NFL Draft Results: Eagles select JaCoby Stevens at pick No. 224

With the 224th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select ... JaCoby Stevens, linebacker, LSU! [Note: The broadcast announced him as a safety but the Eagles are officially listing him at linebacker.]

Stevens is a hybrid defender who actually began his college football career at wide receiver. Interesting tweener type to take a chance on later during Day 3. Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon must have a role envisioned for him.

More on Stevens from our friends over at And The Valley Shook:

But it’s not Stevens’s 40-time or broad jump that teams will fall in love with, it’s his character.

Stevens is the kind of guy that will improve any locker room just by simply being there. Stevens was on the watch list for this past season’s Wuerffel Award, which is essentially the Heisman trophy of involvement in the community. He was also LSU’s selection for the 2020 SEC Community Service Team.

Between his brain and brawn I don’t think there’s ever been a player I’ve been more confident in at the next level than JaCoby Stevens. He’s a playmaker, a team leader, and a role model.

Simply put he’s a football player.

Here’s a scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

Stevens is in a precarious position as either an undersized linebacker with just average toughness at the point of attack or an oversized safety lacking instincts and coverage speed. He played heavier in 2020 and simply didn’t look as quick or as agile as he did in 2019. He displays some of the downhill run-defending characteristics teams will look for as a box safety but will need to lock in against tight ends to add legitimate coverage value. Determining his scheme fit and finding his optimal weight will be critical for him to have success on the next level.

College stats via Sports Reference:

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

Highlights:

Grade the pick

Remaining Eagles draft picks

1 (10) - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

2 (37) - Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

3 (73) - Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech

4 (123) - Zech McPhearson, CB, Texas Tech

5 (150) - Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis

6 (189) - Marlon Tuipulotu, DT, USC

6 (191) - Tarron Jackson, DE, Coastal Carolina

6 (224) - JaCoby Stevens, LB, LSU

7 (234) -

Remaining Eagles needs

Cornerback

Linebacker

Safety

Offensive tackle

Defensive end

Wide receiver