Fletcher Cox Announces His Retirement, But Brandon Graham Returns
Last week we said goodbye to one Eagles legend. Now we are doing it for another. Six-time Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox is calling it a career and announced his retirement from the NFL. He made the announcement himself on his Instagram.
The Eagles drafted Fletcher Cox 12th overall in 2012. Cox was the last-round pick of the Andy Reid era. He went on to rack up 70 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles, playing all 12 years of his career in Philly. Cox leads all DTs in sacks in Eagles history and is 5th overall.
He made one 1st-team All-Pro and made the 2nd team 3 times. His 188 games played for the Eagles are the second most ever by a defensive player. Brandon Graham is the leader at 195 and counting.
It leaves a bit of a leadership void on the defensive side of the ball. Brandon Graham returning for 1 more season helps. But we might not talk about Cox as a leader enough. Both Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis sang his praises when talking to the media after the season. Davis even mentioned that he won’t be able to use Fletcher Cox as a security blanket anymore. Late in his career, Cox took it upon himself to coach up some of the young guys, especially at the DT position.
Even at this point in his career, you could also argue he was their most consistent defensive player. Most of the defense waned as the season went along. Darius Slay missed time in December. Haason Reddick started slow, plus his future here is up in the air. But Cox played some of his best Football late in the season. 4 of his 5.5 sacks in 2023 came after December 1st, as did 17 of his 35 tackles.
Cox will go down as one of the best Eagles defenders ever. He even has a case to go into the Hall of Fame, though it is not as strong as Jason Kelce’s. Now for the first time in 12 years, the Eagles will have to figure out how to win games without him.
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Tyrone Johnson- NFL Mock Draft 1.0
1.Bears - Caleb Williams- QB- USC
Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans passes the ball during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Williams, the former Heisman Trophy winner, is a generational talent despite some struggles in 2023. He was put in a terrible spot at USC by a nonexistent defense. He still managed 30 passing TDs to just 5 interceptions. There is chatter that the Bears may trade the pick, but whoever picks at #1 will be picking Williams due to his combination of arm talent, athleticism, and toughness.
2. Commanders - Drake Maye- QB- North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 29: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
New owner Josh Harris is said to be heavily involved at the combine. It seems that he, not his football people will be making this pick. That makes Maye the choice for now, but Jayden Daniels will likely get consideration as well. Maye was very productive at North Carolina over his two years as a starter throwing for just under 8,000 yards and 62 touchdowns.
3.Patriots - Jayden Daniels- QB- LSU
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 03: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers looks to throw a pass in the first half of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.
The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner had an incredible year passing for over 3800 yards and rushing for over 1,000. Nobody raised their stock more during the Covid year than him. Daniels is a clear upgrade over Mac Jones in New England. Without the baggage of having to replace Tom Brady.
4. Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr.- WR- Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium
Local product Harrison Jr is the best overall player in the draft. He has everything you want in a wide receiver. 2024 is a deep wideout draft and he is head and shoulders better than every one of them. Barring injury, he is the safest pick in the draft, with his floor being a perennial 1,000-yard guy.
5. Chargers - Joe Alt- OT- Notre Dame
Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium
There are 4 different candidates to be the 1st offensive tackle taken in this year’s draft. For now we go with Alt pending the combine workouts. Alt moves very well & is towering at 6’8”. Alt also allowed just 4 sacks in 36 starts while in college.
6. Giants - Brock Bowers- TE- Georgia
Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium
Bowers has the potential to truly be a weapon in the NFL. He is likely the 3rd cleanest prospect in the draft behind Marvin Harrison Jr, and Caleb Williams, with the only knock being the games he missed in 2023. He is a two-time Mackey Award winner as the best tight end in the country. Bowers knows how to find the end zone with 31 touchdowns in his 3 years in Georgia. If the Giants go offensive line, Bowers could fall some.
7. Titans - Olumuyiwa Fashanu- OT- Penn State
Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions high fives fans after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field
Fashanu is another candidate to be the 1st offensive tackle taken in the draft. The junior was just Rimington–Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2023. He will improve as a pro as his technique improves. He will also put more strength on his 6’6” 317 lb. frame.
