Predicting Eagles' Early 2024 NFL Draft Big Board

Howie Roseman has used the draft over the last few years to help build the Philadelphia Eagles into a Super Bowl contender.

Taking Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 draft was a big part of that, but trades to acquire A.J. Brown and to get multiple first-round picks in the 2023 draft either look good on paper or have had a direct impact on making the Eagles a dangerous team for years to come.

Continuing that success will require more good drafting. After Hurts signed a massive extension, finding value in the draft has become even more important.

We can assume the Eagles will pick toward the end of the first round after winning the NFC last season. Considering where they might be picking, the team needs they may have and their draft tendencies over the last few years, here's a look at who they may have an eye on early in the process for 2024.

3. Javon Bullard, Georgia

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INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 09: Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard (22) looks at the offense during the Georgia Bulldogs game versus the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It wouldn't be an Eagles big board without a Georgia defender. It's more than a coincidence that Philadelphia has drafted five defensive players from the Bulldogs over the last two drafts.

Georgia is making an argument that it has replaced the Alabama dynasty in college football. Drafting the best defenders on those teams isn't a bad strategy.

The Bulldogs figure to be loaded with NFL talent again this fall. Javon Bullard will be one of the players at the forefront of the unit. The defensive back had two interceptions and a fumble recovery in the national championship game and should carry that momentum into his junior season.

According to Pro Football Focus data, Bullard primarily lined up in the slot but also took reps as a box safety and lined up deep. He needs to fill out his frame. He's listed at 5'11", 180 pounds but must get bigger to maximize his versatility in the NFL.

If he does that, Bullard would be a great C.J. Gardner-Johnson replacement. The team let Gardner-Johnson leave in free agency but benefited from his ability to line up in the slot or as a safety last season.

With Terrell Edmunds set to replace him in the lineup this season, they might find they want a different replacement in 2024.

2. OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

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LYNCHBURG, VA - OCTOBER 22: BYU Cougars offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (78) in the trenches during a college football game between the BYU Cougars and the Liberty Flames on October 22, 2022, at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

By the time the 2024 draft rolls around, it might be time to start looking for Lane Johnson succession plans at right tackle.

Tackle was a popular position for Eagles mock drafts this season, but it wasn't a pressing need. Johnson was the fifth-highest-ranked offensive tackle by PFF despite being 32 years old.

Heading into his age-33 season, it's possible that he continues to play at a high level, but this team clearly believes in being elite on both the offensive and defensive lines.

That means planning ahead so they have a year or two to develop a player before forcing him into the lineup. They've taken that approach on the interior with their drafting of Cam Jurgens to succeed Jason Kelce.

Now they have an easy replacement option for Isaac Seumalo, who left in free agency this season.

Suamataia is a mauler of a right tackle for BYU. however, he might need a year in the league adapting to a pro-style offense before he's ready to make an impact.

Waiting a year behind Johnson would be ideal, and the Eagles might take advantage of the opportunity to add a high-end tackle prospect.

1. Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) rushes on defense during a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines on November 26, 2022 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Eagles have made it clear they are willing to load up on defensive line players more than anyone else. Even after adding Haason Reddick last season, they drafted Nolan Smith in the first round. They also traded up to get Jalen Carter.

After racking up 70 sacks, the Eagles have seen how much depth and development can pay off with the pass rush.

Even though they have a ton of talent, it shouldn't be shocking if they go that route again in the draft next season. Brandon Graham is 35 years old, while Derek Barnett is in the final year of his contract.

They would have a clear exit plan from both of them if they use another premium pick to continue stacking pass-rushing options.

Jack Sawyer is a good candidate to do it. At 6'4", 264 pounds, he has more of a prototypical defensive end build when compared to Smith. He holds up well against the run and should build on his 4.5-sack campaign in 2022.

He would be another great addition to a strong defensive line.