The Eagles need a wide receiver, and if the draft breaks their way, they will take one that No. 21 overall. That isn't a secret.
It is also out of their control.
As general manager Howie Roseman likes to remind people, the draft can play out a number of different ways. A great example is last year, when the Eagles wanted to take a defensive tackle with their first-round pick, but offensive tackle Andre Dillard fell into their lap.
Even though this is considered a deep class at wide receiver, sitting at No. 21 leave a lot of time and picks for weird things to happen before the Eagles go on the clock.
So what will they do if it is their turn to pick and there has been a run on receivers?
Here are six players, in order, that would make sense for the Eagles if they pass on a receiver at No. 21:
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State: Of all the names that could be called at No. 21, this could be the one that sends the fanbase into the biggest tailspin. It shouldn't. Gross-Matos was an extremely productive pass rusher at Penn State, totaling 17.5 sacks and a whopping 37 hurries over the last two seasons. Gross-Matos is an elite athlete at 6-foot-4 with long arms and great burst off of the line of scrimmage. He was strong against the run as well, totaling 34.5 tackles-for-a-loss the last two seasons. Roseman correctly places high value on the defensive end position and taking a chance on an edge rusher is a smarter bet than a better prospect at linebacker. Gross-Matos has a little bit of bust potential, but also has extremely high upside and could end up being a steal at No. 21 with the right coaching.
Grant Delpit, S, LSU: The Eagles current plan to replace Malcolm Jenkins at safety is a combination of Jalen Mills and Will Parks, a risky plan with some high upside that also has the potential for disaster. Delpit is a player worth abandoning the Eagles' current plan at safety for. Delpit has true position versatility, and projects to be a difference maker from the safety position. Delpit spent time in man coverage as a slot cornerback last season and in the box, playing at a high level in both roles. Add in the fact that he is oozing with leadership qualities and Delpit might be the true Malcolm Jenkins replacement the team is looking for.
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama: McKinney at No. 21 would throw a wrench in the Eagles' plans at safety. The Eagles couldn't possibly sit McKinney for an entire year, which would mean either Mills or Parks won't be seeing the field as much if McKinney is the pick. McKinney was a versatile player for Alabama last season, lining up at safety, corner and linebacker last year. What really makes McKinney special is his ability in man coverage, as he is built more like a corner than a safety, and could definitely step up to the line of scrimmage next season if needed. He has the potential to be a game changer in the secondary.
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida: The Eagles have one cornerback position locked down after the acquisition of Darius Slay. Who starts opposite of Slay is the issue, and Henderson could be the solution. Although he did spend some time at nickel cornerback last season, Henderson primarily played on the outside at Florida in both man and zone schemes. He is great around the ball, knocking away 27 passes in three seasons with six interceptions compared to just five touchdowns allowed. Avonte Maddox has struggled at outside cornerback and there is little question that Henderson would be a better solution almost right away next season.
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU: The Eagles haven't placed a ton of value in the linebacker position, but Queen falling to them at No. 21 might be the exception. Queen is one of the quickest and most athletic linebackers in the draft, falling in line with the Eagles' clear plan this offseason of adding speed to their defense. Queen proved to be strong against both the run and pass last season for LSU, finish with 12 tackles for a loss, three sacks and giving up just one touchdown in coverage. Queen could be the playmaker the Eagles have lacked in the middle of their defense over the last few years.
AJ Epenesa, DE, Iowa: Roseman has always shown he values the lines, and if the Eagles don't take a receiver, defensive line is a good bet. Depth is an underrated issue along the edges. Brandon Graham is still an elite-level player, but he will be 33 next offseason and very well could be heading towards his last year with the team. Derek Barnett has had his moments but overall has been a disappointment as the No. 14 overall pick in 2017. The team is in need of another elite-level prospect at the position. Epenesa has great size at 6-foot-4 and has totaled 21 sacks over the last two seasons. He isn't especially explosive off the line of scrimmage, but he is solid against the run and is an elite-level athlete that could be developed.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
