Philadelphia Eagles Looking to Avoid 'Project' Players in NFL Draft - Report

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking for impact players in the upcoming NFL Draft as they hope to get back into Super Bowl contention.

The NFL Draft is just two weeks out, as the Philadelphia Eagles will look to add to an already productive offseason. 

After a substantial investment in free agency this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles are now focusing on the upcoming draft. Their strategy is clear: they are not looking for developmental players but rather for those who can make an immediate impact, just like the veterans they added through free agency.

“I will tell you this from what I know from talking to people on the inside. The first couple of picks that they draft this year, they want players that can come in and play now,” Gunn said in a recent interview on PHLY Sports. “They don’t want project players. They have a lot of room. There’s a lot of jobs wanted for that defense.”

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles executive vice president Howie Roseman

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Eagles have received praise for their free agent signings, which included running back Saquon Barkley, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and edge rusher Bryce Huff, there are still holes on the roster. Gunn mentions this when general manager Howie Roseman and Co. seek Day 1 contributors.

Luckily for Philadelphia, they will certainly have a chance to bring in at least three potential first-year contributors, as they boast picks No. 22, 50, and 53, all of which are within the first two rounds. Now, considering the Eagles' current three-year streak of moving up in the first round, it is possible that they will go back to having just two picks within the first two rounds.

However, based on recent mock drafts, the Eagles will likely target a cornerback or offensive tackle with the No. 22 overall pick if no trade-up happens. Depending on what transpires after, they may take the other position in the second round before potentially adding a receiver or doubling up on the offensive line and looking to draft the replacement for the now-retired Jason Kelce.  

No matter what positions the Eagles choose to prioritize, Gunn’s report has made no bones about it: they expect whoever they pick to come in and play early.