At this point in the NFL regular season, I try to steer clear of reading mock drafts or putting one together, since things in the league can change at a moment’s notice. As for the college ranks, we don’t know who will declare for the 2027 NFL Draft, who will participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, or who the top prospects are at each position group.
However, with the Philadelphia Eagles dropping their fourth straight game on Sunday, losing 25-14 to the Carolina Panthers, some fans are already looking to the draft and seeing who could be playing at Lincoln Financial Field next season.
If the NFL regular season ended today and the draft was tomorrow, the Eagles (2-4) would have the No. 7 overall pick. The last time the Eagles had a top-10 pick was in 2023 when they selected Jalen Carter with the ninth overall selection.
Based on how this season has played out for the Eagles, their potential draft needs revolve around the offensive and defensive lines and safety. That said, we are going to take a shot at throwing together our own three-round mock draft using Pro Football Network’s simulator.
The Eagles currently have three selections (Nos. 7, 38, and 97) in the first three rounds. This exercise will help fans figure out who could fit the team’s needs and what they bring to the table. Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
First round (No. 7 overall): Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
If the Eagles were to stay in the top-10, they could go offensive line. But the projected top offensive tackle prospects, Jordan Seaton and Trevor Goosby, for example, play left tackle, and the Eagles already have Jordan Mailata. In this simulation, both Seaton and Goosby are off the board. And it might be too early to go guard.
Therefore, the Eagles should take the best available defensive player on the board: South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart. Philadelphia could use a playmaker, despite already having Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Jonathan Greenard.
Heading into Sunday’s game against the Panthers, the Eagles were ranked 29th in sacks (six), 31st in quarterback hits (18), and 22nd in pressures (38). Simply put, Philly needs more firepower, and that’s where Stewart comes into play. This season with the Gamecocks, he has 10 pressures, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a sack in three games.
Here’s what ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said about Stewart in his most recent big board rankings:
Stewart hasn’t played much in the early part of the season. He missed the opener as he recovered from a back injury, and then he was suspended for one game for punching an Alabama player in the helmet and arguing with coaches on the sideline. But when he is playing, you can tell pretty quickly. His traits jump off the tape. It’s just a matter of whether the production can catch up; Stewart has 12 career sacks over three seasons despite recording 78 pressures over those 27 games.
Stewart can vary his path to the QB, and he closes quickly with speed to power. He also has the big frame to hold the point and shed blockers against the run. The pass-rush ability is there, but he needs to figure out how to translate his physical traits into stat-sheet production on a more consistent basis.
For a team like the Eagles, which needs more talent off the edge, taking a chance on a 6-foot-5, 250-pound defender who can apply pressure and make plays in the running game is worth the selection.
Second round (No. 38 overall): Kingston Lopa, S, California
The Eagles could go offensive line in the second round. But they also desperately need a safety to play alongside Andrew Mukuba. Enter Cal’s Kingston Lopa.
Lopa is 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, and a playmaker. He’s a heat-seeking missile running downhill and is a ballhawk. The former Oregon transfer has five interceptions this season, including three that came against Syracuse. If you haven’t seen that game, Lopa put on a clinic. He has the size, wingspan, and speed to make things difficult for the opposition.
That said, if he finishes this season strong and then puts on a show at the scouting combine, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lopa go in the first round. He has immense talent and, in the right system, could be an intriguing chess piece.
Third round (No. 97 overall): D.J. McKinney, CB, Notre Dame
I didn’t list cornerback as one of the Eagles’ top needs. However, they could be in the market for a new boundary defensive back with Riq Woolen set to be a free agent after this season. One cornerback on Eagles fans’ radar should be Notre Dame’s D.J. McKinney.
McKinney started his collegiate career at Oklahoma State for two years before transferring to Colorado in 2024. He spent two seasons with the Buffaloes, including one year playing alongside Travis Hunter. Now McKinney is at Notre Dame, playing alongside another talented defender, Leonard Miller, who is viewed as the top cornerback in the 2027 draft class.
McKinney is lauded for his size (6-foot-2, 180 pounds), athleticism, and versatility to play in the slot or on the outside. Through seven games with the Fighting Irish this season, he has nine combined tackles, two pass deflections, a tackle, and an interception (returned for a TD).
Nonetheless, could I see the Eagles go in another position at this spot? Absolutely. We can’t rule out the trenches, as quality depth should be a top priority. However, cornerback should be on the radar too for those same reasons.
*Draft order was set following the 4pm ET games were final in Week 6
