:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68804309/usa_today_15423074.0.jpg)
The trajectory of the Eagles’ entire offseason hangs in the balance while we wait for a Carson Wentz trade to finally materialize. When Wentz leaves, there is a small chance the team decides to ride with Jalen Hurts for a year to see what they have. In that event, they could go into this draft not needing to aggressively pursue a quarterback and fill out the rest of the roster. Note: I am using the incredible draft simulator from our friends over at The Draft Network.
Pick 6: DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama
No matter who is throwing passes for the Eagles in 2021, life becomes a lot easier if DeVonta Smith is catching them. The Alabama receiver looks like a pro-ready star who could be deployed all over the field. Smith will finally give the Eagles the threat at receiver they’ve been looking for and elevate the rest of the offense with him.
Pick 38: Trevon Moehrig, Safety, TCU
Trevon Moehrig would be a perfect fit for the back end of the Eagles defense. No matter if the Eagles wanted to be a predominantly single-high defense or two-deep, Trevon Moehrig gives them flexibility on defense and his playmaking would raise the level of the defenders around him.
Pick 70: Jabril Cox, Linebacker, LSU
It feels unlikely that Jabril Cox would fall this far in the draft, but I will keep taking him as long as he shows up in simulators. Jabril Cox would be a slam dunk pick one day two. His speed and instincts would bring a kind of linebacker to the Eagles defense that they haven’t had in a while.
Pick 149: Chuba Hubbard, Running Back, Oklahoma State
Could you imagine a backfield with Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, and Chuba Hubbard? Adding the former 2,000-yard rusher to the Eagles offense would give them a deadly trio of runners with Sanders, Boston Scott already established. Hubbard is “one-dimensional,” but that dimension is being a big-play threat. Having a home run hitter like Hubbard in the backfield could mean Miles Sanders can move around the formation and keep defenses guessing.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22297603/1228874839.jpg)
Pick 153: Kelvin Joseph, Cornerback, Kentucky
The Eagles need to find cornerbacks who can play across from Darius Slay. Kelvin Joseph has enjoyed a rising “draft stock” in the last few weeks on account of his potential at the cornerback position. Joseph is an inexperienced cornerback, but his size and athleticism make him ideal for what Jonathan Gannon typically likes from the position. Joseph’s upside is reason enough to pick him here and if he develops quickly, he could become a big-time contributor.
Pick 187: Alaric Jackson, Offensive Lineman, Iowa
A year ago, Alaric Jackson looked like a top 50 player when Tristian Wirfs was holding down the other side of the Iowa line. Now, Jackson’s hype has fallen off due to a dip in play and playing time with a short Big 10 season. Jackson is a very good athlete with high upside at tackle or maybe even guard. Having him grow as a player under Coach Stoutland is an ideal scenario given the Eagles need to keep getting younger on the offensive line.
Pick 221: Cade Johnson, Wide Receiver, South Dakota State
If you’ve been following this series, you know that Cade Johnson is a favorite of mine for a day three pick. One receiver is not enough in this draft and Johnson would be a great selection in the late rounds. He is a legit deep threat and had no problem down in Mobile against more talented defenders. He should contribute early as a role player and could develop into a highly targeted option in an offense.
Pick 230: Trill Williams, Cornerback, Syracuse
The Syracuse secondary is going to see possibly every one of its eligible starters drafted this year. It was an immensely talented group and Trill Williams is likely the player who flies under the radar the most from the Orange. Williams has great size at 6’2” and looked great covering receivers across from Ifeatu Melifonwu. Williams is a late-round flier worth betting on for the Eagles as they add yet another big, physical defender to their secondary.
Pick 256: Tarron Jackson, Edge, Coastal Carolina
Similar to Cade Johnson, Tarron Jackson is a small school player I would bet on outplaying their draft position. Jackson is a high-energy, physical player and the Eagles could always use those types of players on special teams. Jackson might not have great upside, but his existing skillset could land him in a defensive line rotation.