Eagles have market 'cornered' in latest mock drafts

The Eagles haven’t drafted a first-round cornerback since 2022, but anyone involved in NFL mock drafts expects that to change in 2024. Here’s who they think will be joining Philadelphia’s secondary.

CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. see Wiggins being drafted by the Eagles. He led Clemson with 12 passes defensed in 2022 and nine last season. He had two forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in 2023 including a pick-six against FAU. 

Jeremiah calls Wiggins “the most natural cover man in this year’s draft,” while Kiper is impressed with his elite speed. Wiggins ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine, tops at his position and second-best among all players.

CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

DeJean had 120 tackles, seven interceptions and three touchdowns in three years at Iowa. He missed four games with a broken leg in 2023 but was still named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and a first-team All-American.

The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena identifies DeJean as one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft and a legitimate threat to unseat starters James Bradberry and Darius Slay. Kubena says DeJean "could supply immediate competition at the position while also factoring into the defense’s vacancy at nickel.” 

CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Lassiter had one sack and one interception in three years at Georgia. According to Pro Football Focus, Lassiter allowed a completion on 41.9% of the passes thrown into his coverage last season and a 56.9 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks while allowing just seven completions.

Charles McDonald and Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports note general manager Howie Roseman’s propensity to draft Georgia players in recent years and have the Eagles trading back with the 49ers to take Lassiter 31st overall.

CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News and Tyrone Johnson of 97.5 The Fanatic have Philadelphia trading up for a player many consider the best cornerback in the draft. 

In five years with Toledo, Mitchell had 124 tackles (93 solo), 45 passes defended and six interceptions. Five of those interceptions and 19 pass deflections came during an outstanding 2022 season that earned him first-team All-MAC honors.

Iyer has Philadelphia taking the talented cornerback 22nd overall, which seems unlikely after running a 4.33 at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the Eagles met with Mitchell. Johnson has the Eagles trading with the Seahawks to get him at No. 16 which seems more likely.

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

McKinstry was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and a first-team All-American in 2023. In his latest Eagles-only mock draft, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia has the team getting him at No. 22. Zangaro notes that before suffering a foot injury that limited his participation at the combine, McKinstry ran a 4.47 at Alabama’s Pro day.

CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

On the other hand, Connor Rogers of NBC Sports believes Arnold, McKinstry’s teammate at Alabama, will be Philly’s choice. Arnold led the team with 12 pass breakups and tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions last year.

Some draft analysts have Arnold going as high as No. 8, but with comparisons to Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, Philadelphia should have no issue moving up the board to get him.