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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. The Eagles need to get younger on defense and the 2021 NFL Draft provides an opportunity for them. (I am using the incredible draft simulator from our friends over at The Draft Network.)
Pick 12: Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina
Trading back has rightfully upset a lot of people, but Jaycee Horn would be a tremendous pick at this point in the draft. Having a cornerback with his athleticism and physicality on this defense would be huge.
Pick 37: Jabril Cox, Linebacker, LSU
The NFL has woken up to Jabril Cox being a legit linebacker prospect in this class. His incredible pro-day performance the other day certainly helped. Jabril Cox would bring much-needed speed and versatility to the Eagles linebacking group while also being a pro-ready leader of an NFL defense. He is a plug-and-play starter.
Pick 70: Tylan Wallace, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
Wide receiver is still a big need in Philadelphia, but the team could go with some value picks in a deep draft if they’re addressing defense early. Tylan Wallace is definitely a guy I’m planting my flag on this year. I think he makes an impact in the league much quicker than his draft positioning would suggest. Wallace would bring some serious competition as an outside receiver who can burn deep and play above the rim.
Pick 84: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Wide Receiver, USC
Back-to-back wide receiver picks are hardly out of reach and this would be a coup for the Eagles. Amon-Ra St. Brown isn’t a flashy player, but his strong hands and ball skills will be an asset for an offense in desperate need of steady targets.
Pick 123: Marvin Wilson, Defensive Tackle, FSU
Marvin Wilson would be a tremendous pick for the Eagles at this point in the draft. The disruptive defensive tackle could be brought along slowly given the Eagles' current depth at the position, but he could also rotate in early on as a passing down specialist. Wilson was getting first-round talk before a down season and the Eagles should capitalize on his fall.
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Pick 150: Chuba Hubbard, Running Back, Oklahoma State
Chuba Hubbard would be an excellent addition to the Eagles backfield. Getting the team as many home run threats as possible is not a bad move and Hubbard can have an early impact in the running back rotation.
Pick 189: Tommy Kraemer, Guard, Notre Dame
Building a young offensive line for the future is probably a smart move. Tommy Kraemer is a smart, experienced offensive lineman who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Having Kraemer developing under Jeff Stoutland’s tutelage sounds like a good move for the long run.
Pick 224: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Wide Receiver, Iowa
Throwing darts at the wide receiver dartboard continues with picking a dude who has unreal athleticism. Smith-Marsette is absolutely a project, but the type of one you bet on at this point in the draft.
Pick 225: Cade Johnson, Wide Receiver, SDSU
Just leaning in at this point.
Pick 234: Marco Wilson, Cornerback, Florida
I honestly would be surprised if this actually happened. Marco Wilson blazed and jumped out of the gym at his pro-game so the jig might be up for his draft stock. Wilson would be a great addition on day three, but he might go a lot earlier than that!
Pick 240: Joshua Kaindoh, Edge, Florida State
Day 3 is all about gambles and Joshua Kaindoh is one of the higher upside players in the draft. The 6’7”, 260-pound defender is an impressive athlete who never really got his career off the ground at FSU due to health. If he can shake the injury bug in the NFL, he might be a great developmental project for Tracy Rocker and the Eagles defense.