Hello ladies and gentlemen, it’s once again MOCK DRAFT TIME!
A lot of teams’ draft boards may look different from the last time we had our draft conversation with free agency recently taking center state.
Now, with prospects looking to make some final impressions as Pro Day season is underway. Scouts and all front office personnel guys are one step closers to crossing their t’s and dotting their i’s as the April 29 goal draws closer.
So as big boards become closer and closer to becoming finalized, the team over here at The Philly Blitz present to you our Mock Draft 6.0, by Mar’Quell Fripp-Owens.
Round 1 – Pick 15: Devonte Wyatt (DT), Georgia
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again this guy was the water to Dan Lanning’s Kool Aid during their collective final season at Georgia. Sure, talk to me about his 29th percentile arm length and his 25th percentile wingspan and tell me how that’s undersized for an ideal defense tackle. My response? Cut on the tape.
How was this under-sized defensive lineman so impactful on one of the greatest defensives known to college football? The same way the rest did — out of this world athleticism. At 6-foot-3, 307 pounds, you have no business being used as a quarterback spy — well Wyatt did this on numerous occasions.
While you guys talk about the length, I’ll be talking about his 4.77 forty yard dash which ranked in the 97th percentile and how that clearly translates to the film. He is a WORKER, moving laterally along the LOS, mostly due to how he fires off the ball. Wyatt has quality reps as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher; not the strongest guy up top but he uses his hands at a decent level.
He’s a prospect who is only getting better — if I had to give him a player comp it would be Javon Hargrave surprisingly. A prospect who is best suited for a 4-3 scheme but you could squeeze some production out of him in the 3-4 due to his versatility — 1 tech? 3 tech? 7 tech? You name it, Wyatt does it. While many may prefer his teammate Jordan Davis, I think the Eagles would be much more satisfied with the versatile prospect who offers three down usage instead of two.
Round 1 – Pick 16: Chris Olave (WR), Ohio State
What can I say? Olave was already my clear-cut WR1 heading into the combine, but the show he put on in Indianapolis just put the cherry on top. The unofficial 4.26 set the world on fire, before it was officially set at 4.39, but the message was sent. The kid live up to the nickname I gave him… ‘Two Sweet’. Despite the spectacular forty time, the performance may end up being a blessing and a curse — as noted there are some who view Olave as a deep threat and I mean… why not?
But, honestly if I had to give Olave a comp; he’s Pierre Garçon. In fact, if you check out mockdraftables.com; their profiles look quite similar. But this goes deeper than the measurements. Like Garçon, Olave is more than his burner speed — in fact he’s the total package.
He’s clearly the best route runner in the class, Olave is due to put on a masterclass on Sunday’s; has a great understanding of leverage — almost DeVonta Smith-like how he manipulates defenders blind spots.
Every step he takes has a purpose, it’s just him setting you up for what’s coming. He’s just an absolute technician! He’ll dominate at all three levels due to his ability to create separation and a reliable set of hands. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling but he’s almost bust proof; you can drop Olave off in any scheme and he will produce from day one. You can have the ceilings, I’ll take the floor in this instance.
Round 1 – Pick 19: Tyler Linderbaum (IOL), Iowa
As cookie cutter as it’s going to get, if Linderbaum falls beyond Philadelphia it may very well be a long night for the Iowa product. Which sucks quite frankly for a prospect who deserves top ten considerations.
Well, considering the fact that the Eagles are seemingly operating on borrowed time when it comes to center Jason Kelce, this could be considered the perfect landing spot. While Kelce may have agreed to return for this season there are only but so many kegs of beer that will satisfy him and eventually Philadelphia will have to consider life without Kelce.
Lucky for Philadelphia there is a certain interior offensive lineman lurking that could come of some service in the coming years. The reason we are here is because the Kelce comparison may very well be the only reason we are here — coming off a combine where Linderbaum didn’t even perform he left Indianapolis with more questions than answers. During the prior mock where I had Philadelphia take Linderbaum, I stated that there could be a situation where an ultra-talented player could ended up being taken on day two such as Creed Humphrey last draft but here is an example of that…
Not ideal, but as stated before Linderbaum is considered a bit of a scheme specific prospect — likely to land in a zone blocking scheme that takes advantage of his abilities to operate outside the phone booth; on outside blocks and surely in the screen game. Sure, size is a concern but save your concerns for September — as of right now the only thing that matters is the tape; and the tape says you’re getting a dominant football play no matter the size.
