By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Editor
The Philadelphia Eagles made quite the splash on Thursday night during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. First, the Birds traded up and drafted Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis with the 13th overall pick. Then Howie Roseman did his wizard stuff and traded the 18th overall pick to the Tennessee Titans for Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown.
The Eagles did what many draft experts expected them to do, fix the defense and get a wide receiver. Granted, no one expected the wide receiver to be A.J. Brown.
The Eagles currently have two picks on night-two one in each round, 51st overall and 83rd overall, respectively. There’s still plenty of talent on the board that can provide an immediate impact for the Birds.
So, what do the Eagles do on night two of the NFL Draft? Here are five names that fit the Eagles immediate needs.
S Jaquan Brisker (Penn State)– Brisker is the best safety on the board and would provide an immediate impact in the secondary. Many mock drafts had Brisker falling into the Eagles range but that was before the chaos of the first round. If Brisker is on the board it would be a no brainer for the Birds.
Going back through my notes on the ‘22 Safety class.
Three prospects with multi-dimensional traits here…
• Can be deployed like Micah Hyde/Jordan Poyer in a pro scheme.
Jaquan Brisker — Penn State
Bryan Cook — Cincinnati
Nick Cross — Maryland @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/8zJfF9HukE— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 25, 2022
DB Jalen Pitre (Baylor)– Pitre plays similar to Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, who went 14th overall to Baltimore. The Baylor product can play a traditional safety position, inside or outside cornerback, and even come up into the box on run support. He would make an intriguing pick for the Eagles in the second round if he is still on the board.
Jalen Pitre is one of my top safeties out of the 2022 draft class…
Jaquan Brisker
Kyle Hamilton
Nick Cross
Kerby Joseph
Markquese Bell
(No Particular Order) pic.twitter.com/4nujcCOioP— Law Nation Sports (@LawsNation) April 28, 2022
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie (Penn State)– Ebiketie is no stranger to playing games at The Linc, having spent 2017-2020 with the Temple Owls. A transfer to Penn State later, Ebiketie saw his in-season production skyrocket. A high motor player, he's a bit raw but would fit a huge area of need for the Eagles.
Arnold Ebiketie, I apologize I had ignored you until today. This is tremendous tape. pic.twitter.com/X5gJIGQqtN
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) April 22, 2022
S Nick Cross (Maryland)- Cross packs one heck of a punch. The 6'0, 212 lbs safety ran a 4.34 40-yard dash and is known for delivering big hits. His style of play would certainly fit well with the Philadelphia fans. Cross is a bit raw and needs some coaching but he would make a nice addition to the Eagles if he's still available in the third round.
Would expect a Day 2 run on the safety position — prospects with the traits to fit NFL schemes.
Jaquan Brisker, Bryan Cook, Nick Cross (below), Jalen Pitre, more. @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/x4yWP1up1y
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 29, 2022
LB Brian Asamoah (Oklahoma)– Asamoah could potential be sitting there for the Eagles in the third round. Here's my take on the Sooner LB.
Brian Asamoah can fly. pic.twitter.com/mZDS9oCXDk
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) February 28, 2022