Six Players To Keep an Eye On Until the 2022 Draft
The Eagles are expected to have at least two first round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and that number could become three if Carson Wentz plays over 75% of snaps with his new team, the Indianapolis Colts.
This season, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will be able to play himself into the Eagles future, and if he proves he can be the franchise’s guy moving forward all of these picks could be used to add young talent around him.
However, if Jalen Hurts disappoints and the Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman feels they need to go in a different direction to acquire their quarterback of the future, and with three potential first round picks, he has the ability to trade up for a top QB prospect.
So that being said, here are some top prospects Eagles fans’ should keep an eye on over the next year, as they could potentially find themselves picked by the Birds in the 2022 draft.
Tyler Shough – QB – Texas Tech
If Jalen Hurts is unable to improve on his rookie campaign and the Eagles intend to try and find their franchise guy through the draft, the best potential prospect in the 2022 draft is the 6’5”, 220 lbs Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough.
He started all seven games in 2020 for Oregon after taking over for Justin Herbert, leading the Ducks to their second straight Pac-12 Championship, and if he can improve on that success at Texas Tech expect him to be high on the Eagles board.
Sam Howell – QB – North Carolina
Another replacement candidate for Hurts is Howell out of UNC, who threw for over 30 touchdowns in 2019 and 2020 while only throwing seven interceptions each year, while also eclipsing 3500 yards and 60% completion percentage in both seasons.
However, Howell’s 6’1” 225 lbs frame isn’t ideal for an NFL quarterback, and he will have to show he can overcome his size disadvantage if he wants to be a top pick in 2022.
Kedon Slovis – QB – USC
The last quarterback on this list is one who lost to Shough in the Pac-12 Championship, but still threw for nearly 2000 yards to go with 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in his 2020 campaign.
His 2019 season is when he really shined however, throwing for over 3500 yards with 30 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. If Slavis’ 2021 season is anything like 2019, expect him to be a top-15 pick.
Justyn Ross – WR – Clemson
If the Eagles select a wide receiver with their 12th pick in the draft this year, they’ll likely be staying away from receivers in the 2021 draft. However, nobody knows what Howie Roseman’s plan is for the upcoming draft and there are really too many holes on the roster to expect him to double down on a position two years in a row.
If the Eagles take a prospect outside of Chase, Smith, or Waddle, don’t be surprised if we find them back in the mix for a top pass catcher yet again.
Derek Stingley – CB – LSU
The Eagles have a cornerback problem on their current roster, and if not addressed the issue will roll over into next offseason but with Darius Slay even a year older. In that case, it would be wise to be invested in Stingley, whose freshman (2019) year yielded six interceptions and 31 tackles in 38 games.
Stingley earned consensus all-american honors in 2019, and would fit nicely next to Slay for a season or two before taking over as the team’s (hopeful) lockdown corner.
Kayvon Thibadeaux – DE – Oregon
The Eagles have an interesting dilemma on their defensive line, which is currently highlighted by 30 year old Fletcher Cox and 33 year old Brandon Graham. With Sweat and Barnett flashing potential but yet to provide an adequate sample size, the Eagles could look to Thibadeaux to be their premiere pass rusher of the future.
Since Howie Roseman took over as the Director of Football Administration for the Eagles in 2003, they have only taken defensive lineman with their first round picks in between picks 10 and 15, so they could take one with their 12th pick in the 2021 draft. If not though, keep and eye on the edge from Oregon.
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Categorized:Eagles