Way-Too-Early 2022 1st-Round Projections for Eagles

Well the ink is barely dry on the 2021 NFL Draft, but mock drafts have already started for the 2020 version.

The Eagles passed on taking quarterback Justin Fields and Mac Jones when it was their turn to pick this year, instead electing to go forward with 2020 second-round pick Jalen Hurts for the 2021 season, at least for now.

Well, come 2022, it looks like Todd McShay doesn't think the Eagles will pass on a quarterback in round one, taking North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell with the No. 7 overall selection.

This is another spot where the pick could go a lot of different directions based on this season. If Jalen Hurts proves he's the guy, then don't expect the Eagles to look QB. If he provides doubt, then Howell would be an excellent pick. Howell followed up his 38-TD 2019 season -- an FBS record for true freshmen -- with 30 more in 2020, and he improved his completion percentage and yards per attempt along the way.

Howell is known to be a terrific deep-ball thrower, averaging 42 yards per deep-ball completion for the Tar Heels.

Some 2022 mock drafts have Howell going No. 1 overall, McShay has him as the second quarterback of five taken in round one.

With their second first-round selection at No. 17 the Eagles add to their cornerback room, something they didn't do in this draft until round four, taking USC's Isaac Taylor-Stuart.

Cornerback continues to be an issue for the Eagles, as they lack depth behind Darius Slay, especially with Avonte Maddox on an expiring contract this season. Philadelphia used a Day 3 pick on Zech McPhearson but has not invested a first-round pick in the position since drafting Lito Sheppard in 2002. Taylor-Stuart has 6-foot-2 size and speed, and I think he will have a big year in 2021. He has a lot of talent.

The Eagles don't currently have a true starting level players opposite Darius Slay.

With their third first-round pick, in a pick obtained from the Colts in the Carson Wentz deal, the team continues to add to their secondary, taking Miami safety Bubba Bolden at pick No. 20.

Remember this pick will become the Eagles pick if Carson Wentz plays 70% of the snaps this season with the Colts.

 After getting a cornerback a few spots earlier, the Eagles can add a big, experienced safety here. Both starters -- Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod -- could come off the books next spring. Bolden transferred to Miami from USC two years ago, and he had a big 2020 season, making 74 tackles and tying for second in the nation with four forced fumbles.

At 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, is a solid run defender and has done a good job against the pass for the Hurricanes.