Philadelphia Eagles Revamp The Roster In 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft
By Hunter Haas
Round 5, 152nd Overall: Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan
Halfway through the season, Nick Sirianni made a concerted effort to feature the run game in a big way. Miles Sanders has never played a season without getting injured, Kenneth Gainwell didn’t show enough to be trusted as a lead back, and veterans Boston Scott and Jordan Howard shouldn’t be leading any team in running back touches.
Haskins took over as the main back for Michigan this season and put up some astounding numbers. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry for a total of 1327 yards on the ground. He also chipped in a Michigan record 20 rushing touchdowns.
With fresh legs and a power run style, he compliments Miles Sanders very well. Haskins also has the ability to shoulder the load and become a feature back if Sanders goes down again in 2022.
Round 5, 160th Overall: Justin Shaffer, OL, Georgia
It might be surprising to see the first lineman go in round five, but the Philadelphia Eagles are in better shape than one would expect on the offensive line.
Assuming Jason Kelce doesn’t retire, the starting lineup is formidable. Even if Brandon Brooks fails to return, Landon Dickerson and Isaac Seumalo can handle guard duties.
Mailata-Seumalo-Kelce-Dickerson-Johnson is as stout as it gets, and they have depth pieces in Jack Driscoll, Andre Dillard, and Jack Anderson. Georgia’s Justin Shaffer is next to be added to that mix.
Shaffer is perfect for the power run scheme that Philly deployed in the latter part of the season. He is able to create space on the interior for his running backs, as was shown in his impressive battle against both Michigan and Alabama in the College Football Playoffs.
Round 5, 164th Overall: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
After getting a smaller-bodied wide receiver in the second round, it’s time to get some more competition for Quez Watkins. Christian Watson is 6’5, 208 pounds and will challenge Quez immediately for a starting receiver role in the offense.
In 2019, Watson dominated the FCS as Trey Lance’s main target. He’s lanky and due to that, he has an ungodly catch radius. He can high point the ball on 50/50 throws but surprisingly, he’s even better at making plays after the catch.
He never eclipsed the 1000 yard or 50 catch mark but averaged nearly 20 yards per catch over his college career. He is raw but worth taking on day-three for a team that needs more playmakers.
Round 6, 193rd Overall: Jaylan Foster, S, South Carolina
There are a lot of questions surrounding the safety position for the Philadelphia Eagles. Will Anthony Harris return? Are youngsters K’Von Wallace, Marcus Epps, and Andre Chachere any more than depth pieces?
South Carolina’s Jaylan Foster will be able to contend for first-team reps if Philly elects to let Harris walk. Otherwise, he will be able to learn from the vet while challenging for the number two spot on the depth chart.
If you look up the definition of “ball hawk” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of Jaylan Foster. He was used sparingly until 2021 where he had a coming out party. In 13 games, Foster was able to bring in five interceptions, force two fumbles and record a couple of sacks as well. He is the rare sixth-round pick that not only has a high ceiling, but a high floor as well.
Round 6, 207th Overall: James Empey, C, BYU
If Jason Kelce decides to ride out into the sunset after making first-team all-pro, no one could blame him. He’s spent 11 seasons with the franchise, helping lead them to their only Super Bowl victory. It will be sad to see a legend go, but the Philadelphia Eagles will need to shake off the emotion and look for options at the center position.
BYU’s James Empey fits the mold. He boasts a similar frame to Kelce and is a surprising athlete for his size. He is someone who jumped onto my radar while evaluating current Jets quarterback — and former BYU Cougar — Zach Wilson leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft.
Empey has been a mainstay for the Cougars over the last four seasons. He started 41 games over that stretch and was a steady force in the middle. He is polished and has loads of invaluable experience, I’d bet on Empey to be a starter on Sundays.