Guard Up?

The Philadelphia Eagles will have plenty of choices at positions of need when they make the 22nd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

On the latest episode of “Inside The Birds,” Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher did a mini-mock draft to see how the board will shake out when it is the Eagles’ turn to select.

GETTY IMAGES: Washington OL prospect Troy Fautanu provides versatility at both guard and tackle.

Chicago Bears (Pick 9)

Geoff Mosher: “They obviously need more pass rushers. I think this is another perfect marriage with Jared Verse. He is more of a 4-3, hand in the dirt, big-bodied defensive end, is not a Fangio standup linebacker.”

Adam Caplan: “This is a layup pick. They don’t have anyone to start opposite of Sweat.”

New York Jets (Pick 10)

Mosher: “Joe (Douglas) is a build through the trenches kind of guy. Even though he signed Tyron Smith to play left tackle, but I think he is smart enough to know that is not your future. Olu Fashanu from Penn State makes a ton of sense for the Jets.”

Caplan: “It’s either (Tailese) Fuaga. Fuaga is probably a higher-graded player, but it is either/or. If somehow Rome Odzune was there at 10, they would take him at 10, but he is not going to be there.”

Indianapolis Colts (Pick 15)

Caplan: “The best player on the board unfortunately for the Eagles or any team that is looking for a corner: Nate Wiggins out of Clemson.”

Mosher: “As we do this, I am starting to see that as soon as that first corner goes, that is going to trigger that run. You just look at how Wiggins tested and see his tape, some teams have him as good as Terrion Arnold, if not better. That is three corners already off the board.”

Los Angeles Rams (Pick 19)

Caplan: “We know Cooper DeJean can play slot corner, outside corner, safety, even played a little bit of linebacker in college. This guy is the best player on the board.”

Mosher: “So what you are telling me is DeJean can play the ‘star’ role in the secondary which is what the Rams got Jalen Ramsey for a few years ago and wound up winning the Super Bowl.”

Philadelphia Eagles (Pick 21)

Caplan: “Laitu Latu would obviously be the Eagles pick here, but we don’t know where they are at from a medical standpoint. There is a possibility he drops out of the first round…(Troy) Fautanu can play guard or right tackle. I know it’s boring, but don’t you trust the Eagles with offensive linemen?”

Mosher: “He would be the best player on the board. I would say he is probably more pro ready and would make a better immediate impact than an Amarius Mims or Tyler Guyton, but the draft is for years down the road. Fautanu will give you exactly what you need at guard and maybe move out to tackle in the future.”

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.