The NFL Draft is almost here, and after months of debating what the Eagles should do, I have arrived at Version 5.0 of my Eagles 7-Round Mock Draft.
After looking at the board and how I think the draft will play out, I think trading back and getting as many swings as possible at a wide receiver is the Eagles' best strategy. A logical trade partner is the Indianapolis Colts, who don't have a first-round pick but have every reason to trade back into the first and draft a quarterback to develop behind Philip Rivers.
The trade:
Eagles Trade: No. 21, No. 103 and a 2021 3rd (projected 1,053 points)
Colts Trade: No. 34 and No. 44 (1,020 points)
Even though the Eagles don't pick in the first round, they end up with three second-round picks, and three shots at finding young, talented receivers to grow with Carson Wentz.
With that in mind, here is my final Eagles' mock draft:
2nd Round, Pick 34: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
On Wednesday I predicted the Eagles would take LSU's Justin Jefferson with their first pick, and I still think that is the most likely outcome. If Jefferson is out of reach, however, I think trading back is the right move.
Even while moving back, the Eagles land a receiver I think has a chance to be an absolute stud for them.
No receiver has been a bigger victim of the pre-draft process than Higgins. Having dominated college football for two seasons, Higgins has the size, hands and wingspan to be an elite-level, No. 1 receiver on the outside. Although his 40-time might have scared some off, Higgins has a quick first step and didn't look slow during his time at Clemson when he averaged more yards-per-catch than Henry Ruggs did. Heading into the 2020 season Higgins was viewed as one of, if not the best, receivers in college football. There is a reason for that.
Higgins is the receiver everyone will be wondering in a few years why he was drafted so late.
2nd Round, Pick 44: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
I have been pretty clear throughout this draft process that I think Hamler is a first-round worthy talent and a game-changer. It seems like concerns about his size, drops and a deep receiver class will cause him to slip in the draft, and with the draft almost here, Hamler being available at No. 53 seems likely.
That is great news for the Eagles.
Hamler has an elite trait that can't be coached. Not only is Hamler lighting quick, but he is the most dangerous player in the draft after the catch. He accelerates at the same level Ruggs does, and when he gets even the littlest bit of daylight, he is gone.
Hamler won't be a receiver that catches 7-8 passes per game, but he is a player that will make a few plays each season that will change games.
2nd Round, Pick 53: Devin Duvernay, Texas
After taking a bit of a risk with Hamler, the Eagles take one of the safest receivers in the draft in Duvernay. Some will view this as a reach for Duvernay, but he won't be making it to pick No. 127, which is the time the Eagles are on the clock, and he might not even make it out of the second round.
Why?
Not only does Duvernay have some of the best hands in the draft, but he is an underrated athlete, who consistently ran away from defenders after the catch. He is a slot receiver but can be a deep threat down the field, even if his presence alone likely won't stretch the defense like Hamler's will. A four-year player at Texas, Duvernay is a great route runner and his experience should make his transition to the NFL a quick one.
With Higgins, Hamler and Duvernay, the Eagles have a great, complementary trio of receivers for Wentz to grow with — but that can also help him win right now.
4th Round, Pick 127: K'Von Wallace, S, Clemson
Clemson moved Wallace all over the field and it is easy to see the Eagles doing the same, especially with their new emphasis on positionless players. Wallace is very good, but not great, at everything — he has good speed, he can play deep, he is a solid tackler and spent more than half of his snaps last season in the slot. A very good backup plan if the Eagles' plan of Jalen Mills and Will Parks doesn't work out.
4th Round, Pick 146: Darryl Williams, C, Mississippi State
Williams, 6-foot-2, 304 pounds, started two years at left guard before moving over to center in 2019. His lack of experience at center is somewhat concerning, but his position versatility is appealing, and he is a high-level athlete that should benefit from getting a year to learn from Jeff Stoutland. Fills the need to draft a Jason Kelce replacement without having to use a high pick to do so.
5th Round, Pick 168: Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
The Eagles are prioritizing speed on defense and Taylor definitely brings that. Taylor turned in the third-quickest 40-time at the NFL Combine among the linebackers, running a blazing 4.49. Taylor is a bit of a project, as he has only played football for four years, but has already shown he has a ton of potential, notching 17.5 tackles for a loss over the last two seasons. He might not be able to step in and play right away, but he should be an excellent special teams contributor as he learns the Eagles' defense.
6th Round, Pick 190: AJ Green, CB, Oklahoma State
Although his 4.62 40-time at the NFL Combine wasn't great, Green didn't have an issue in college with quicker receivers, and has good speed for a player standing 6-foot-1, 202 pounds. One appealing part of Green's game is his ability to line up against tight ends if needed, as he has both the size and speed to deal with the athletic, pass-catching tight ends almost all teams have now on offense. Could be a Rasul Douglas replacement if the Eagles decide to move him during the draft.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
