Philadelphia Eagles Revamp The Roster In 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft
By Hunter Haas
Round 1, 15th Overall: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Darius Slay, fresh off an all-pro snub, has been without a true running mate since arriving in Philly. Avonte Maddox thrived in the nickelback role and looks much more comfortable defending players out of the slot. Ahmad Gardner possesses an ideal frame at cornerback, standing at 6’2 and weighing in around 190 pounds. He has long arms, freaky mobility in coverage, and some of the best closing speed in the draft.
He thrives in man-to-man coverage and relishes the opportunity to take the opposing teams’ best wide receiver out of the game. Gardner is extremely confident in his ability and isn’t afraid to let others know it.
In 33 games — spread across three seasons — Sauce allowed a total of zero touchdowns as starting cornerback for the Bearcats. He also added 99 total tackles, 16 passes defended, and nine interceptions. In 2021, he threw in yet another wrinkle to his game by recording three sacks.
Sauce could step in opposite Slay and contribute instantly. If the Philadelphia Eagles elect to bring in a veteran instead, Sauce would be in a great position to learn as the understudy to Slay. Eagles opponents will dread game planning for a defense that features two lockdown corners.
Round 1, 16th Overall: DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
If you just look at the Eagles roster, defensive line doesn’t seem like a glaring need. However, when you factor in Brandon Graham’s injury history and inconsistency from Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat, you realize how crucial it is to add talent on the edge.
Leal is the type of chess piece that can play anywhere on the line. He showcased his ability to rush the passer from a stand up position as well as being able to put a hand in the dirt to bull rush.
His traits were never more obvious than in a showdown with Mississippi State’s Charles Cross. Cross — a consensus first-round pick — lined up at left tackle across from Leal all game. Leal asserted his strength with a rush that pushed Cross all the way back into the lap of the quarterback and followed it up with another one later in the game.
Leal is a polarizing prospect in draft circles, with many scouts citing character and work ethic issues. He didn’t help matters by getting arrested for possession of marijuana during the holiday season.
He is the type of prospect that you are willing to bet on. Get him in a locker room with Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave and they will keep his head on straight.
Round 1, 19th Overall: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
I know, I know. The Philadelphia Eagles don’t use first-round picks on linebackers. In fact, the last such occurrence took place all the way back in 1979 when they selected Jerry Robinson out of UCLA with the 21st overall pick.
TJ Edwards had an impressive 2021 campaign. That being said, if TJ Edwards is the best linebacker on your roster then it’s safe to say you need reinforcements at the position. If there was ever a year for the Eagles to break the mold, it would be 2022.
Utah’s Devin Lloyd is the perfect fit. He is above average in every facet of the game. A look at his career stats highlight his versatility: 256 total tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, eight passes defended, and five interceptions. He is a game wrecker in every sense of the term. Upon hearing his name called, Lloyd will lay claim as the best linebacker the Eagles have had in quite some time.