Way-too-early mock drafts are designed to spark conversations. Sometimes those conversations center on a prospect’s talent. Other times, they focus on whether a projected fit makes any sense at all. Fans love them. Philadelphia Eagles fans often don’t. If they’re taken with a grain of salt, they can be fun. More important than pinpoint accuracy is identifying the team’s needs and prospects who might be available at specific stages of the selection meeting. A recent 2027 NFL mock draft from USA TODAY’s Draft Wireoffers a nice conversation piece, specifically as it relates to the Eagles.
In the projection, Curt Popejoy has the Eagles selecting Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mario Craver with the 22nd overall pick. His reasoning was straightforward.
“The Eagles get their replacement for A.J. Brown with Craver. He’s the antithesis of Brown physically but is an immediate mismatch with his quickness and speed.”
The explanation is understandable. The fit is where things become more complicated and arguable.
Does a wide receiver make sense for the Eagles in Round 1 next April?
Craver is an exciting prospect, and there is little doubt that Philadelphia values explosive offensive weapons. Still, let’s say little changed between now and next April for the Eagles roster-wise. The wide receiver position doesn’t seem like it would be one of this team’s most pressing concerns entering the 2027 draft cycle.
The organization already invested a first-round pick in Makai Lemon as recently as last April. He remains one of the franchise’s most intriguing young players despite a hamstring issue limiting portions of his offseason work. Internally, there appears to be considerable confidence that Lemon can develop into a significant contributor. That reality makes another first-round investment at receiver feel somewhat redundant.
History also offers an interesting perspective. The last time Philadelphia selected wide receivers in consecutive drafts came when the organization drafted Jalen Reagor in 2020 and DeVonta Smith in 2021. In many ways, Smith’s arrival served as a correction after Reagor failed to meet expectations. The current situation feels very different. If the Eagles find themselves drafting in the 20s again, it likely means they remain one of the NFC’s better teams, but there’s something to consider.
More pressing needs could emerge for the Eagles this season
Successful organizations often prioritize premium positions, and Philadelphia has repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the offensive and defensive lines. That philosophy has helped build one of the NFL’s most consistent contenders.
Looking ahead, offensive tackle, edge rusher, cornerback, safety, and tight end all feel like positions that could warrant attention depending on how the roster evolves over the next year.
That does not mean Craver is a bad player or that the Eagles would automatically pass on him. It simply means the projection raises questions.
Mock drafts are often less about predicting the future and more about generating discussion. In that regard, Popejoy’s selection accomplished exactly what it was supposed to do. Whether Philadelphia actually enters next spring viewing wide receiver as a priority remains another matter entirely.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles land Mario Craver in way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft
