Hidden-Gem Prospects Eagles Must Target in 2024 NFL Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles have been active in trying to reload after last season's late collapse. Philly has added the likes of Saquon Barkley, Matt Hennessy, Bryce Huff and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and it can add more in this month's draft.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is armed with eight total draft selections, including the 22nd overall pick. His draft cache also includes a pair of second-round selections—due to a 2022 trade with the New Orleans Saints—and those early picks will command fans' attention in the coming weeks.
However, the league's best teams find talent in all stages of the draft. Ideally, Philadelphia will do exactly that later this month.
Below, we'll examine three sleeper prospects who should be firmly on the Eagles' radar for Day 3.
S Tykee Smith, Georgia
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Georgia safety prospect Tykee Smith is a very logical target for the Eagles on Day 3—and not just because of the team's affinity for former Bulldogs defenders.
The Eagles faltered on the back end last season, finishing the year ranked 31st in passing yards allowed. While Philly signed cornerback Tyler Hall and brought back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency, it still needs help on the back end.
Smith, who primarily played cornerback at West Virginia before transferring to Georgia, has plenty of positional versatility. He may lack elite speed, but he's experienced, savvy and can pack a punch in run support.
Poor tackling was also a significant issue for the Eagles defense in 2023.
In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Smith amassed 101 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and four interceptions. He recorded 111 tackles and four picks in his two seasons at West Virginia.
While Smith might not have the skills to be a high-end starter right away, he could provide valuable depth at multiple positions as a rookie. He is the 120th-ranked prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's big board, and the Eagles just so happen to own the 120th overall pick.
WR Malik Washington, Virginia
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Wideout is far from a glaring need for the Eagles, who have DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown headlining their receiver room. However, Philly has struggled to find a reliable third option at the position and a playmaker to complement Smith, Brown and tight end Dallas Goedert.
While Philadelphia added DeVante Parker and Parris Campbell in free agency, both are on one-year deals, and neither is guaranteed to be the missing piece the Eagles need.
The Eagles probably won't target the position early, but Virginia's Malik Washington would make a ton of sense on Day 3. He's on the smaller side at 5'9" and 191 pounds but possesses 4.47 speed and plenty of playmaking potential.
"Washington is a slot-only NFL player whose size will limit his high-end potential, but he can still be a starter," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. 'His explosiveness, change-of-direction ability and overall toughness should help make him into a quality role player with flashes of big plays."
While Washington may not project as a top perimeter option, Smith's inside-outside versatility would allow Philadelphia to get the rookie into the lineup. And Washington has the tools needed to make an immediate impact.
Washington, the 125th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, tallied an impressive 110 catches for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
LB Jaylan Ford, Texas
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Philadelphia's poor tackling wasn't just a problem in the secondary. It also occurred at the second level, and the Eagles were quick to add linebacker help in free agency.
Philly signed Oren Burks, Devin White, Zack Baun and Julian Okwara last month.
It would, however, behoove the Eagles to continue adding depth at the linebacker position in the draft. While the free-agent additions will help, the majority of them are only set to provide temporary fixes. White is the only member of the group to sign for longer than a year, and he's on a two-year contract.
Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford is a potential fifth-round target who could be developed as a future contributor in run support.
"Overall, Ford's linear speed and size can help him contribute on special teams, and he has good enough instincts to serve as a backup linebacker in the NFL," Matt Holder of the B.R Scouting Department wrote.
Ford may not have the elite athletic traits needed to be a three-down 'backer at the next level, but he has good size (6'2", 240 lbs) and plenty of run-stuffing production on his resume. The 164th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, Ford recorded 220 tackles, 108 solo stops and 20.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons alone.
*Draft order information via Tankathon
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