NEWSLETTER
The Philadelphia Eagles hold the 22nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This Philadelphia Eagles 1st round mock draft has them selecting a position of need instead of adding to a strength. With needs on both sides of the ball, Howie Roseman, known for his aggressive maneuvering, could go several ways. Here’s a look at how the Eagles might address their most pressing need in the first round:
Philadelphia Eagles 1st Round Mock Draft
Don’t miss my full 1st round mock draft where the Eagles land an offensive lineman with the 22nd overall pick. Check it out here!
Selection: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Eagles’ secondary has been a question mark for a while. While Darius Slay remains a solid veteran presence, the other cornerback spot has been a revolving door. Enter Cooper DeJean, a polished and instinctive cornerback from the powerhouse Iowa program. DeJean boasts impressive size (6’1″, 195 lbs) and length, making him a natural fit in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
DeJean excels in press coverage, using his physicality to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. He also possesses good ball skills, with 7 interceptions in his collegiate career. DeJean’s ability to play zone effectively adds another layer to his skillset.
What DeJean Brings to Philly
Pairing DeJean with Slay would instantly give the Eagles one of the better young cornerback duos in the league. DeJean’s ability to handle bigger receivers allows Slay to play to his strengths without needing to constantly adjust coverages. This newfound stability would be a boon for the Eagles’ pass defense, allowing their talented front seven to generate pressure without worry about breakdowns in the secondary.
Other Considerations
Tyler Guyton, OL, Oklahoma: The Eagles have a long-term question mark at right tackle. While Jordan Mailata is entrenched on the left side, Lane Johnson is nearing the end of his career. Guyton is a mauler in the run game and has the athleticism to handle pass rushers in the NFL. However, the Eagles need some help in the secondary big time, so they could opt to go with Dejean here instead.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama: McKinstry is another top cornerback prospect with excellent size and length. His experience in Nick Saban’s Alabama secondary is a plus, but some concerns about his tackling ability could lead the Eagles towards DeJean’s more well-rounded skillset.
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington: Fautanu is a versatile lineman who could play guard or tackle at the next level. The Eagles love versatile linemen who they can develop and continue to give them depth up front.
Philadelphia Eagles 1st Round Mock Draft Final Thoughts
While the Eagles could use help on the offensive line, solidifying their secondary with a talent like DeJean provides immediate dividends. DeJean’s skillset complements Slay’s perfectly, giving the Eagles a young and talented cornerback duo for years to come. This allows the team to address the offensive line in the later rounds or through free agency, giving Jalen Hurts a more stable environment to operate in.
Of course, this is just a mock draft. Howie Roseman is known for his wheeling and dealing, and could trade up or down the board depending on the draft board’s movement. However, addressing the cornerback position with a high-caliber talent like Cooper DeJean would be a significant step forward for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Don’t miss my full 1st round mock draft where the Eagles land an offensive lineman with the 22nd overall pick. Check it out here!
