Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is one of the best talent evaluators in the National Football League and his tendencies are pretty well-known. As the 2024 NFL Draft nears, there appears to be increasing confidence about what Philadelphia will do with its first-round pick
A year ago, there were consistent NFL Draft rumors tying Philadelphia to defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Roseman’s history of prioritizing linemen in the first round was also another strong hint at the team’s intentions. After Round 1 wrapped up in 2023, the team came out with Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith.
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Fast forward to 2024, cornerback is viewed as one of the most glaring Eagles draft needs and this is a very deep class at the position with multiple starting-caliber options expected to be available at Philadelphia’s pick. However, Roseman’s tendencies once again seem to be pointing in a specific direction.
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, scouts around the league believe Roseman may look to solidify the Eagles’ offensive line early in the 2024 NFL Draft and it could easily happen in the first round.
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“I continue to hear in conversations with scouts around the league that general manager Howie Roseman could look to solidify the right tackle position early in this draft — even in Round 1.”
Matt Miller of ESPN on the Philadelphai Eagles draft plan
Who will the Eagles draft in 2024? Identifying targets and potential approach
Miller specifically mentions Oklahoma Sooners offensive tackle Tyler Guyton as a potential prospect for Philadelphia. While he’s not one of the most pro-ready linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft, he offers considerable upside and has worked with Eagles’ right tackle Lane Johnson during the pre-draft process.
“Tyler Guyton has spent time in the pre-draft process training with current Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson. The Eagles started planning ahead at center before Jason Kelce’s retirement, and drafting Guyton — who started just 14 games in college — would allow him to learn and develop under Johnson and famed offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.”
Matt Miller on why the Philadelphia Eagles might draft an OT in Round 1 (H/T Bleacher Report)
Guyton will more than likely be available with the 22nd overall pick and he’s an ideal option to develop behind Johnson in 2024. However, he remains a project that a coaching staff will need to spend significant time working with before he’s ready and that might limit the Eagles’ flexibility in 2024.
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That’s why Washington Huskies offensive tackle Troy Fautanu and Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton could be potential Eagles draft targets in 2024. Philadelphia would likely have to trade up for Fautanu, but it has the draft capital to do so. Not only would Fautanu be the Eagles’ right tackle of the future, but he could also kick inside to right guard and start there as a rookie.
Barton, who tested extremely well athletically at Duke’s Pro Day, should be available with the 22nd overall pick. He could immediately start at guard for the Eagles and with the help of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, develop into a high-end starter at right tackle.
