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NFL Draft 2022: Three bold predictions in the first round

By Lou Scataglia

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 02: General manager, Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 02: General manager, Joe Douglas of the New York Jets speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Draft
2022 NFL Draft: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft: Three bold predictions in the first round

3. Eagles take a quarterback at either 15th or 18th overall

The Eagles have two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, which is insane value.

One could make an argument that they could use one or both of these picks on a wide receiver or linebacker, two positions they desperately need.

However, I think they’ll take a quarterback with one of these selections.

Jalen Hurts was moderately effective in 2021, passing for 16 touchdowns on nine interceptions.  He also rushed for 784 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He’s a true dual-threat quarterback, but I don’t think he was close to being good enough.  He’s not the best passer.  He struggles to push the ball down the field and struggles with accuracy at times.  He completed a hair over 61% of his passes in 2021.

I think because of his obvious limitations as a passer, the Eagles might want someone who has a higher ceiling than Hurts.

What’s nice about this situation is the Eagles are in a very winnable division and have a very solid roster, especially along their offensive line.

Taking a quarterback with one of their first-round picks still allows them to add a defensive or offensive starter with their other pick.

It’s not exactly a total indictment on Hurts, though.  Hurts could very well take a leap in 2022 and leave the Eagles with a quarterback surplus again as they had with Wentz/Hurts and Hurtz/Minshew.

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