Linderbaum may not have the measurements, but he certainly has the skills; his football IQ is as good as they come, his lateral mobility is next level — almost Kelce-esque (‘21 vs Kentucky). He has an ideal base, and Conor McGregor-like right hand when setting up shop, and firm at the point of attack. His wrestling background is on full display. He isn’t perfect but for a lucky team he will most certainly be worth it.
Round 2 – Pick 51: Lewis Cine (S), Georgia
We are well into the free agency process currently, and the Philadelphia Eagles have yet to address the safety position. While the team did bring back Anthony Harris on a one-year deal, that only minimizes the problem with Rodney McLeod also currently on the open market. So unless Philadelphia makes a massive splash, it looks as it the draft is the Birds’ last resort at fixing the position.
While in this mock draft, Philadelphia may have just missed out in terms of the first tier of safety prospects, Lewis Cine prospects as an excellent consolation prize.
An elite athletic profile that translated to the gridiron, Cine puts on an absolute show as a run defender; quite possibly his best trait. He has an understanding of run fits and plays with a downhill mentality from the safety position — you can see his range on full display in the running game, plays like a heat seeking missile. But in the passing game that range almost disappears as he doesn’t play with the same instincts in coverage. He has experience as a centerfield — single high safety, and has the athletic make-up to be successful in this mold, however, would much rather prefer him in a split alignment.
It was almost too easy to come up with the comp for Cine, when you watch him play he just screams LaRon Landry. Cine plays with a violence the safety position misses; an aggressive tackler, he’s willing to go to war with anyone from Najee Harris to Kyle Pitts. As a three year contributor who has the traits to garner some early down playing time, but has some refining to do in terms of coverage.
Round 3 – Pick 83: Channing Tindall (LB), Georgia
I guess you’re starting to notice the trend? Last year, Howie Roseman used his first two picks on prospects that came from the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide, you see how that worked out.
Well this year, Roseman uses a bit of the same ideology, snagging multiple members of the reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs and their historically great defense. Obviously Philadelphia’s recent acquisition of Haason Reddick sort of changed the thought process when it came to the state of the draft board. Initially it was believed that EDGE was a premium destination for the Birds come round one, especially given Roseman’s comments at the combine. However, after change of character, Roseman actually paid quality dollar for one of the top two edge rushers on the market. The thing is, Reddick doesn’t just fill a role as a pass rusher for Philadelphia; he also will serve as the SAM linebacker in Jonathan Gannon’s unique 3-4 hybrid package alignments. Philadelphia also signed T.J. Edward to an extension during the season which possibly helps figure out 2/3 of the Eagles linebacker problem. Yet there is still room for one more.
As mentioned, Tindall was a unique part of the historic Georgia defense this past season; we say unique because — well, he was never really used as a full time starter during his time in Athens. Despite what could be considered a flaw, Tindall did as much as you could ask for in limited snaps; particularly as a senior where he almost equaled his career totals across the board.
Now, you’ll have to take all this with a grain of salt as he performed on a defense littered with NFL talent, but his performance was not lost in the fray one bit. Makes it a little easier to scout when what you saw on film translates to what you saw both at the Senior Bowl and in Indianapolis.
As a prospect, Tindall is easily comparable to former Pittsburgh Steeler standout linebacker Ryan Shazier. With an equivalent athletic profile and almost a similar skill set to match, it almost makes you wish you got to see a little more of Tindall during his time at Georgia. Tindall is a prospect that is often disruptive in the run game. He quickly reads what’s happening in front of him and displays sideline to sideline range no matter how deployed; the kid just has a nose for the ball. He has some good reps in coverage and made even more of an impression in this area at the Senior Bowl — wouldn’t get too carried away here though, as it should be used as a bit of a change up especially with how he excels as a rusher. He should appeal to a lot of teams with his Special Teams production, was a standout in this area.
