Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Philadelphia Eagles NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Philadelphia Eagles from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Eagles:

Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)

24. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

The Eagles will be in the market for a safety even if free-agent acquisition Rodney McLeod pans out swimmingly. McLeod is more your natural center-fielder, while Holland is closer to a next-generation prototype. Holland is an extremely sticky cover guy in the slot, and he's active against the run, showing plus range and a much-improved conversation rate on his tackles as a sophomore in 2019. In only two active seasons, he already has nine interceptions and 10 breakups.

PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)

23. Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse

I don't anticipate a safety with 4.3 speed and 12 picks by the end of his true sophomore year lasting too long in the draft. While his tape is incredibly up and down at this point, you can't teach the sort of playmaking ability he possesses.

The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)

24. Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh

Bidding farewell to Malcolm Jenkins had to be a tough decision for the Eagles, but payroll issues have the Birds backed up against the wall. The team is opting to bridge the gap with CB Jalen Mills for now, but that may not be a sustainable move. In Ford, the Eagles get an aggressive striker on the back end who can play up to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's aggressive style of defense.

Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)

24. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State

A distinct lack of depth at linebacker may force the Philadelphia Eagles to address the position early in the 2021 NFL Draft, although they also have a need at the safety and cornerback positions, despite adding Darius Slay over the offseason. As Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson enter the final years of their careers, the Eagles may add another receiver for the future after drafting Jalen Reagor in the first round last year.

It might be hyperbole to describe Hamsah Nasirildeen as the Isaiah Simmons of the 2021 NFL Draft class, but he blurs the traditional lines between the safety and linebacker position in the same way that Simmons does. The positional versatility will be particularly appealing to NFL teams as will his athletic ability, physical nature, and natural leadership qualities.

ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)

27. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

He was the first player to opt out of the college football season, but regardless, Farley registers as my third-ranked cornerback for the 2021 class (behind Surtain and Wade). He has the frame and speed to be a problem for opposing receivers, and he closes in a flash. A former wide receiver, Farley also has the ball skills and instincts to make plays, evidenced by his 12 passes broken up and four interceptions last season. Four Eagles cornerbacks, including Sidney Jones and Nickell Robey-Coleman, could hit the open market next spring. Trading for Darius Slay gives Philadelphia a top-tier CB, but the team still has to address the spot opposite him.

The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)

23. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

The Eagles' pass defense finished ranked No. 16 across the league (Football Outsiders – DVOA) and considering the injuries that the team suffered throughout the year, that was considered a huge accomplishment for the team. Needing help on the back end, the team selects Holland, an active piece on the third level. Moving Jalen Mills to safety after his constant struggles at corner and only being on a one-year deal, Howie Roseman still decides to take a higher upside player.

A true alpha personality, Holland is the type of player that raises the temperature of a room as soon as he steps foot in it. Praised for his smarts, he already has his degree (ethnic studies) in hand prior to starting his junior season and that intelligence carries over to his football IQ on the field. One of the leaders of the Ducks secondary, Holland has experienced most of his playing time as the low safety, which pairs perfectly with the rangy free safety in Rodney McLeod.

Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)

24. Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa

Not nearly as refined as Humphrey is to this point, Linderbaum has the physical tools to be one of the top interior linemen in the NFL. The Eagles already have two of the best, but Brandon Brooks is recovering from a torn Achilles, and both he and Jason Kelce are over 30. Landing in Philadelphia would be the perfect place for Linderbaum to develop his talents and either take over the LG spot or eventually replace one of Kelce or Brooks.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)

23. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State

The Eagles' defense has been at its best when Malcolm Jenkins was performing well, but those days are now behind us and Philadelphia doesn't have anything like him currently on the roster. That could change by adding Hamsah Narsilideen, who can be an exciting chess piece and matchup eraser for Jim Schwartz.

Nasirildeen is a versatile defender that can play in deep zones, man coverage, in the box, or as a shallow zone defender. He's physical and has led the Seminoles in tackles in each of the last two seasons.

Previous update: Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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