The Eagles’ Draft Philosophy 2020 — Day Two

Finding Gems

If you have not gotten the chance to read “The Eagles’ Draft Philosophy 2020 — Day One”, click here.

Day 2: Short-Term Draft Needs

The second day of the draft is arguably the most important. Many of these players are as talented as the day one prospects but have red flags that drop their draft status. Typically these flags are durability concerns or small sample sizes of productive college tape. Teams must evaluate whether these problems can be addressed or that those problems will affect a prospect’s ability to produce at the next level.



Specifically, the Eagles draft strategy for day two all depends on what positions they addressed in the first round. Assuming that the Eagles draft a wide receiver, they need to hamper down the linebacker room on day two. Troy Dye fits the bill for Jim Schwartz’s defense because of his athleticism and sideline to sideline range. More importantly, he will likely be on the board in the middle of the third round. Additionally, Willie Gay Jr. is a viable option. However, his technique is extremely lacking even when compared to Troy Dye and will probably cost the Eagles a second-round pick.

Two Wide Receivers?

In the rare case that the Eagles are receiver-less after round one, they must draft a receiver in the second and possibly another in the third. Although in most years, it would be a horrendous mismanagement of resources to select two players of the same position in the second and third round, for the Eagles, the need for a receiver is at the point where even this unforeseen outcome could be necessary.

Top 3 Wide Receivers the Eagles should draft in the third round:

  1. Bryan Edwards
  2. Donovan Peoples-Jones
  3. Van Jefferson

Honorable Mention: Darnell Mooney (Could probably be available in the fourth round)

Side Note: If Laviska Shenault or Brandon Aiyuk slip out of the first round the Eagles should trade up and snag one of them.

The case (or lack thereof) for an Interior Offensive Lineman

In the NFL, offensive lineman, especially interior offensive lineman, can be drafted in the late rounds, and if appropriately developed, can become perennial all-pros or at least starters. The Eagles and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland have proven that ability (i.e., Jason Kelce in the sixth round and Halapoulivaati Vaitai in the fifth). Thus, the Eagles can afford to not select an offensive lineman on day two. Nevertheless, Jason Kelce is certainly not getting younger, and if the Eagles want to address the looming need with a premium third-round pick, there is no need to riot.

Conclusion

The second day of the NFL draft is where the Eagles may reach for a prospect because of a specific need or incorporate an abnormal draft strategy to address a dire situation. Every selection cannot be of the best available player because there must be a balance between building for the long term and the immediate future.

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Featured photo from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District