Eagles Mock Draft – A Trade, New Offensive Toys, & Much Needed Holes Filled On Defense

2018 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Mock Draft

1st Round – 32nd Overall

Trade 32rd pick to Indianapolis for picks 36 & 67

2nd Round – 36th Overall

Leighton Vander Esch – LB – Boise State




Vander Esch is a 6′ 4″ 256 lbs linebacker that is a freak athlete.  After bursting onto the scene last year at Boise State, Vander Esch continued his rise up the draft boards after a stellar combine.

He has the tools to start day 1 with the Eagles, but may benefit from a backup role in year 1.

Vander Esch is a loose-hipped, playing on his toes ball-hawk. Wherever the ball goes, Vander Esch seems to already be there. He is great against the run and the pass. Esch projects to be a 3-down linebacker in the NFL one day.

He still has to fill out his frame. However, already 6′ 4″ 256, Vander Esch has the ability to be a powerful force in the middle of the field in years to come.

3rd Round – 67th Overall

Dalton Schultz – TE – Stanford




Schultz is a 6′ 6″ 242 lbs tight end that is the “most-complete tight-end” in the draft according to his college coach David Shaw. After current Eagle, Zach Ertz, left Stanford in 2013, Schultz was brought in the following year to replace him.

He has the tools to complement Zach Ertz as a run-blocker and back-up starter if need be.

Schultz is tough, skilled block first tight end that has the hands and pass catching ability to complement it. He is great blocker against bigger defensive lineman and also smaller speedier linebackers and defensive backs with his great foot-work.

He has to develop better route running if he wants to become a true #1 TE in the NFL. However, he should be a better-than average blocker in the future if he continues to develop properly.

4th Round – 130th Overall

Marcus Allen – S – Penn State




Allen is a 6′ 2″ 202 lbs safety that is a tackling phenom. Allen bursted onto the scene at Penn State as a true freshman because of his tackling ability and his big hits.

He has the tools to develop into a NFL caliber starting safety. But, with his record of blocking kicks at Penn State should start out his career as a special teamer and back-up role.

Allen is a hard-nosed, physical safety that loves to put his head down and level people. Allen also succeeds in jarring his blockers to break free from getting tied up.

He is a locker room funny man and all around great teammate. But, with being a big time hit guy, he needs to work on his approach. Had alot of missed tackles and tie ups at Penn State.

4th Round – 132rd Overall

Bo Scarbrough – RB – Alabama




Scarbrough is a 6′ 1″ 232 lbs running back that has a locomotives engine. What better way to replace LeGarrette Blount’s 6′ 0″ 250 lbs presence in the backfield, than with a running back of similar size, frame, and workload.

He has a NFL ready frame and the tools to develop into a short down running back specialist with great speed and size.

Scarbrough is a tough, physical down hill runner that creates space for himself by breaking through or running over tacklers. He also is a goal-line specialist who isn’t afraid to jump over the pile to get in.

However, due to the Alabama offensive style, Scarbrough was used minimally compared to other prospects. But, with the Eagles using situational running backs scheme’s to run their offense, he will fit in just fine in a limited role.

5th Round – 169 Overall

Trenton Thompson – DT – Georgia




Thompson is a 6′ 4″ 295 lbs defensive tackle that is a disruptive three-technique guy.

He has a good frame already to contribute as a NFL back-up or rotational type tackle.

For his size, Thompson is super athletic which allows him to get to the point of attack faster.

However, if it wasn’t for an injury label on Thompson, he would be a definite 2nd-3rd round pick. Thompson only played 37% of Georgia’s defensive snaps in 2017 due to injuries. Another prospect that will benefit from the Eagles depth and rotations.

6th Round – 206 Overall

Richie James – WR – Middle Tennessee State




James is a 5′ 9″ 178 lbs wide receiver that runs off the table. Thompson is a speedy slot wide receiver with return man ability.

He is small in size, but makes up for that in speed.

James benefitted from a more advanced role in 2017 with Middle Tennessee using him as a wildcat quarterback on multiple occasions. Showing possibly why a team may add him to their roster as a super utility guy.

However, due to his smaller size, James needs to add muscle to his thin body to hold up against the more physical NFL style of play.

7th Round – 250th Overall

KJ Malone – OT / OG – LSU




Malone is a 6′ 4″ 321 lbs offensive lineman that will be a project at the next level. After deciding to return to LSU instead of becoming a US Marshall last year, Malone struggled through an injury plagued season.

He is the son of former NBA great and Hall of Famer Karl Malone.

Malone’s benefitted from LSU’s offensive scheme that focused on his strengths that minimized his weaknesses.

However, Malone doesn’t project well as a NFL caliber tackle which will lead to a transition to guard at the next level. He will have to get better with his hands to perform as a NFL guard.