Todd McShay’s mock draft features an unlikely outcome for the Eagles

Now that the regular season is over, it’s officially mock draft season. Todd McShay recently published a new simulation on ESPN and here’s who he had the Philadelphia Eagles taking at No. 6 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft:

Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State

The Eagles haven’t drafted an off-the-ball linebacker in the first two rounds since 2012, when they took Mychal Kendricks at No. 46 overall. But wow, is Parsons special. He can drop in coverage, wrap up in run defense or get to the QB when turned loose on a blitz. While wide receiver remains a problem even after drafting Jalen Reagor in the first round last April — and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase will be tempting — this WR class is deep and still offers playmakers when Philly is back on the clock on Day 2. Trading back is an option, but if the Eagles stay home, this pick at No. 6 is all about the best player available: Parsons.

Lol. We’re really doing this again?

The Eagles aren’t taking a linebacker in the first round. You know this. I know this. Everybody knows this.

Except McShay, apparently.

The following excerpt comes from an article shared to BGN back in 2012:

Every NFL draft week, “Jerry Robinson” invariably goes at the end of the sentence that starts, “The Eagles haven’t taken a linebacker in the first round since 1979, when they chose . . . “

I feel pretty confident that the Eagles won’t be breaking this 42-year-old streak in April. This organization clearly doesn’t value the position highly enough to take one in the first round, let alone at No. 6 overall.

Some will argue that Parsons should be the exception to the Eagles’ rule. Few will disagree that he’s an intriguing talent and that Philly needs help at the position. But there will be other opportunities to properly address that spot.

By contrast, there won’t be as many opportunities to potentially acquire a difference-making wide receiver. On that note, it’s pretty crazy how McShay’s mock has the Eagles passing on Ja’Marr Chase, who might not even make it to Philly’s selection! Taking Parsons over Chase would be bananas.

Interestingly enough, Chase is the second receiver off the board in McShay’s mock. The LSU product is often projected to be WR1 but Heisman winner DeVonta Smith is the No. 3 overall pick in this simulation. Both Chase and Smith seem like prime candidates for the Eagles’ pick if they make it there. Then again, Howie Roseman doesn’t always like productive and prolific SEC receivers.