The 2020 NFL Draft is fast approaching. Howie and the Eagles have their draft board set and ready to rock! Let’s take a look at how the Draft may play out.
KENNETH MURRAY
(PROJECTED: 1ST ROUND)
Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray, what can be said other than he is a Star in the making! Quick, Physical, and Explosive. Total dominance in the middle of the field with the speed to cover sideline to sideline.
The Birds (obviously) have to play Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley 2x each per season. It’s time for the Eagles to show some attention to the Linebacker position. This will be a perfect opportunity to prioritize that need. At #21 this standout stud will be a steal.
BRANDON AIYUK
(PROJECTED: LATE 1ST – 2ND ROUND)
A word that standouts hugely with Howie and the rest of Eagles’ front office? Versatility! Brandon Aiyuk not only took on the role of a difference-maker as a receiver. But, as also saw plenty of work as a Kick/Punt returner.
To get down to Brass Tax. Aiyuk is a playmaker. Something the Eagles desperately need. Considering the depth at the wide receiver position heading into this year’s draft. Aiyuk has round 1 talent but may have to wait till Day 2 to find a home. Regardless, if the Eagles can move to the backend of the first-round or fingers crossed can grab him in the 2nd. They will be getting top-tier talent.
NICK HARRIS
(PROJECTED: 2ND – 3RD ROUND)
At the end of each season now, there is a looming question that just hangs out there until we are graced with an answer. Will Jason Kelce return next season or will he retire?? Well, at least for this upcoming season (just announced on Instagram the other day) we know Jason will return for the ’20-21 season.
However, it is time for the Eagles to start searching for Kelce’s replacement. Washington Huskies’ Nick Harris checks every box you can imagine. Nick has started at both left and right guards positions but it was in his junior year that he found his calling at Center. Selecting Harris in the mid-rounds would certainly take some pressure off of not only if but when Jason does officially decide to hang it up.
LYNN BOWDEN JR
(PROJECTED: 4TH – 5TH ROUND)
I have to be honest. Lynn Bowden Jr. was not really on my radar until recently. Edge of Philly Sports very own Freddy Burns did a full breakdown (click here) on the Kentucky wideout just a handful of days ago. Labeled as “Inspector Gadget” Bowden comes off as a true ‘Jack of all trades’.
LB Jr finished the season as the starting quarterback. Leading Kentucky to become bowl eligible. He lead the Wildcats in Rushing (1,468 yards) & Receiving (348 yards) for 14 total touchdowns. Along with dabbling as the teams Kick and Punt Returner. Lynn won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most outstanding all-purpose player. After reading all that can you blame them for selecting him? I think not.
HARRISON HAND
(PROJECTED: 4TH – 6TH ROUND)
Cherry Hill, NJ’s own Harrison Hand started his collegiate career playing for Baylor. Leading the team with 8 pass breakups along with 42 tackles. Earning him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. Unfortunately, injuries cut his sophomore season short.
Hand’s Junior year saw him heading back home for family reasons transferring to Temple. Starting 12 games with 59 tackles, four for loss, a team-high three interceptions, five pass breakups.
With a feel already for playing at the ‘Linc’ Hand is in a perfect position to compete for the Cornerback #2 spot opposite of Darius Slay.
LAMICAL PERINE
(PROJECTED: 4TH – 6TH ROUND)
The Eagles are one piece away from completing a very dangerous backfield. One piece from a 3-headed monster of years past.
With having the finesse of Miles Sander and the scat of Boston Scott. A north/south power back pure bruiser is what our backfield is in need of.
With only two running backs under contract, it’s very possible that Howie signs a Veteran (i.e LeSean McCoy). However, the Birds are almost a lock to be in search of a long-term solution.
Lamical Perine could very well be that answer. Perine ended his collegiate career with a very solid 2,485 yards rushing with 22 touchdowns and 674 yards receiving with 8 touchdowns.
COLBY PARKINSON
(PROJECTED: 5TH – 7TH ROUND)
With Richard Rodgers signing elsewhere and Josh Perkins a Free Agent. The Eagles need to add a Tight End. Howie may once again look towards the Ivy League.
Colby Parkinson is the newest name to the draft market from Stanford University. Someone you may have heard of. I believe his name is Zach Ertz, of course, is a Sanford alumnus. As is last year’s 2nd round pick wideout, JJ Arcega-Whiteside. The Eagles need a blocking Tight End and this monster of a man (6′ 7″ 252 lbs) seems to fill the bill.
YASIR DURANT
(PROJECTED: 5TH – 7TH ROUND)
Jason Peters was set free to become a free agent. Andre Dillard has been upgraded to starting Left Tackle. With that said. There still seems to be a little bit of an underwhelming feeling when it comes to Dillard protecting Carson’s blindside. Howie will be for sure searching for a versatile Backup.
Philadelphia native Yasir Durant, has the size and athleticism to be a viable backup to Dillard with the versatile to move to the inside (left guard) if needed.
Click here for Al Zaffiri’s article on Durant for a full breakdown
- Joey Sheeran
- Follow on Twitter: @Real_Joey_EOP
A Father, Husband, Son, & Brother. A man who often even surprises himself with all of his hidden talents. Ball is Life. All Balls. Passionate Philly Sports fan. Avid Music enthusiasts. Flannel-wearing Whiskey drinker. Co-Owner, Co-Host, digital creator of Edge of Philly Sports. Overall Badass.
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