The latest NFL Draft rumor could be good news for the Eagles

We take a break from the Philadelphia Eagles’ extremely active free agency period to bring you a new rumor about the 2021 NFL Draft. According to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, the Atlanta Falcons are interested in selecting Philly native Kyle Pitts at No. 4 overall.

Of course, the standard draft rumor disclaimer applies here. With a lot of different agendas out there, this information must be taken with a grain salt. For the sake of discussion, though, let’s assume it’s true in order to see how the top five picks might play out before the Eagles select at No. 6.

1 - Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
2 - New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
3 - (Miami Dolphins trade down): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
4 - Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
5 - Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
6 - Philadelphia Eagles: ???

JAGUARS

Lawrence at No. 1 overall is a lock. Next.

JETS

If the Jets manage to swing a trade for Deshaun Watson, Houston would presumably take a quarterback at No. 2. Unless they got Sam Darnold back in the deal and stuck with him. That’d be inconvenient. Assuming the Jets stay, though, they’re probably taking Wilson. Multiple reports indicate he’s viewed as the No. 2 quarterback behind Lawrence.

DOLPHINS

The Dolphins seem like such an obvious trade down candidate at No. 3. Quarterback-needy teams are going to be desperate to trade up to that spot to get Fields. It’s possible the Dolphins just stay there and take either Ja’Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith, however. Then again, Miami did sign Will Fuller to a 1-year contract worth $10 million. Maybe receiver isn’t so much in play for them?

FALCONS

The Falcons recently restructured Matt Ryan’s contract, thus extending their commitment to him. But that development doesn’t necessarily guarantee they won’t still take a quarterback. Perhaps they draft Trey Lance to groom behind Ryan. This is also a landing spot for Fields if he’s still on the board. Or, as Maaddi’s report suggests, maybe they’ll just take Pitts!

BENGALS

The Bengals signed Riley Reiff, who turns 33 this season, to a one-year contract. Such a signing shouldn’t preclude them from taking Sewell, who is largely expected to go off the board at Cincy’s pick.

EAGLES

And that brings us to the Eagles, where Ja’Marr Chase is still available! Safe to say many fans will be expecting Howie Roseman to sprint to the podium himself to turn the pick in. Don’t have to worry about the Eagles potentially getting too cute and making a galaxy brain pick by selecting Pitts. Just go with the obvious top wide receiver talent.

... why do I have this feeling it won’t be that simple?