2024 NFL mock draft: Eagles add elite depth at the cornerback, safety position

The Eagles are 11-6 and looking for a reset entering the playoffs after a 27-10 loss to the Giants in the season finale.

Even with Nick Sirianni’s team clinching a playoff berth for the third straight year, it’s never too early to look ahead at the NFL draft, and with so many holes on defense, Howie Roseman has the assets to retool the roster.

Philadelphia has never drafted an off-the-ball linebacker in the first round, and they won’t this spring either, but Howie Roseman will reload in the trenches and could get a familiar name in the second round.

We’re looking ahead, and mock draft roundups have the Birds restocking in the trenches or the secondary.

Draft Wire

Nov 21, 2020; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Shi Smith (13) runs the ball against Missouri Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) and safety Tyree Gillespie (9) in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Wire has the Eagles addressing holes on defense.

25 – Philadelphia Eagles – CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

The Eagles add Rakestraw here to help fill some potential gaps in the secondary from free agent losses.

50 – Philadelphia Eagles – LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

57 – Philadelphia Eagles – WR Xavier Elgette, South Carolina

97 – Philadelphia Eagles – S Jahdae Barron, Texas

Sports Illustrated

Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) runs with the ball towards Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (10) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Luke Easterling has the Eagles adding a replacement for Quez Watkins.

*25. Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU

CBS Sports

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

CBS Sports has Philadelphia adding the versatile Barton to the trenches.

Round 1 – Pick 25
Graham Barton OT
DUKE • SR • 6’5″ / 314 LBS

Philadelphia

Barton played left tackle his final three seasons at Duke, and he was the anchor of that unit, but his NFL future will be inside, either at guard or center.

USA Today

Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today has the Eagles reloading in the trenches.

25. Philadelphia Eagles – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Maybe this seems like a luxury for a team that has undergone a full-blown defensive collapse late in the season. But Howie Roseman’s affinity for building up his line is well-documented, and the massively powerful Fuaga could be a short-term option at guard while shaping up as a potential long-term replacement for Lane Johnson at right tackle.

Bleacher Report

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 28: Mike Hollins #7 of the Virginia Cavaliers catches a pass against Kamren Kinchens #5 of the Miami Hurricanes during overtime at Hard Rock Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Bleacher Report has Philadelphia adding a safety to the mix.

25. Philadelphia Eagles: S Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Miami’s Kamren Kinchens is B/R’s top-rated safety. He could immediately complement Kevin Byard while forcing Reed Blankenship out of the starting lineup.

“Kinchens brings the type of versatility to play in multiple schemes and coverages,” Giddings said. “Furthermore, he plays with a blend of physicality to defend the run from multiple levels.

“The two-time first-team All-ACC defensive back has the skills to be an early starter or at least having a significant role in some team’s defense at the onset of his career.”

PFF

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

PFF has the Eagles adding depth in the secondary.

25. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: CB QUINYON MITCHELL, TOLEDO
Record: 11-6
Top-100 picks: 4 (1st, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd)
Player ADP (via MDS): 38.6
Mitchell earned elite PFF coverage grades in each of the past two seasons. In fact, no FBS cornerback forced more incompletions over that span (36) than the Toledo cornerback. He was primarily an off-coverage defender with the Rockets but possesses the quickness to also play press coverage.