NFL Draft Prospects Eagles Must Target After 2024 Shrine, Senior Bowls

NFL Draft Prospects Eagles Must Target After 2024 Shrine, Senior Bowls0 of 3

Oregon S Evan WilliamsMichael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Despite making a third straight trip to the playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles are going to undergo some changes in the 2024 offseason.

The Eagles already have new offensive and defensive coordinators in Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio, respectively, and they’ll need to retool a roster that wasn’t good enough down the stretch.

While Philadelphia does have $20.1 million in projected cap space, reloading will be much easier if it can hit on draft prospects early and often.

Several promising 2024 prospects were on display this past week at the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl—plus their respective in-week practices.

Here, we’ll dive into some of the biggest standouts of the past week who the Eagles would be wise to consider as the scouting combine approaches.

Evan Williams, S, Oregon1 of 3

Oregon S Evan WilliamsBrandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

The Eagles need help on the back end of their defense after losing both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps in 2023 free agency.

Safety ended up being a vulnerable position for the Eagles, and they finished the year ranked a dismal 31st in passing yards allowed.

Oregon safety Evan Williams could help provide the depth Philadelphia needs.

The 6’0″, 199-pound defensive back spent four years at Fresno State before his lone season at Oregon. During that span, he showcased his proficiency as a tackler, logging 308 tackles and 214 solo stops.

During Senior Bowl week, Williams also showcased his coverage ability and ball skills. In the game itself, he recorded a fantastic diving interception in front of Missouri running back Cody Schrader in the end zone.

Following a strong week of practices, he was also named the National Team’s Defensive Specialist Player of the Week.

Williams didn’t earn a reputation as a ball hawk in college, recording just four picks and 14 passes defended in five seasons. During his time in Mobile, though, he showed he has the skills to be a legitimate difference-maker on the back end.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo2 of 3

Toledo CB Quinyon MitchellMichael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Eagles could also use help at cornerback, where James Bradberry took a significant step back after shining in 2022. Enter Toledo corner Quinyon Mitchell, who improved his draft stock significantly in Mobile.

Last month, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department ranked Mitchell as the 114th-best prospect on its big board. He may shoot up rankings after being one of the best defenders at any position during the week.

“No matter who he’s faced, he’s gotten into each receiver’s hip pocket, showing off his agility and burst out of breaks,” Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote

Mitchell opted out of the game itself, but he proved plenty on the practice field.

“If Mitchell had the goal of proving he was the best defensive player here, consider that mission accomplished,” NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah wrote. “…I have no questions about his competitiveness after watching him in practices.”

Mitchell, a rangy 6’0″, 195-pound prospect, has all the tools to be a productive starting corner in Fangio’s scheme. Over the past two seasons alone, he logged six interceptions and 37 passes defended.

The Eagles should have plenty of interest in Mitchell on Day 2.

Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State3 of 3

Oregon State WR Anthony GouldTom Hauck/Getty Images

While Philadelphia’s needs on offense aren’t as great, it does need to improve its receiver depth. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are a terrific tandem, but the team lacked a reliable third receiver in 2023.

The Eagles took a flier on Julio Jones, but he, Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus are all impending free agents. Zaccheaus finished 2023 ranked third among Eagles wideouts with a mere 164 receiving yards.

Oregon State wideout Anthony Gould is an intriguing undersized (6’8″, 163 lbs) who flashed at the East-West Shrine Game. He showcased his quickness and mobility on an 80-yard punt return touchdown.

Gould, who had 44 catches for 718 yards and two touchdowns last season, also impressed on the practice field.

“The receiver did not miss much action on offense and improved on the practice field each session, adding to his résumé as likely a solid Day 3 pick,” NFL Media’s Chad Reuter wrote.

Gould could help add another dimension to Philly’s offense as a shifty slot specialist while also providing value on special teams. The Eagles have a strong punt returner in Britain Covey, but primary kick returner Boston Scott is slated to be a free agent in March.