NFL Mock Draft Simulation: What if Ja’Marr Chase is there?

Projecting all seven rounds.

By Ben Natan@TheBenNatan Mar 12, 2021, 11:46am EST

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The Draft Simulation series is a means to explore all the different avenues for the Eagles this spring. The 2021 NFL Draft could fall a lot of ways and, for a team with as many needs as the Eagles, any path is possible. This week the draft machine had a blue-chip player who few have falling as far as No. 6 overall. (Note: I am using the incredible draft simulator from our friends over at The Draft Network.)

Pick 6: Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, LSU

Though I favor DeVonta Smith in the short term, there is no denying what kind of upside Ja’Marr Chase has at the receiver position. Draft projections have the LSU wideout going top three, so I imagine the Eagles (and their fans) would be elated to have Chase here. Ja’Marr Chase is an all-around playmaker with the potential to be an elite wide receiver. Exactly what the Eagles need.

Pick 38: Trevon Moehrig, Safety, TCU

It is starting to feel like Moehrig will be going much higher than this, so there’s no doubt it would be a relief to snag him in the second round. Moehrig can play all over the field for the Eagles but would thrive as a center-fielding free safety.

Pick 70: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Cornerback, Syracuse

Trends would suggest Jonathan Gannon wants big, physical cornerbacks playing on the outside of his defense. Ifeatu Melifonwu has a great build with better athleticism and has starting cornerback upside. The Eagles desperately need an infusion of talent at the cornerback position with Darius Slay not having a running mate. Melifonwu should compete for early starting time.

Pick 84: Chazz Surratt, Linebacker, UNC

Linebacker remains a huge need for the Eagles. Chazz Surratt, a former quarterback, is one of the smartest defenders in the draft. His blend of instincts and athleticism make him a no-brainer pick for Philadelphia.

Pick 151: Chuba Hubbard, Running Back, Oklahoma State

Adding another running back to the Eagles backfield feels like a great way to keep Jalen Hurts surrounded with playmakers. Chuba Hubbard has home-run ability from the backfield and would be a great reliever for Miles Sanders.

Pick 157: Deommodore Lenoir, Cornerback, Oregon

The Eagles need outside cornerbacks, yes, but a trusty slot defender will be crucial to the unit’s success. Deommodore (or Dede) Lenoir doesn’t have any standout physical traits, but his smarts and physicality make him ideal for what the Eagles want in their secondary.

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Pick 188: Cade Johnson, Wide Receiver, SDSU

You know the drill here. Let’s get it done.

Pick 222: Malcolm Koonce, Edge, Buffalo

The Eagles love having a constant stream of defensive lineman to keep the depth and future of the unit strong. Malcolm Koonce isn’t quite NFL-ready, but his upside is palpable as a situational pass rusher. The athletic, strong defender will do well under the tutelage of some of the Eagles' senior defensive lineman.

Pick 223: Feleipe Franks, Quarterback, Arkansas

The Eagles quarterback room is being reset this offseason and adding another young passer certainly couldn’t hurt. After a mediocre stint at Florida, Feleipe Franks enjoyed a solid 2020 season at Arkansas where he showed some things that could translate to the NFL. At 6’5” and 230 pounds, Franks has great size, a big arm, and solid athleticism. While he is certainly a project, he might be a nice developmental player for the Eagles and their QB-friendly staff.

Pick 228: Jaelon Darden, Wide Receiver, North Texas

Darden and Johnson are clear late-round favorites for me in this deep wide receiver class. Darden is too much of a playmaker to not think he will make some difference in the NFL. Even if it is as a role player.