Teams can improve quickly in the NFL draft if they accurately evaluate the available talent. This is the case for the Eagles and the rest of the league in a draft that heavily features quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen, but lacks defensive linemen, edge rushers, and cornerbacks.
It all depends on which teams are most prepared when the positions are in demand, causing other players to drop down the draft rankings.
This is how the first round is shaping up, regardless of trades:
1. Bears (from Carolina); Caleb Williams, QB, USC >> Exceptional arm, accuracy, excellent decision-making, and a talent for the dramatic. A mutually beneficial choice for the Windy City.
2. Commanders; Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington >> Incredibly accurate and competitive, but can the kid stay healthy with the players around him there?
3. Patriots; Drake Maye, QB, UNC >> It's unlikely the Patriots will trade out of this spot because Maye is similar to Josh Allen and Justin Herbert.
4. Cardinals; Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State >> Had an outstanding 2023 season despite having a less than ordinary quarterback.
5. Chargers; Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame >> Possibly the most skilled player in the entire draft. Would love to see footage of him narrated by Jeff Stoutland.
6. Giants; J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan >> They are in dire need of a quarterback, and there's been a lot of talk that McCarthy performed exceptionally well in personal workouts.
7. Titans; Malik Nabers, WR, LSU >> Possesses so much speed, power, and explosiveness that I'd choose him over Harrison.
8. Falcons; Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama >> Tremendous talent with significant playmaking potential. Just too good for the Falcons to overlook.
9. Bears; Rome Odunze, WR, Washington >> Equipped with every skill in the receivers' toolbox. He helped quarterback Michael Penix Jr. become a first-rounder.
10. Jets; Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia >> If the Jets don't trade up for a receiver, this flexible tight end with exceptional hands, speed, and the ability to read coverages like Travis Kelce and George Kittle is a significant asset.
11. Vikings; Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State >> One of the most skilled players in this draft. Plays intelligently and aggressively. Poised for stardom.
12. Broncos; Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington >> Albeit not a certainty, the Broncos would be wise to instead go for an offensive lineman like Olu Fashanu of Penn State or a speed rusher such as Laiatu Latu of UCLA.
13. Raiders; Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State >> Great value here for the Raiders, who also admire Penix.
14. Saints; JC Latham, OT, Alabama >> You can't go wrong with this dominant force. Exceptional balance, power, and lineage.
15. Colts; Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama >> The best pure cornerback prospect available hails from the place where cornerbacks thrive.
16. Seahawks; Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA >> He reaches the quarterback from virtually anywhere. A solid addition for defensive-minded new head coach Mike McDonald.
17. Jaguars; Brian Thomas, WR, LSU >> Forget about Bowers, who would be a good fit in Philly. The Eagles should seriously consider trading up for this playmaker.
18. Bengals; Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington >> He's a natural left tackle who consistently manages to block his opponent.
19. Rams; Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas >> He's not as good as Aaron Donald, but he's assertive, makes plays and is very good at understanding the game.
20. Steelers; Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia >> He has great size, footwork, and technique. It's easier to pass a tractor-trailer than to go around him.
21. Dolphins; Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois >> He plays aggressively and makes a strong impact, similar to Christian Wilkins who left in free agency.
22. Eagles; Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo >> He unquestionably has skill. It would be better to see him make plays against stronger teams like Michigan or Alabama, not Miami-Ohio or Buffalo.
23. Vikings (from Cleveland through Houston); Jared Verse, Edge, Fla. State >> He's the best at using a bull rush move in the draft.
24. Cowboys; Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma >> He has a quick first step like Lane Johnson and is difficult to get past.
25. Packers; Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa >> He meets the team's needs for cornerbacks and safeties. Either DeJean or Kool Aid McKinstry.
26. Bucs; Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri >> He's an underrated pass rusher and football player who fits the Bucs' style. He overpowered Mims last year.
27. Cardinals (from Houston); Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State >> If anyone can find a successful role for Chop in pass rushing, it's Jonathan Gannon.
28. Bills; Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia >> He may not be a top receiver, but his agility and ability to run routes are exceptional.
29. Lions; T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State >> He consistently gets to the ball and rarely gets beaten.
30. Ravens; Graham Barton, OL, Duke >> This isn't certain, but the Ravens could use a man who is technically excellent at every position on the offensive line.
31. 49ers; Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson >> He's inexperienced but has excellent ball skills. It won't be long before he becomes a playmaker at SFO.
32. Chiefs; Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas >> With turbo speed of 4.21 in the 40-yard dash, he can almost literally take off.