Round 4 – Pick 124: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE), Maryland
You had to know we’d arrive here right? Since the off-season began I’ve been steadfast on the fact that the Eagles will (and need to) add another pass catching threat at the tight end position. Of course, one that not only fits in the mold of a team that spent 25% (300 snaps) of its time in 12 personnel [1 RB: 2 TE] and 8% (94 snaps) in 13 personnel [1 RB: 3 TE]. Assuming of course he clears one final obstacle; it’s beginning to become more and more clear that Jalen Hurts will be the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles come week one of the upcoming season. Which means a lot of what you saw last year was Philadelphia only scratching the surface as to what a Sirianni/Hurts offense could look like for the foreseeable future. What we can say however, is that the emphasis on the running game and a heavier personnel is likely not to go away.
This means in order to be successful in this instance the Eagles have to add a impact player both as a pass catcher and a blocker to an extent. Insert the University of Maryland swish army knife named Chigoziem Okonwko, who brings so much to the table for a team to take advantage of — he’s almost scheme proof.
Want to send him to a wide zone scheme? With the right creativity a coach may have the second coming of Kyle Jusczyk on their hands; was used as an H-Back, fullback, F TE, Slot WR, and where ever else his heart was desired during his time in College Park — even saw his fair share of rushing attempts as a freshman. As a blocker, Okonkwo is… well, interesting; with his 32 and 3/4 inch arms, he isn’t quite lengthy enough to use consistently as an inline blocker —(vs. Penn State) occasionally but not to often. Now if you wanted to use him to seal the edge on let’s say a split zone, we could be talking. Kids’ a willing blocker, just pretty raw and measurements don’t make it easy on him.
At 6’2 ; with 4.5 speed, he offers numerous ways to get involved in the passing game — vertically (‘21 vs Michigan State), TE screens, and more — not to mention some alignment versatility. As a receiver, he’s a nightmare to handle; soars over defenders to win jump balls situations and offers some experience as a move tight end in efforts to create a mismatch. Landing in the right spot, Okonkwo could end up being one of the steals of the entire draft. If there was a player comp for Okonkwo, Id have to say a sort of raw but much more physical Jordan Reed.
Round 5 – Pick 154: Hassan Haskins (HB), Michigan
Talk about an all around solid football player, in fact this is a TPB favorite and we’re doing all we can to will him into midnight green.
Haskins proved himself to be the heartbeat of the Michigan offense to finish the ‘21 season. He helped lead the Wolverines through conference play following 20+ carries in each of the final four games of the regular season, proving his worth as a lead back. An important accomplishment with him spending most of his career in a committee set as well. You have to love his willingness to put his body on the line for the sake of his quarterback (‘21 vs. Penn State) in pass protection.
Haskins put on a show in Indianapolis leading all running backs with 27 reps on the bench press; something that he clearly shows on tape. If I had to give him a player comp, I’d probably say Arian Foster. Haskins displays patience, good vision, and rarely ever sways from play design. He isn’t super fast but doesn’t really get caught from behind; though I don’t blame him — probably was a great idea not to run the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. A literal bowling ball with the football, Haskins isn’t afraid to run through you either; which that physical brand of football is an element the Eagles offense seemed to thrive off of this past season. A seamless fit that should help provide some clarity at a position with a few questions.
Round 5 – Pick 162: Myron Tagovailoa-Amosoa (EDGE), Notre Dame
As Philadelphia continues to load up in the trenches, I think it’s important to note while, as mentioned, EDGE is no longer of dire need in Philadelphia, but depth at along the position is. Of course, there are a multitude of answers the Eagles currently hold at the position heading into this upcoming season. If you look down the line to about a year from now, that depth doesn’t look as steep. Assuming this season is as much of a victory lap for Brandon Graham as it is for Fletcher Cox, it’s not much, if any reliability behind Reddick and Josh Sweat. So here, the Eagles take the former three star recruit from Hawaii and the cousin of Miami Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.
A prospect who has been used in a few years different ways over his four year tenure in South Bend; personally I think he would be best served as a 3-tech where he was generally successful during his earlier days at Notre Dame. He has also spent some time as the 1-tech and following him losing 15 pounds prior to this last season, even offers appeal as a 5-tech where he was used at as a senior.
Tagovailoa-Amosa is a decent football player and could potentially become a big locker room guy in the long run; was named a captain heading into the 2021 season and was universally loved by coaches, teammates, and peers.
