock draft: Philadelphia bolsters its defense
16. player. 811. . EDGE. Wolverines . David Ojabo
The Eagles get a nice consolation prize with David Ojabo at pick 16.
In a perfect world, the Eagles would wind up with one of the premier EDGE prospects, but picking at 15 and having their other two first-round choices at 16 and 19 probably disqualifies them from having that happen. It’s hard to imagine scenarios in which the other teams who pick earlier and need pass rushers ignore them.
Guys like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Aidan Hutchinson may not make it past the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants, but you never know, Big Blue needs offensive linemen too. Again, right now, everything is a guess.
What Baltimore does at 14 could decide Philly’s course of direction. Guess what? They need pass rushers too.
The Eagles seem to be interested in kicking the tires on Brandon Graham for one more season. If they do, he helps out a lot, but he’s also getting old, and he’s coming off of an injury. You also have to think about this. Derek Barnett and Ryan Kerrigan are, in all likelihood, out of the door.
That means, past Graham, the Eagles have Tarron Jackson and Josh Sweat. They also have Cameron Malveaux and Matt Leo signed to reserve/future deals. Yep! Taking a defensive end is a good idea. This class has a few, but they may go quickly.
Thibodeaux and Hutchinson will be highly-touted and sought after, and that means the Eagles could decide on Hutchinson’s former teammate, David Ojabo as a consolation prize. The last time Philly took a defensive end from Michigan, things worked out well (Graham).
We’re throwing Ojabo’s name in the hat. He just can’t wear the 55 jersey if he gets here. If he isn’t available, the Eagles should go with George Karlaftis out of Purdue.