NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Experts can't get a read on the Eagles ahead of free agency

With Jason Kelce officially announcing his retirement, it's been a tough week for Philadelphia Eagles fans. Following a disappointing end to the 2023 season, it was clear that a few glaring needs must be addressed, and we can officially add one more to the list.

Long before the decisions to further thin out their secondary by releasing Kevin Byard and Avonte Maddox, the Eagles had a severe need to improve their pass coverage. Because of this, it has been easy to pencil in a cornerback to Philly with the 22nd overall pick.

Following the NFL Combine, those interests haven't changed. But draft experts don't all agree on where Philadelphia could go in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Here's the latest Eagles mock draft roundup.

Charles Davis, NFL.com: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

Haason Reddick wasn't quite as dominant for the Eagles last year as he was in 2022, but the same can be said for most of the defenders on their roster. Still, with Reddick and Josh Sweat, it's safe to say that there are bigger needs on the roster than edge defender. That doesn't stop Charles Davis from mocking Chop Robinson to the Eagles at pick 22. The explosive pass-rush specialist would give this team a spark and greatly improve the depth at the position.

Jordan Reid, ESPN: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are still locked up for the foreseeable future, so unloading a first-round pick on an offensive tackle seems like an interesting move. However, we know that Howie Roseman places a premium on the trenches, and Tyler Guyton is a player they could start developing behind Johnson at right tackle. Guyton didn't do much to set himself apart from a strong OT group at the NFL Combine, but the upside is there.

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

If the Eagles have issues at multiple spots in their secondary, why not draft a player who can excel at every position on the backend of the defense? Cooper DeJean took most of his snaps at outside cornerback during his career at Iowa, but he can cover the slot and play safety as well. DeJean is coming off a fractured fibula, but he is expected to work out for teams before the draft.

Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

A year ago at this time, many draft experts thought that Kool-Aid McKinstry could be one of the top picks in the draft. That has since changed, and the Alabama cornerback could see a slide on draft day. During medical evaluations at the NFL Combine, it was discovered that McKinstry is dealing with a Jones fracture in his right foot. His draft stock may have fallen, but the Eagles could use that to their advantage.

Will Brinson, CBS Sports: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Will Brinson of CBS Sports also has the Eagles rolling the dice on McKinstry in the first round of his latest NFL mock draft. McKinstry has good enough traits to be a long-term starting quarterback in the NFL. He comes at a premium position that happens to be a huge area of need for Philadelphia.