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BGN’s Weekly 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. With the Eagles trading back to pick 12 yesterday, the 2021 NFL Draft’s shape should change pretty dramatically for the Eagles. (I am using the incredible draft simulator from our friends over at The Draft Network.)
Pick 12: DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Can’t help but feel the NFL is sleeping on DeVonta Smith at this point. The Heisman winner is being heavily scrutinized for his wiry frame and the Eagles could be beneficiaries of this. Getting one of the best receivers in the class after trading down would be a massive win.
Pick 37: Asante Samuel Junior, Cornerback, FSU
Adding Asante Samuel Junior to the Eagles defensive backfield would give them a great shot at being a respectable unit in 2021 and beyond. The scrappy cornerback has great coverage skills and a knack for the football. While he likely would see the bulk of his snaps in the slot, he would still make a big difference.
Pick 70: Jabril Cox, Linebacker, LSU
Jabril Cox would add needed speed to the linebacker unit. He is a smart, every-down linebacker and the Eagles desperately need a difference-maker in the middle of their defense.
Pick 84: Quinn Meinerz, Offensive Lineman, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Building for the future along the offensive line is always a must. Quinn Meinerz has upside at center or guard in the NFL and could be the heir apparent for Jason Kelce whenever the Hall of Famer decides to hang it up.
Pick 123: Israel Mukuamu, Cornerback, South Carolina
After two years of high-level play, a lower-body injury dampened Israel Mukuamu’s play and left the spotlight open for Jaycee Horn to step into. Make no mistake though, the 6’4”, 212-pound cornerback still has plenty of appeal for NFL defenses. His size, athleticism, and physicality are a perfect fit for an outside cornerback role in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. If Mukuamu is able to get healthy, he should push for a big role early in his career.
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Pick 150: Richard LeCounte III, Safety, Georgia
Richard LeCounte is an athletic, cerebral defender who provided needed stability on the back end of the Georgia defense. Despite playing among so many talented cornerbacks, LeCounte shone as an important cog in the unit. His defensive IQ would be greatly needed on the Eagles defense, even if he didn’t start immediately in his career.
Pick 189: Marlon Williams, Wide Receiver, UCF
Marlon Williams has been under the radar this draft season despite an incredibly productive 2020 season. The six foot, 220-pound pass catcher pulled in 71 passes in eight games while scoring 10 times. Williams not only has excellent hands but is incredibly dangerous after the catch. His playstyle is reminiscent of Laviska Shenault’s and the Eagles could use him in a similar way.
Pick 224: Cade Johnson, Wide Receiver, SDSU
After a big pro day performance yesterday, the Eagles would be lucky if they could get Johnson here.
Pick 225: Marco Wilson, Cornerback, Florida
Triple dipping at cornerback might seem excessive, but it is almost as big a need as wide receiver. This is a deep class and the Eagles should take advantage.
Pick 234: Feleipe Franks, Quarterback, Arkansas
Feleipe Franks is the perfect late-round quarterback prospect. While he never consistently produced in college, Franks has a lot of impressive physical tools worth developing. The Eagles quarterback situation is still not entirely secure, so this would be a smart addition.
Pick 240: Chris Evans, Running Back, Michigan
Chris Evans is one of this class’s deep sleepers. The Michigan running back never got to put it all together on the field at Michigan, but he has a unique skill set worth getting a good look at. The 5’10”, 215 pound running back has good quickness, strength and soft hands in the passing game. At this point in the draft, betting on a player like Evans could pay off big.