Philadelphia Eagles: 7 Prospects to target in 2019 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles likely want have ‘Foles Magic’ in 2019, but they can put a little wizardry on their roster if they look at these players in the NFL Draft.

In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles own three picks on the first two days. Trading down with the Baltimore Ravens at the end of the first round in 2018 granted them an extra second round pick, but they don’t have one in the third round. Still, three picks in the top 64 is valuable for this team.

There are some glaring needs the Eagles must address. The secondary is thin, while some help is also needed on the defensive line. On the offensive line, age is becoming a concern and upgrades are needed. Running back and wide receiver need some attention as well.

They Eagles also have some key free agents, many of whom they could lose on the open market: Ronald Darby, Brandon Graham, Jordan Hicks, Golden Tate, Jay Ajayi and Nick Foles. Some players, like Darby and Ajayi, have recent injuries making them a liability, but bargain options.

Every fan wants the top end guy for their team. However, the Eagles made the playoffs; knocking their draft position down a few slots and, naturally, taking them out of position to get the “elite” talent in the draft.

Nevertheless, it’s not about where teams but who they draft. And the Eagles have an opportunity to nab some great talent. Let’s dive into some prospects they could target throughout the 2019 NFL Draft.

7. Jordan Ta’amu, QB, Ole Miss

The backup quarterback spot will miss a Super Bowl MVP with Nick Foles in line for a mega payday. They could add a veteran in free agency if Foles declines and heads elsewhere in the league, but there’s also the draft. Jordan Ta’amu isn’t a top prospect who’ll hear his name called on the first few days of the draft.

He’s a project with starter potential — qualities ideally suited for a backup quarterback. As a matter of fact, Jon Ledyard of The Draft Network talked up Ta’amu as a developmental prospect on Out of Bounds Radio:

The glaring weakness in Ta’amu’s mental game. Ole Miss didn’t ask a lot of him in their offense, so he doesn’t possessed the ability to read coverages right away. However, he does have a solid arm and great accuracy. Because of his great athletic ability, he’ll make for a perfect fit in an offense that utilizes the run pass option.

Ta’amu is mechanically sound and uses different arm angles to make throws, without losing accuracy. Even better, the Eagles can likely add him on the final day of the draft.

6. Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State

With Ronald Darby’s pending free agency and having the league’s 30th ranked pass defense — the Eagles are desperate for help in the secondary. They gave up an average of 271.2 yards per game for the 2018 season. Darby’s injury history doesn’t help and there’s a chance he’s not retained. Whether or not that’s the case shouldn’t matter.

The Eagles run a heavy portion of Cover-1 and Cover-3. So, someone with Amani Oruwariye’s versatility would work well in Jim Schwartz’s defense. Oruwariye’s physicality with receivers and his ability to mirror makes gives him man coverage upside. However, he’s at his best when in zone. Working passing lanes where his football IQ and length come into play. Oruwariye’s ability to press and drop into zone could make him a Round 1 pick.