Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft: Building for the present and future

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SEPTEMBER 25 : Devin Lloyd #0 of the Utah Utes tips a pass before catching it for an interception against the Washington State Cougars during their game September 25, 2021 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SEPTEMBER 25 : Devin Lloyd #0 of the Utah Utes tips a pass before catching it for an interception against the Washington State Cougars during their game September 25, 2021 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
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Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles mock draft: Devin Lloyd #0 of the Utah Utes celebrates sacking Brendon Lewis #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes during their game November 26, 2021, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Devin Lloyd leads off latest Philadelphia Eagles 2022 mock draft

1. First Round: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah 

Ever since Malcolm Jenkins departed, it’s just been Fletcher Cox as the prominent voice in the locker room. He needs someone to come in and not only fill that emotional role, but play like an Eagle, talk like an Eagle, and frankly, just be an Eagle. Thankfully, with this pick, Philadelphia does just that and grabs a potential future face of the franchise.

Introducing Devin Lloyd, one of the nation’s most underrated yet physically gifted linebackers. At 6’3″ 232, he’s built for this game, mainly due to his tackling ability and running from sideline to sideline. His biggest trait? Leadership. The deaths of two players have rocked the Utah Utes program, and Lloyd kept the team focused and in command en route to a Pac-12 title and appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Lloyd can come in right away and be inserted into the starting lineup. His stats certainly back him up, as does his ability to read an offense and make a play, evidenced by a pick-six against Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game.

He is a fast-rising prospect, and with that, it would be wise for Philadelphia to secure him here and go in a different direction with their next selection.