8. Falcons - Dallas Turner- Edge- Alabama
Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a sack during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
This is not a great year for pass rushers, but the Falcons would be delighted if the best one fell to them at number 8. Turner has the build of the modern pass rusher with the frame to add more muscle. He had a career-high 10 sacks at Alabama this year. He is just 21 years old with a ton of upside.
9. Bears - J.C. Latham- OT- Alabama
J.C. Latham #65 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates on the sidelines in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
After drafting a QB 1st overall, the Bears now focus on protecting him. I think Alabama will have back-to-back players taken here. Latham is the 3rd tackle on the board and gave up 0 sacks in 3 years at Alabama. He is massive at 360 lbs but carries the weight well. He should step right in and start for the Bears on the right side.
10. Jets - Rome Odunze- WR- Washington
Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies catches a pass that was called back due to a holding call in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium
In many seasons, Odunze would be the top WR the draft. He followed up his 1100+ yard season is 2022 with a 1640-yard season in 2023. Odunze should be lethal in the red zone because he is tall at 6’3”, and high-points the ball well. The Jets offense has struggled in recent years, but this would help.
11. Vikings - J.J. McCarthy- QB- Michigan
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines signals in the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium
After the early run-on quarterbacks early in the draft, McCarthy is the 4th one taken in the 1st round. Scouts have had trouble projecting him because he was not asked to win games at Michigan, but they love his intangibles. McCarthy will have a great duo at WR right away in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
12. Broncos - Terrion Arnold- CB- Alabama
Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after intercepting the final pass of the game in their 27-24 win over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama.
Just like at offensive tackle, there is tons of debate about who will be the 1st defensive back taken. Arnold and his teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry were both excellent on the Alabama team that made the playoff and ended Georgia’s long undefeated streak. He was a 5-star prospect who lived up to the hype. He had 5 interceptions last season and should be a day 1 starter.
13. Raiders - Byron Murphy II- DT- Texas
Quarterback Rocco Becht #3 of the Iowa State Cyclones is tackled by defensive lineman Byron Murphy II #90 of the Texas Longhorns in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Ames, Iowa. The Texas Longhorns won 26-16 over the Iowa State Cyclones.
Murphy II is the best interior defensive lineman in the draft. He was productive at Texas and was a part of the recruiting class that brought them back to the CFB playoff. A 3-year starter with a high motor, the only negative about him as a prospect is that is he only 297 lbs.
14. Saints - Jared Verse- Edge- Florida State
Defensive lineman Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a big play during the second half of their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Doak Campbell Stadium
It feels weird to have a player as productive as Verse fall to this spot. He transferred to Florida State after starting his college career at Albany (he won CAA defensive rookie of the year). Verse had 9 sacks each of the last 2 years and could have added more if Jordan Travis didn’t get injured. That injury cost Verse and the Seminoles a chance at the playoff.
15. Colts - Nate Wiggins- CB- Clemson
Nate Wiggins #20 of the Clemson Tigers looks on against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium
Wiggins is tall at 6’2”, and the biggest risk-taking corner in the draft. He was 1st team All ACC both of the last two seasons. He would strive early in a man scheme, with work to be done in zone coverage. The biggest knock on Wiggins vs Arnold who I have slotted at pick 12 is his lack of tackling in college.
16. Seahawks - Troy Fautanu- OT- Washington
Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium
Fautanu was excellent at Washington as their explosive offense landed them in the national title game. He has very good technique and moves very well. The only real negative is he is “only” 6’4” and that would cause some teams to want to move him to guard. I think the Seahawks keep him in the state of Washington and keep him at tackle.
17. Jaguars - Malik Nabers- WR- LSU
Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers scores a touchdown during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Nabers is the 1st of two LSU WRs who should go in the 1st round. He had over 1500 yards in 2023 with 14 total touchdowns. The Jags took a step back last year under Doug Pederson, but giving a weapon like Nabers to Trevor Lawrence is the best way to get back to the postseason.
21. Dolphins - Chop Robinson- Edge- Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Cade McNamara #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is sacked by Chop Robinson #44 and Adisa Isaac #20 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium
This pick is the one I have the least confidence in because Robinson ran a sub 4.5 40 at the combine. Teams will fall in love with his traits. His production doesn’t come close to his skillset though. Robinson had just 6 sacks in his college career. The lack of production is concerning, but he will be somebody to watch the next month.
