It is getting close to hour. Here we are, less than a week away from the 2024 NFL Draft. The element of anxiety and excitement are at odds. We are biting our fingernails a little bit because, as we have all seen too many of these, there are no guarantees. Still, we would want to see the Philadelphia Eagles win this one. Thank goodness Howie Roseman and his group are on our side.
Draft prospect selection is a difficult science. How often have you heard someone say that? Our road map is here. Philly will make eight selections if nothing changes between now and Thursday (or during the three days of the draft).
Although nobody can predict their actions, we can provide one piece of advise. Please heed the cautionary signals.
With the NFL Draft prospects on this list, the Eagles would be well advised to tread cautiously.
Seven years after the 2017 NFL Draft brought eight new players into the fold. The Eagles currently have none on their roster. Following the 2020 campaign, Nathan Gerry departed. Until the previous season, Derek Barnett was the only survivor of the class. Give that some time to register.
Over time, the Eagles have let go of tackle Andre Dillard, a first-round pick, after realizing that Jordan Mailata, a seventh-round pick, was a better fit. Jason Kelce was selected in the sixth round, round 168, following the addition of Danny Watkins by Philly in the first round. All of that brings us full circle to our starting point.
What do you know? Since the draft is not a perfect science, this is where we’ll stop. A few guys are causing us some worry. Since they’re all in the boom-or-bust category, perhaps they ought to be marked with the scarlet letter instead of the one we’re using.
Texas-born T’Vondre Sweat is an inside defensive lineman.
T’Vondre, Josh Sweat’s younger brother, has some warning signs. There are concerns regarding motivation and work ethic.
Against the Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide the previous season, he performed admirably. His remaining cassette is largely unsatisfactory. No one who is interested wants to witness that.
He can be an explosive, domineering man or he can arrive to work unfit. Given that both are feasible, Philadelphia should presumably carry on shopping.
Security, Kamren Kinchens, Miami
Kamren Kinchens is without a doubt on the boom-or-bust list. A few months ago, he was regarded as the best safety in the class. Although he is little and had a few big plays the previous season, how useful will he be at a higher level?
His 40-yard sprint time of 4.65 seconds at the NFL Combine was below average, and his nine-foot-two-inch broad jump was the lowest of any safety since 1999. Even more upsetting was a subpar performance at the Senior Bowl. This is what it boils down to for us. Is it possible for him to stay up with NFL tight ends?
We are unable to. But we could be mistaken.
Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims
Amarius Mims’s six-foot-eight, 340-pound size and athleticism amaze everyone. The same concern is shared by all: his lack of experience. In his college career, he only started eight games.
Lance Zierlein of NFLcom, who is more knowledgeable than we are about these things, predicts he’ll develop into a solid starter in two years. That being said, Amarius is most likely a first-round pick, so maybe he can be trusted. Therefore, we query you… At 22, should Philly take a chance on a skilled player or a young one with potential?
Chop Robinson of Penn State’s EDGE
If Chop Robinson is selected among the first four edge rushers, don’t be astonished. If he moves from Round 1 to Round 2, don’t be startled. This has a Nolan Smith feel to it, along with an unwelcome element that nobody wants to hear. Last season, he was sidelined by injury for all but seven games.
Although he has exceptional athleticism, it will be difficult for him to succeed at the professional level due to his small and short wingspan. Physical issues are at play here, and they cannot be disregarded.
Florida State’s Braden Fiske is an inside defensive lineman.
Braden Fiske performed admirably at the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl, but Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus raises some issues, many of which we share.
“His short stature is what causes him to boom or bust. His arm length and wingspan are in the third and fifth percentiles for the position, respectively. In the end, where he is picked will determine more about his boom-or-bust potential.
Although he’s a great pass rusher, he might have trouble stopping the run in the NFL. Regretfully, teams that select him in the draft will anticipate that he will perform both duties.
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKnistry from Alabama
Look, Philly. We are aware that you adore Kool-Aid McKnistry. His football acumen is extraordinary. He’s useful as a punt returner, but if you want to get an idea of what kind of Sundays he might have, watch Alabama’s game against the Texas Longhorns from the previous season. You will not be pleased with what you see.
Although Kool-Aid did well in the Crimson Tide’s other games, several scouts have expressed concerns about his work ethic. The Texas receiving corps had their way. Some people refer to him as a bad-bodily, indolent practice player who believes he can make it because he is smart enough for football.
Have you seen enough? We now possess…
Look elsewhere for a defensive back to fill the void left by the loss of both Tide corners if Philly isn’t trading up to acquire Terrion Arnold.
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