/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69024668/1229670345.0.jpg)
The Draft Simulation series is a means to explore all the different avenues for the Eagles this spring. The draft can fall a lot of ways and for a team with as many needs as the Eagles, any path is possible. This week we take a look at what happens when the Eagles go defense with the sixth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. (I am using the incredible draft simulator from our friends over at The Draft Network.)
Pick 6: Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina
Jaycee Horn has been flying up the draft boards this offseason and after an impressive pro-day showing this week, his draft ceiling could be as high as the Eagles pick. There is no doubt the team needs reinforcements in their secondary and the highly athletic, highly physical Jaycee Horn would be a huge step in changing the makeup of the entire group.
DB coaches working out CB Jaycee Horn at South Carolina pro-day:
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 24, 2021
* Bears
* Patriots
* Eagles
* Bengals
* Panthers
Pick 37: Elijah Moore, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
The Eagles’ need at wide receiver is still huge and they can address it by hitting hard at the depth of this class. Elijah Moore is a reception machine with soft hands and playmaking speed. He would immediately turn into Jalen Hurts’ best friend in the middle of the field.
Pick 70: Tylan Wallace, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
I’ve made my feelings known about Tylan Wallace being a serious sleeper in this draft class. A year ago he would have gone *much* higher. Wallace is a jump ball specialist who can thrive as an outside receiver.
Pick 84: Chazz Surratt, Linebacker, UNC
Adding physical, smart defenders at all levels of the defense should be a priority for the Eagles. Chazz Surratt is a great player with some very good football ahead of him considering his newness to the linebacker position.
Pick 150: Kylin Hill, Running Back, Mississippi State
Nick Sirianni wants versatile running backs and Kylin Hill can line up all over an offense and do serious damage with his speed, patience, vision, and pass-catching ability. Having him and Miles Sanders at running back would give the team a lot of flexibility with formations.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22397015/845432074.jpg)
Pick 156: Rashad Weaver, Edge Defender, Pittsburgh
While the Eagles' defensive line is a strength, there is no doubt you can always get deeper with pass rushers. Rashad Weaver is a physical, high motor pass rusher who could develop into a productive rotational player in Philadelphia.
Pick 189: Drake Jackson, Offensive Lineman, Kentucky
Upgrading the offensive interior isn’t an immediate need, but getting a talented player like Drake Jackson in the room could help the team in the long run. Jackson played guard and center at a high level in college and could translate his game into being a solid starter down the line.
Pick 224: Cade Johnson, Wide Receiver, SDSU
You knew this was going to be here.
Pick 225: Marco Wilson, Cornerback, Florida
The 6’1” brother of former second-round pick Quincy Wilson, Marco Wilson is a talented cornerback with good size and high upside. He has experience playing outside and in the slot, giving the Eagles flexibility with his trajectory. While he is not immediately ready to get snaps in Jonathan Gannon’s defense, it’s hard to see why a team wouldn’t want to take a bet on him this late.
Pick 234: Shaun Beyer, Tight End, Iowa
With Zach Ertz’s future with Philly up in the air, the Eagles should be thinking about adding new players to their tight end room. Shaun Beyer was not a productive pass catcher at Iowa, but he is a solid all-around player with great blocking and upside as a receiver. He would make a ton of sense as a third tight end who could potentially grow into a bigger role.
Pick 240: Ihmir-Smith Marsette, Wide Receiver, Iowa
Look, if the Eagles want a shot at having a good passing game in the near future, they are going to have to throw a lot of darts at the dartboard when it comes to the receiver position. The group is so, so young and you can never add too much competition to a group like that. Ihmir-Smith Marsette was never super productive at Iowa, but he is a tremendous athlete with lots of upside. At pick 240, that is all you can ask for.