The 2022 NFL Draft rumor mill is in full swing with the big night just days away. While teams are certainly posturing to send up smoke screens ahead of the NFL Draft, some actual intentions can be gleaned by reading the tea leaves that are NFL rumors. We’re going to combine our expert consensus first-round mock NFL Draft, the latest picks from our NFL analysts, our team needs for each NFL squad, and the latest NFL rumors to try to determine what teams will do during the 2022 NFL Draft. Below, we’ll check and see which wide receiver the Philadelphia Eagles will target with one of their first-round picks.
2022 NFL Draft Team Needs
Andrew Erickson shares team needs for all 32 teams ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has the following for the Eagles:
- Team Needs: CB, LB, WR, EDGE, IOL, FS
Latest 2022 NFL Draft Rumors
Marco Pavoloni (@MAPavoloni) of The Rumor Mill Mock Draft provides the latest in the world of 2022 NFL Draft rumors.
The Eagles have two selections in a deep part of the draft, and it’s likely they will target an offensive weapon with one of them.
As early as 3/31, Matt Miller, replied to a question on Twitter on the positions he believed the Eagles were targeting with “WR, DT, LB— Maybe a DE is what I’ve heard.”
Based on everything I’ve been reading, it feels like one, maybe two of the top four receivers (London, Wilson, Williams, Olave) will be available when the Eagles are on the clock at 15. But who is most likely to be there, and who would the Eagles be most likely to select?
On 4/18, Albert Breer wrote: “Would the Eagles take a receiver for the third year in a row? No one’s ruling it out,” and on 4/25, confirmed, “This is right around where the run on the top tier of receivers (London, Wilson, Williams, Olave) could be coming to a close, so one could be in play with either of Philly’s picks.”
On 4/18, Peter Schrager tweeted:
“Could Eagles go WR in the first round three straight years? The answer is absolutely. And depending on the way the 1st round plays out, they may be in a sweet spot at 15 to get one of the top 5 before a host of WR needy teams. Eagles have 15, 18, and 8 other picks. WR at 15? Check.”
The next day, in his Mock Draft 2.0, Schrager had the Eagles selecting Drake London.
And it made sense at the time. For a large portion of the pre-draft process, London was considered by many to be the top receiver prospect in the class. But when he opted against running the 40 at his pro day, it felt like his stock took a bit of a hit.
And now, about a week later all the rumors seem to be pointing to him being the top receiver taken once again, to either Atlanta at 8, the Jets at 10, or as an absolute floor, to Washington at 11. Even so, one day in the pre-draft process can feel like a decade, and anything could happen between now and Thursday, or even on Thursday, if the Eagles decide they love London enough to trade up.
So if not London, which receiver could end up with Philly?
Let’s talk about Olave and Williams:
On 4/26, John McMullen tweeted:
“The names I hear most connected to the #Eagles in no particular order are: Jordan Davis (outside shot at 15), Chris Olave (good shot) Jameson Williams (declining by the day), Derek Stingley, Jr. (trade up) Jermaine Johnson (trade up), Devante Wyatt (18 at the earliest).”
On 4/21, Daniel Jeremiah, asked where he sees Ohio State WR Chris Olave going, said: “I’ll go with the Philadelphia #Eagles … if not Philadelphia, then the team that picks right behind them in the Saints.”
For the Eagles, the choice at 15 should be about two things:
- Which of the top 4 WRs falls?
- If two of them fall, do we like Chris Olave or Jameson Williams more?
Here’s a hint:
On 4/25, Todd McShay wrote, “Multiple execs I spoke with think Alabama wideout Jameson Williams is the Philadelphia Eagles’ preference at No. 15. And if not Philly, then the New Orleans Saints could be his floor at No. 16.”
Consensus First-Round NFL Mock Draft
Our consensus mock draft has the Eagles filling their need at wide receiver with their first pick. The consensus is that Jameson Williams will be selected at No. 15 overall.
Our analysts have a different take, as they see two different wide receivers as a good fit for Philly at 15.
Freedman’s latest mock draft: Week of the Draft
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Drake London (WR – USC)
The Eagles need a strong running mate alongside 2021 first-rounder DeVonta Smith. With his production (88-1,084-7 receiving in eight games last year) and size (6-4 and 219 pounds), London has the potential to be a Mike Williams-esque downfield dominator on the perimeter.
Erickson’s latest mock draft: NFL Mock Draft 6.0
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Garrett Wilson (WR – Ohio State)
Howie Roseman is no stranger to selecting wide receivers early on, having selected one in the top two rounds over the last three seasons, two of which have been first-round picks.
WR is firmly back in play with one of the Eagles’ two 2022 first-round picks, and I have an inkling they will target one who can offer YAC ability like Garrett Wilson.
Wilson finished this past season third in broken tackle and missed tackle rate, per Sports Info Solutions.
The Eagles finished second in screen pass rate in 2021.
FantasyPros Mock Drafts
Andrew Erickson:
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 5.0
- Andrew Erickson’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 6.0
Matthew Freedman:
- Version 1: Post-free agency
- Version 2: Post-Eagles & Saints trade
- Version 3: Mid-April
- Version 4: 10 days away
- Version 5: Seven days away
- Version 6: Week of the Draft
Derek Brown:
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