3 Players the Eagles Must Target With the No. 22 Pick

1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

While the Eagles had some pass rush in 2023, it was hard to say they had anyone who could play in pass coverage. Darius Slay remained their best defensive back but he found himself getting beaten on a few plays — although the lack of safety help attributed to that. Still, he was infinitely better than James Bradberry, who had a campaign to forget.

Bradberry was often targeted in coverage and opposing teams had success with this plan. A prime example was a Week 15 loss to backup quarterback Drew Lock and the Seattle Seahawks. Down 17-13 Lock got to work and went after Bradberry with ease. He hit DK Metcalf a couple of times and then when Bradberry lined up across rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Lock hit him for the game-winner.

Looking ahead, the Eagles need to add youth and talent to their secondary. Slay is already 33 and Bradberry isn't likely to make the roster in 2024. That's why their No. 1 target in this draft needs to be Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama.

Standing 6-0 and 185, McKinstry has enough size to match up with any opposing receiver. He's also known for his ability to stick with an opponent in man and press coverage. McKinstry will also attack the ball at the catch point, making it hard for offenses to win jump balls. He's not a perfect prospect, but he might be perfect for the Eagles.

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