While it’s still early for a mock draft given the Eagles’ current playoff aspirations and recent success, it’s never too soon to consider potential draft picks, especially with Howie Roseman’s strong track record in selecting talent. While the Eagles still have plenty of football to play, including a crucial game against the Washington Commanders, there are still areas of the roster that could need attention in the upcoming draft.
**Eagles Draft Jack Sawyer in Latest Mock Draft**
In the latest mock draft, the Eagles are projected to select Jack Sawyer, a 6’5″, 260-pound edge rusher from Ohio State, with the 26th pick. Sawyer, who was ranked as the fourth-best player in his recruiting class, is considered another promising pass rusher from Ohio State’s impressive pipeline.
This season, Sawyer has accumulated three sacks, several tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. He’s known for being a disruptive presence on the field, with an NFL-ready build and strong point-of-attack ability. He’s seen as a potential starting edge rusher in the NFL and could be an ideal replacement for Josh Sweat, who is entering the final year of his contract.
With Sweat and likely Brandon Graham both nearing the end of their careers, the Eagles will need to bolster their edge-rushing depth. While players like Nolan Smith are showing promise, Sawyer could immediately compete for a starting role. At the very least, he would offer valuable depth, especially if players like Bryce Huff or Jalyx Hunt break out.
**Recent Draft Trends and Team Needs**
The Eagles’ recent draft picks, including first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell and second-rounder Cooper DeJean, have played key roles in the team’s strong start to the season. Along with 2023 first-rounder Jalen Carter, these selections give the Eagles a solid foundation for a young, dynamic defense in the coming years. Adding another edge rusher like Sawyer would complement the existing talent, working alongside Nolan Smith and Carter.
The Eagles also face a number of expiring contracts, including those of Sweat, Graham, Milton Williams, Mekhi Becton, and Zack Baun. Some of these players could command larger contracts elsewhere, which could create additional needs on the roster. Linebacker depth and another offensive guard could be potential areas of concern, especially if the team isn’t fully confident in Tyler Steen.
**Final Thoughts on the Eagles’ Draft Strategy**
As always, the Eagles will prioritize value in the draft, and that often translates to strengthening the offensive and defensive lines. Sawyer would be a great fit, offering both pass-rushing ability and strength against the run. Given the Eagles’ track record, future mock drafts are likely to include another pass rusher, either interior or on the edge.
However, the team may also consider bolstering the offensive line, especially with Lane Johnson aging and the uncertainty surrounding Steen. A potential right guard or right tackle of the future could also be a priority. Of course, with many games left to play, there are still a lot of decisions to be made before the draft, but keep an eye on Jack Sawyer as a potential target.
