There’s not much time left before the Philadelphia Eagles have to make their selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The event is set for next Thursday. The Eagles have several needs to address after a second-place finish in the NFC East and an 11-6 record. What could Philadelphia do to improve the odds of a better outcome in 2024?
Philadelphia Eagles News Today
PFN Consensus Mock Draft Has Philly Selecting a CB
“With the 22nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select… cornerback Nate Wiggins from Clemson University…”
Or at least that’s what happened in the Pro Football Network consensus 7-round mock draft.
“Let’s preface this pick by saying that every PFN analyst is aware of the Philadelphia Eagles’ propensity to avoid certain positions in the first round of the NFL Draft,” via the staff at PFN.
“At some point, however, you have to abandon your principles and do the best thing for the franchise. They need defensive back help. Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins is a speedy, feisty answer to their problems.”
It’s safe to say Philadelphia’s defense was porous last season, finishing with the 31st-ranked passing defense in yardage allowed (4,296) and touchdowns (35). The team allowed 6,054 total yards, which was 26th in the NFL, and 428 points throughout 17 games (30th).
Wiggins could remedy their secondary woes with his height (6’1″) and speed (4.28-second 40-yard dash). His last two seasons at Clemson were strong, leading the team with 12 pass deflections in 13 games, along with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception returned for a touchdown, and a blocked kick.
He received first-team All-ACC honors in 2023 with a team-high nine pass breakups, along with two interceptions and one returned for a touchdown.
READ MORE: PFN’s Consensus 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
RB Saquon Barkley Potentially Resetting the Market
Saquon Barkley was one of the premier backs to be available during this free agency cycle, and the Eagles swooped in and signed him to a three-year, $37.75 million contract ($26 million guaranteed).
Barkley is a two-time Pro Bowl selection but rushed for 926 yards on 247 carries (3.9 yards per carry) and six touchdowns last season. He’s also dealt with injuries, dampening his stock.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe spoke to several executives without their names attached to the story to grant their full, unfiltered opinions on the running back market. Not only did Barkley get paid handsomely, but new Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs also made out quite well, receiving a four-year, $48 million deal this offseason.
“I’m surprised they got paid,” said an NFL executive via Howe. “I didn’t see anything to alter recent history this offseason.”
However, a coach pointed to Barkley’s career as a driving point. The 27-year-old running back has been dynamic and — despite his injury history — has still averaged 4.3 yards per attempt, has 5,211 rushing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, and is a dynamic weapon as a pass-catching option with 2,100 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns in his career.
“For select guys like Barkley, it’s about adding a piece to win the whole thing,” a coach said. “I think it’ll go back to being the relatively lowest-paid spot.”
CONTINUE READING: Eagles Draft Rumors — Expect a Lane Johnson Replacement
Eagles Have Opportunity To Gain New Fans in Brazil
The Eagles are set to play in São Paulo, Brazil, against the Packers on Sept. 6 as part of the season kickoff at the Corinthians Arena. Philadelphia’s opportunity to play could be a big one, as 97.5 The Fanatic’s Connor Thomas believes that the potential to gain new Eagles fans far outweighs the cost of a possible loss.
“So, to me, this falls back into the category of ‘awesome opportunity,'” Thomas wrote. “For Eagles fans, it’s an opportunity to travel; yes, I know you like your Sunday tailgates, but imagine seeing a foreign country for the first time with the Eagles as the reason. For international fans of the sport, maybe they end up wearing midnight (or Kelly) green for the rest of their lives.
“While there are potential disadvantages competitively for the early part of this year’s Eagles season, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is worth it, in my opinion.”
KEEP READING: Green Bay Packers Announced as Eagles’ Week 1 Opponent