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With the Eagles trading out of No. 6 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft to move down to No. 12, their draft trajectory changes dramatically. Hours ago, they had a shot at a top pass-catcher or maybe a quarterback. Here are five prospects they could be targeting now.
1) Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina:
The Eagles have desperate needs in the secondary, especially at cornerback. Not having a viable partner for Darius Slay was disastrous in 2020 and they need to address the position. Jaycee Horn is a big, physical cornerback with tremendous athletic ability. He is a perfect fit for Jonathan Gannon’s typical cornerback profile and would be a huge boost to the defense.
2) Rashawn Slater, Offensive Lineman, Northwestern
Getting younger along the offensive line should be a priority for the Eagles and Slater could help in a variety of ways. The Northwestern product can play tackle in the NFL but might be suited better for guard. The Eagles adding Slater to their offensive interior would be a great way to build around Jalen Hurts.
3) Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State
While this was an unlikely pick in the top ten, it becomes a bit more possible at this point in the draft. Howie Roseman has never coveted linebackers in the draft and Parsons has off-field problems that need addressing. However, it is hard to ignore Parsons being an incredibly talented player at a position of need.
4) Kwity Paye, Defensive Line, Michigan
Kwity Paye has somehow flown under the radar this draft season as a seriously good prospect. The Michigan defender can line up anywhere and be disruptive. While pass rush was a strength for the Eagles last year, you can never have too many young players ready to throw into a rotation.
5) DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Wide receiver is still the Eagles' biggest need and it feels like the NFL might be down on DeVonta Smith for his size. Their loss can be the Eagles' gain if the Heisman winner drops out of the top 10. Smith is going to be a star in the NFL and ideally, he could make his mark in midnight green.