NFL draft rumours: Multiple executives believe Jameson Williams is Eagles’ preference at No. 1. 15

Now that NFL Draft week is upon us, the rumor mill is really heating up. Is a rumor mill really heating up? Or should I say churning? Fact that phase turn even do?

Really, who cares. The thing is, we’re hearing more and more rumors about what might happen on Thursday night.

The latest information comes from an ESPN article by Todd McShay titled “NFL draft buzz 2022: Everything Todd McShay hears about top prospects, QBs, top picks and team strategies.”

Here’s what McShay specifically had to say about the Philadelphia Eagles.

Several executives I’ve spoken with believe Alabama wide Jameson Williams is the Philadelphia Eagles’ preference at No. 1. 15. And if not Philly, then New Orleans Saints could be his floor at No. 1. 16. If another team wants Williams, they’ll probably have to move to at least No. 1 Baltimore Ravens. 14 pitches. Baltimore — which already has eight picks in Rounds 2-4 — is always ready to back down.

I really hope this isn’t a smokescreen because Williams would be a very good choice for the Eagles at No. 1. 15th. We made the case for him when it was revealed that he had made a pre-draft visit to Philadelphia:

After a season where he recorded 79 receptions for 1,572 yards (19.9 average!) and 15 touchdowns, Williams is a pretty intriguing prospect. He also showed his value as a kick returner with 10 tries for 352 yards and two scores. The 21-year-old is clearly a super explosive game breaker.

Two things work against Williams: 1) he only had 15 combined receptions in 10 games over two years with Ohio State before being transferred to Alabama and 2) he is coming off an ACL injury he suffered during of the national championship game on January 10.

On the first point, Williams was stuck behind top-notch receiving talent — such as fellow WR first-round prospects Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson — on the Buckeyes’ roster. On this last point, Williams would be “ahead of schedule” in his recovery. Of course, every player in NFL history has always been described that way. But all indications point to Williams suffering from a “normal” ACL tear as opposed to a more complicated tear like Carson Wentz in 2017. Or a devastating Achilles injury like Sidney Jones suffered on his professional day.

The Eagles will have the opportunity to better assess Williams’ medical situation by bringing him to the NovaCare complex. Assuming there are no major red flags, they should seriously consider taking him with one of their two first-round picks. That is, assuming it is still available to them.

Williams and DeVonta Smith in the same reception hall is an exciting prospect. It’s hard to go wrong charging the Alabama smugglers. In theory, at least, Williams’ vertical threat should open up more room for Smith. Not to mention the diminishing boxes the Eagles running game could face.

It wouldn’t be the end of the world by any means, but it would be pretty annoying if the Eagles got shot after landing Williams with another team trading up to No. 1. 14. The Eagles might be tempted to move up two or three places to ensure that this scenario does not occur. It’s an approach they took last year to ensure they got another Alabama receiver in Smith.

The feeling here is that Williams might be gone before the Eagles have a real chance of getting him. The New York Jets look like real threats to take him at No. 10. The Washington Commanders are another potential touchdown spot at No. 11. If he clears that range, though? The Birds could really have a chance on an impact player.

An impact player who seems to be recovering well and could return to action a little sooner than expected.

Some other notable bits from McShay’s column:

• The Eagles’ popular first-round target Jordan Davis could be in play for the Seattle Seahawks at No. 1 9. McShay added: “Everyone I spoke to said they would be shocked if the 340 pounds was falling ahead of Baltimore at No. 1. 14.” So if that information is correct, he might not go to the Birds. Or the Eagles might be tempted to go up for him 1) instead of Jamo or 2) if Jamo is no longer on the set. Getting both Davis and Williams might be a pipe dream. But it’s the one I want to believe in until we see it’s not possible.
• McShay says Washington is definitely interested in a wide receiver. He mentioned Chris Olave, who also met the Eagles for a pre-draft visit, and Drake London as targets to watch there. No mention of Jamo.
• This piece will be of interest to Eagles fans: “I heard three prospects could drop out of the first round: Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, Purdue defensive end George Karlavtis and Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum. Dean is the most likely of the trio to still be a first-rounder.The Birds could look to trade No. 51 on Day 2 if those guys are still on the board at the start of the second round.