PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles landed one of the draft’s most talented wide receivers Thursday night, selecting USC star Makai Lemon with the 20th pick in the first round.
After trading two fourth-round picks to the Cowboys to move up three spots, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman landed the best player remaining on Philadelphia’s board.
Now, Roseman turns his attention to Day 2, where the Eagles hold picks No. 54, No. 68 and No. 98. Those selections could help Philadelphia address remaining needs at tight end, edge rusher, offensive tackle and offensive guard.
Roseman has a good track record on Day 2. Over the last seven drafts, Roseman’s second-round picks have included cornerback Cooper DeJean, center Cam Jurgens, guard Landon Dickerson, quarterback Jalen Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert. He also found good talent in the third round, including edge rusher Jalyx Hunt, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive tackle Milton Williams.
Delp only caught 20 passes for 261 yards and one touchdown this past season, making him the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect. Any NFL team who takes him in the top 100 is making a huge assumption that he will be more productive in the NFL than he was in college. The Eagles could be one of several organizations who are willing to bet on Delp’s ceiling.
His best flashes make him look like an elite tight end prospect. His above-average speed helps him create separation and make plays down the seam. He just didn’t receive the ball enough when he got open. He explodes down the field after the catch and generates extra yards. His explosiveness at his size — 6-5, 245 pounds — could make him a matchup problem in the NFL.
Delp is ahead of the curve as a blocker, mulling defensive ends and linebackers in the run game. His complete skill set could help him stay on the field for all three downs. He could play in 12 personnel for Philadelphia’s offense next season and replace Goedert as the starter in 2027.
Dunker could be drafted as the replacement for right guard Tyler Steen, who could leave the Eagles next offseason during free agency. He could start games next season at left guard if Dickerson continues to struggle with injuries or doesn’t perform well again.
Dunker’s lack of athleticism and stiffness could be masked at guard. His size (6-5, 319 pounds) and arm length (33 ½”) could give him an advantage against worse athletes on the interior. He’s tough, physical and smart and is a strong run blocker. He could help Philadelphia’s run game get back on track.
The Eagles would need to get lucky for Stukes to fall, but it’s not completely unrealistic. The teams picking ahead of the Eagles could target edge rushers, offensive linemen and wide receivers, which could cause safeties and nickel cornerbacks to slide down the board.
Philadelphia hosted Stukes for a pre-draft visit, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane. Stukes played safety and nickel for Arizona’s defense and made the biggest impact on that defense. He has good speed, impressive coverage instincts and creates turnovers.
Moore plays with tremendous power and speed, which are the two most important qualities for an edge rusher. He can string together different pass rush moves to keep offensive tackles guessing. That skill set could translate to the NFL.
Crawford makes up for his lack of size (6-4, 253 pounds) and length (32-inch arms) with a dynamic first step and an array of pass rush moves. He beats offensive tackles with a swim move, a euro step/hesi, ghost moves and club rips. He bends off the edge and stays low, making him difficult to block.
Dennis-Sutton is a powerful edge rusher who plays the run well. He has unique size (6-5, 256 pounds), good length (33 ½) and strong hands. But he hasn’t developed as a pass rusher and won’t make an immediate impact on third down. The Eagles would have to be patient with his development.
Haulcy is a physical ballhawk. He snagged eight interceptions and 12 pass breaks up over the last two years. The 6-0, 215-pound safety has a compact build and hits hard. He has good instincts and gets to the ball fast.
Bell is a ginormous tackle prospect. Edge rushers struggled to get around his 6-9, 346-pound frame and 36-inch arms. He often plays with high pad level due to his size and struggles against smaller, quick pass rushers. His upside makes him worth developing despite the limitations.
Roush is a tough and effective run blocker. He’s a 6-6, 267-pound target with reliable hands. He’s not super explosive, but he is a smooth mover and creates enough separation to pose a threat in the passing game.
Kilgore is a big, 6-1, 210-pound defender with long arms and great coverage range. He has a knack for making plays on the ball, finishing with 10 passes defended and two interceptions in his final season with the Gamecocks.
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