2024 NFL mock draft: Updated Eagles first-round projections ahead of free agency

Philadelphia made significant changes to the coaching staff following a historic collapse that saw the Eagles lose 6 of their final seven games.

The positive vibes are back around the NovaCare Complex following the additions of Vic Fangio (DC) and Kellen Moore (OC).

It’s never too early to look ahead at the NFL draft, and with so many holes on defense, Howie Roseman has the assets to retool the roster.

Philadelphia has never drafted an off-the-ball linebacker in the first round, and they won’t this spring either, but Howie Roseman will reload in the trenches and could get a familiar name at cornerback.

ESPN/FIeld Yates

Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Field Yates has Philadelphia adding a cornerback.

22. Philadelphia Eagles
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The Eagles surrendered the second-most passing yards in the NFL last season (4,296) and undoubtedly will work to add to their secondary this offseason, likely at both cornerback and safety. Darius Slay is 33 years old, and James Bradberry will be 31 by next season.

Wiggins has good speed and excellent size for the position at 6-foot-2. He plays with a tremendous confidence and has a short memory in coverage, two essential skills for any corner.

Draft Wire

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Wire has the Eagles landing the top cornerback on the board.

22 – Philadelphia Eagles – CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Quinyon Mitchell is a confident, shutdown cornerback who adds another playmaker in the Eagles secondary.

Bleacher Report

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 18: Kamren Kinchens #5 of the Miami Hurricanes intercepts a pass intended for Jamari Thrash #1 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Bleacher Report has the Eagles reloading in the secondary.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: S Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Philadelphia did trade for two-time first-team All-Pro safety Kevin Byard during the season, but he was a Band-Aid on a gushing wound. Byard needs a legitimate running mate, and Miami’s Kamren Kinchens, the class’ top safety, is a logical starting point.

“Kinchens is a versatile defender, with the instinct and range to be a deep defender who covers sideline-to-sideline as well as the physicality and aggressiveness to quickly come downhill in the run game,” Giddings said. “Kinchens can even play down into the box, where he has also shown very good man coverage skills.

The Athletic

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) races up the field with an interception for a touchdown against Kentucky during the second quarter of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.Syndication The Tennessean

The Athletic joins other publications in predicting a defensive back for the Eagles.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Eagles need help at corner and safety, and DeJean can play both. Too many have fixated on moving the former Iowa star to safety, but he absolutely has speed and agility to stay at corner, and his 6-1, 200-pound frame makes him an asset outside and in run support. He’s an electric punt returner.

NFL.com

Nov 25, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (4) sacks Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Ben Bryant (2) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Chad Reuter has the Eagles adding more picks via trade with the Seahawks.

Pick
22
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
Jer’Zhan Newton
Jer’Zhan Newton
Illinois · DT · Senior
PROJECTED TRADE WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Seahawks gave up second- and fifth-round picks for Leonard Williams but have not yet signed him for 2024 and beyond. If that never comes to pass, Newton slides into new head coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme.

CBS Sports

Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

CBS Sports has the Eagles adding to the trenches.

Round 1 – Pick 22
Taliese Fuaga OT
OREGON STATE • JR • 6’6″ / 334 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
4th
Taliese Fuaga attended Mount Tahoma High School in Washington state, which makes sense because he is a mountain of man, standing at 6-6, 334 pounds. He is a menace as a run blocker, and he has plenty of upside as a pass blocker. Fuaga could be the long-term Lane Johnson replacement at right tackle. He also has the versatility to play inside at guard.

PFF

Sep 30, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) breaks up a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Jordan Mosley (18) in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. Alabama defeated Mississippi State 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

PFF has Philadelphia targeting Alabama’s 2nd best cornerback.

Rd1:22 CB, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The Eagles must address cornerback. Howie Roseman loves his SEC players, and McKinstry is the ideal fit as a player with the ability to play press-man coverage at any time.