The Eagles have not picked a first-round cornerback since 2022, but anybody interested in NFL mock drafts believes that will change in 2024. Here’s who they believe will join Philadelphia’s secondary.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believe Wiggins will be picked by the Eagles. He led Clemson with 12 pass defenses in 2022 and nine last season. He had two forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2023, including a pick-six against FAU.
Jeremiah thinks Wiggins “the most natural cover man in this year’s draft,” while Kiper praises his exceptional quickness. At the combine, Wiggins ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, which ranked first at his position and second overall.
DeJean recorded 120 tackles, seven interceptions, and three touchdowns during his three years at Iowa. Despite missing four games in 2023 due to a fractured leg, he was awarded Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and a first-team All-American.
According to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic, DeJean is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft and poses a serious challenge to mainstays James Bradberry and Darius Slay. The coach believes that DeJean “could supply immediate competition at the position while also factoring into the defense’s vacancy at nickel.”
Lassiter recorded one sack and one interception in three years at Georgia. According to Pro Football Focus, Lassiter allowed a completion on 41.9% of throws thrown into his coverage last season, giving opposition quarterbacks a 56.9 passer rating despite allowing only seven completions.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, general manager Howie Roseman has a history of drafting Georgia athletes, and the Eagles traded back with the 49ers to take Lassiter 31st overall.
Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News, and Tyrone Johnson of 97.5 According to The Fanatic, Philadelphia will trade up for a player who many regard to be the greatest cornerback in the draft.
Mitchell made 124 tackles (93 solo), 45 passes defended, and six interceptions during his five years at Toledo. Five of them interceptions and 19 pass deflections occurred during his stellar 2022 season, which won him first-team All-MAC honors.
Iyer has Philadelphia picking the excellent cornerback 22nd overall, which seemed odd given his 4.33 at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the Eagles spoke with Mitchell. Johnson envisions the Eagles trading with the Seahawks to acquire him at No. 16, which is more likely.
McKinstry started three seasons for the Crimson Tide and was named a first-team All-American in 2023. In his most recent Eagles-only mock draft, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia sees the team selecting him at number 22. According to Zangaro, McKinstry ran a 4.47 at Alabama’s Pro Day before sustaining a foot ailment that prevented him from participating in the combine.
On the other hand, Connor Rogers of NBC Sports feels Arnold, McKinstry’s Alabama colleague, will be Philly’s pick. Arnold led the team with 12 pass breakups and tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions last season.
Some draft gurus believe Arnold may go as high as No. 8, but with parallels to Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, Philadelphia should have no trouble rising up the board to snag him.
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