22. Eagles - Kool-Aid McKinstry- CB- Alabama
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 02: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs 27-24 in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The drought is finally over. Lito Shepard was a 1st round pick by the Eagles in 2002. They have not drafted a 1st round corner since. So for the 1st time, Howie Roseman goes corner in round 1. McKinstry has good size at 6’1” and 195 lbs. and has shown quality closing speed. He was excellent on special teams at Alabama as well. Cooper DeJean is a name to watch as well due to his versatility.
23. Texans - Cooper DeJean- DB- Iowa
Defensive back Cooper DeJean #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs a punt return down the sideline during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Kinnick Stadium
Speaking of DeJean, he is coming off a broken leg. That could keep him from climbing in the draft. Dejean can start at outside corner, slot corner, and safety. While the Iowa offense has been abysmal, they have won because of a defense that is usually full of pros. When healthy he is a very good player.
24. Cowboys - Amarius Mims- OT- Georgia
Amarius Mims #65 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tyron Smith is now 33 years old and hasn’t played a full season since 2015. Mims did not start much at Georgia but is 6’7” with a 7’1” wingspan with speed and power. The right team and the right situation could bring out a diamond. Dallas would be the perfect spot for him. Watch for a QB here too if Bo Nix charms Jerry Jones enough.
26. Buccaneers - Brian Thomas Jr- WR- LSU
Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers catches a pass over Daedae Hill #6 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second quarter at Tiger Stadium
The other LSU WR comes off the board here to add youth to the Bucs wideout core. Thomas is very tall at 6’5” and had 17 touchdowns last season to go with over 1,100 yards. Mike Evans is 30, and adding another red-zone threat makes a ton of sense here. This is another spot where Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr could climb into the 1st round.
27. Cardinals - Laiatu Latu- Edge- UCLA
Laiatu Latu #15 of the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium
Many Eagles fans took Latu off the board here because he aspires to be a firefighter. The thing to watch with him is the medical report. He retired from the sport due to a neck injury but returned to be dominant at UCLA. He has 13.5 sacks in 2023 & some say his pass-rush skills are the best in the draft. Without the medical issues, he would go higher. The Cardinals will be very happy to have him.
28. Bills - Keon Coleman- WR- Florida State
Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles catches a pass against Duce Chestnut #22 of the LSU Tigers in the first half of a game at Camping World Stadium
Coleman is another big productive receiver who should be built to play in cold weather. While not a burner, he doesn’t need a ton of separation to make plays. There has been drama in Buffalo between the Bills and Stefon Diggs who is now 30. So adding youth to the position makes a ton of sense here.
29. Lions - Brandon Dorlus DT/DE Oregon
Ashton Daniels #14 of the Stanford Cardinal looks to pass under pressure from Brandon Dorlus #3 of the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium
Dorlus is another guy who may shoot up boards after a quick combine 40-time showing explosion to his 283 lb. frame. He is another guy who so far has been better on paper than on the field but did have a career-high 5 sacks in 2023. Dorlus can play both inside and outside on the defensive line and that will be coveted.
30. Ravens - T.J. Tampa- CB- Iowa St
Defensive back T.J. Tampa #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones blocks a touchdown pass as wide receiver Langston Anderson #88 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys gets tangled up in the fourth quarter of the game at Boone Pickens Stadium
The Ravens were as close to breaking through as they’ve been during the Lamar Jackson era but came up just short. Tampa is good in press man but also does well in zone coverage. He is physical which fits the Ravens scheme as well and has good size. The combine will be big for him.
31. 49ers - Jordan Morgan OT Arizona
Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan #77 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Washington Huskies at Arizona Stadium
Trent Williams will be 36 this summer. While he is still playing at a high level, it makes sense for the defending NFC champs to get reinforcements in the trenches. Morgan tore his ACL in 2022 but came back and played extremely well for an Arizona team that exceeded expectations in 2023. Some of his mechanics caused some penalties, but that should be able to be remedied at the NFL level.
32. Chiefs – Xavier Worthy- WR- Texas
Xavier Worthy #1 of the Texas Longhorns leaps to make a reception while defended by Eddie Heckard #5 of the Brigham Young Cougars in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
The Chiefs managed to repeat as Super Bowl champs despite a major deficiency at the wide receiver position. Worthy cut his drops in half last year. Which is big because the Chiefs led the NFL in drops. Pending free agency, he would be their best outside guy.
