Eagles mock draft: Philadelphia strikes a deal with Detroit Lions
By Ryan Loftus
The Eagles strengthen themselves on defense during the draft’s second day.
It doesn’t get much better than acquiring someone you valued higher with a lower draft choice. Philly does that two times over on Day 2.
Round 2, Pick 34: David Ojabo, EDGE rusher, Michigan
With only a single pick between the Eagles’ last selection and this one, they take a former top-15 prospect who, due to an unfortunate injury, fell on many draft boards. David Ojabo’s draft stock plummeted after he tore his Achilles during Michigan’s Pro Day and had to be helped off the field by his trainers.
Philly takes him in Round two, banking on him being healed and healthy for the start of the regular season. They get a pass rusher that they likely would have taken in the first round if he never got injured, and while this may seem like a bad pick at first glance, getting a first-round talent at #34 instead of at 15 or 18 has to be seen as a win.
Round 3, Pick 83: Troy Andersen, Linebacker, Montana State
While Montana State is not known for being one of college football’s elite programs, there is one prospect who shone in the 2021 season and is now a projected third-rounder in 2022. His name is Troy Andersen.
He’s very athletic and has played quarterback and running back. He now enters the 2022 NFL Draft as one of the class’s best linebackers. He’s the reigning Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year and an FCS First-Team All-American for the 2021 NCAA season.
Overall, Andersen can play as a coverage linebacker, rush linebacker, and safety. He can also take snaps on offense if need be (hey, it’s a thought). That makes him a versatile weapon that the Eagles should consider.