Tagovailoa-Amosa is a tricky athlete — in terms of short area quickness (movement down the LOS & first step explosiveness) and straight line speed he’s pretty solid in this area as seen by his 4.81 forty yard dash. Yet he lacks legit bend abilities at the stem of his rush. He has some interesting counters to his name, has reps where he absolutely washed guards or some tackles with his spin move (‘21 vs Florida State) but not the most consistent in terms of disengaging from blocks. With that said, he suffers from a bit of the same problem DeMarvin Leal suffers from; you know my quote — “being 50/50 is good enough to get you on the field at some point or another but being 75/75 is enough to keep you on the field for the long term.”
Translation: where exactly do we play you? You aren’t quite the ideal edge due to his lack of lateral athleticism but you aren’t big enough to consistently operate the interior. Still, his motor runs ultra hot, isn’t a high sack number guy but efforts didn’t go in vain in terms of some pressures (‘21 vs. USC). Actually Tagovailoa-Amosa as a prospect is pretty reminiscent of a Jabaal Sheard and/or Frostee Rucker.
Round 5 – Pick 166: Thomas Booker (DT), Stanford
The Eagles recently released franchise pillar Fletcher Cox — and the proceeded to bring him back on a one year day a few days later. However, don’t think that just because Cox has returned and the Birds selected an interior defensive lineman in the first round of this mock draft that the position has been completely addressed. In fact, both Cox and Hargrave are scheduled to become free agents following this upcoming season, and Milton Williams could find himself playing in a bit of a tweener role; being utilized as a 1-7 tech in the events where Reddick rotates to SAM. Meaning they could use another body along the interior so don’t be surprised to see Howie Roseman double dip at the position.
In this instance with Booker, the Eagles come away with an incredibly smart player who’s IQ translates clearly from academic to the gridiron. No really he knows just about anything there is to know about defensive schematics, was a pleasure for many coaches in general to talk to at both the Shrine Bowl and in Indianapolis; and quite frankly I’m pretty sure he has a future in coaching if he wants it he’s that brilliant.
A versatile player, he has the ability to play literally any position across the line. Booker displays good change of direction and pursuit of ball carries. His athletic profile is sure to jump off the screen as a guy who finished with some of the best testing efforts for the interior defensive line group in Indianapolis ( 3 cone, forty yard dash, and 20 yard shuttle). I would like to see him be a bit more consistent which is worrisome for a three year starter. Still, Booker has decent traits and should fit in seamlessly in to Philadelphia’s defensive line rotation. He possesses a high motor — a true play to the whistle mentality. His first step explosion is where he generally makes his money, but if he doesn’t win initially 9 times out of 10, he’s going to lose that rep — doesn’t really have many counters moves in his arsenal. Mostly a rotational piece at this point but with both Hargreaves and Cox in place that gives Booker at least one season to continue to refine his game.
Round 6 – Pick 194: Matt Hankins (CB), Iowa
There has been much speculation that the Eagles will add another cornerback in the second wave of free agency. With the team linked to guys like Patrick Peterson and Xavier Rhodes, along with the fact that the team spent a fourth round pick last year on Zech McPhearson; who saw his fair share of playing time throughout the season), it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Philadelphia taking another developmental cornerback. In this case the Eagles come away with Iowa cornerback Matt Hankins.
As a prospect, I feel really good about what Hankins brings to the table. Hankins has the ideal height at 6-foot-1 and has flashed a lot of good stuff dating back to his freshman season.
Consistency was a problem for him early though which led to a benching against Purdue back in ‘19, but he seemed to bounce back well as he had a game against Illinois a few weeks later. In that game he had a 14.2 passer rater when targeted.
This past season, however, looked like the season where Hankins would put it all together. He had an impressive showing against in rival Iowa State where he finished with two interceptions. Hankins was so impressive that he was ranked as the highest graded cornerback in the Big Ten and top three among the power five conferences (via PFF) heading into November despite being out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury suffered in mid October.
There’s a lot to like about Hankins, he’s disciplined and very coachable (as too are most CBs from Iowa), a prospect that plays with that ‘dawg’. A physical guy, loves to come up and make tackles. He may not lay the boom, but he plays with an aggressive downhill demeanor that a coach will LOVE. As a long and lengthy guy, he shows some exciting stuff as a man cover cornerback. He often likes to play the trail technique and can often be a bit grabby at the top of breaks (‘21 vs. Iowa State) but his physicality is what you love the most so you tend to live with it. Was used frequently as a deep third (cover 3 corner) and provided some quality reps from this alignment. Hankins didn’t perform during the Scouting Combine or at the Iowa Pro Day.
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