Head coach Doug Pederson is facing scrutiny for “tanking” the season finale after benching quarterback Jalen Hurts for Nate Sudfeld in the second half. Whether or not it was intentional, Pederson secured the sixth-overall pick for Philadelphia in the 2021 NFL Draft — here’s an Eagles 7-round Mock Draft that helps them.
With several holes on the roster and minimal cap space for free agency, this draft class’ success could directly impact the trajectory of Philadelphia’s rebuild. Do they add weapons around Jalen Hurts or fortify the defensive unit? Do they take advantage of their first top-10 pick since picking Carson Wentz, and take a quarterback? One thing Philadelphia has is options in this Eagles 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Featured | Bailey’s First-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft
The Eagles currently have one of the worst cap situations in the NFL. They’ve already restructured Alshon Jeffery’s contract but will likely not be bringing any marquee free agents to fill their needs. Their success in the 2021 season will heavily rely on the production they receive from their rookie class. Can they add the right pieces and contend for the NFC East in 2021 with Jalen Hurts? Or will they have another unproductive rookie class? What positions do the Eagles need, and who do they take in this 7-round NFL Mock Draft?
Eagles Pre-Senior Bowl 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft
- Round 1, Pick 6: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
- Round 2, Pick 37: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
- Round 3, Pick 70: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
- Round 5, Pick 133: Drake Jackson, C, Kentucky
- Round 5, Pick 139: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
- Round 6, Pick 164: JaCoby Stevens, S, LSU
- Round 7, Pick 198: C.J. Verdell, RB, Oregon
Eagles 2021 NFL Mock Draft pick-by-pick analysis
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
When the Eagles were on the board at number six, I would have taken Justin Fields, had he made it to the selection. However, Fields wasn’t available. We’re also operating under the assumption that the Eagles move forward with Jalen Hurts, at least for this mock.
Nevertheless, Philadelphia gets a nice consolation prize in Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons. Parsons is the premier defensive player in the class, dominating in his time at Penn State. Some Eagles fans may prefer Ja’Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith here, but in a deep WR class, the best value selection was Parsons. Philadelphia’s linebacker unit was horrendous this past season, so this pick has merit.
Parsons was recruited to Penn State to be a defensive end, but made the transition to linebacker early and never looked back. It’s obvious he’s still learning the idiosyncrasies of the position, but his impact on the game is already immense. He’s the best pass rushing linebacker in at least a decade, and his size, combined with his athletic ability, makes him the selection over Chase or Smith.
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
The Eagles went out and added Darius Slay before the 2020 season with the hope that he would solve the issues surrounding the Eagles’ pass defense. He struggled in his first year in Philadelphia, but he’s been so good in his career outside of this season that it’s justified giving him the benefit of the doubt going into 2021. However, who plays opposite of him is a major question. Taking a high-profile cornerback early should help answer those questions.
Tyson Campbell makes a ton of sense at the start of Day 2. He possesses elite physical skills and at times has flashed elite dominance on film. He’s not consistent enough to be a first-round lock, but his upside is palpable. He would make a lot of sense opposite of Darius Slay for the Eagles moving forward. I also considered Terrace Marshall Jr. from LSU. Campbell is a steal with the 37th pick in this 7-round Eagles 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
With the first two picks allocated to the team’s defensive side, wide receiver had to be addressed here. Wide receiver is still pretty thin for the Eagles, so every addition counts. They still manage to get great value at receiver in Tylan Wallace, who was one of the most productive receivers in college over his career.
Wallace is a natural deep threat who creates separation vertically and dominates contested situations. He has the wheels to spread the defense and would make more room to operate for players like Jalen Reagor and Dallas Goedert. Jalen Hurts would also benefit from a player like Wallace, whose deep speed would create lanes for Hurts to pull the ball and run.
Drake Jackson, OC, Kentucky
Regardless of whether Jason Kelce retires this offseason or not, the Eagles should start planning for the future without him. Someone like Drake Jackson on Day 3 makes a ton of sense due to his high floor and starting experience. Jackson started over 40 games at center in the SEC. Thus, his experience could be invaluable to Philadelphia, as they may need him to be a Day 1 starter. The decision didn’t come down to what position to take, but which center to take, as Georgia center Ben Cleveland was also considered.
Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
With Zach Ertz likely departing this offseason, Dallas Goedert will slot in as the Eagles TE1. However, who will take over as the second tight end in Philadelphia? The Eagles get one in this 7-round Mock Draft.
Someone like Ruckert makes a lot of sense. He was widely considered the top tight end prospect coming out of high school, but his career at Ohio State wasn’t nearly as productive as he hoped. A quality athlete with soft hands, and a willing blocker, Ruckert could be the perfect running mate for Goedert.
JaCoby Stevens, S, LSU
The Eagles lack a defensive back that can come up and impact the line of scrimmage. They lost that when Malcolm Jenkins left the team. Stevens provides that and more, as he’s built in the mold of the new age dime-backers. With the size and strength of a linebacker and a safety’s athletic ability, he could be a shot of energy for the Eagles defense.
C.J. Verdell, RB, Oregon
There’s a noticeable drop off from Miles Sanders to the rest of the Eagles’ running backs. Given Sanders’ injury issues this past season, it could be wise of Philadelphia to draft a quality backup. C.J. Verdell fits that mold as an efficient runner between the tackles who also brings receiving upside. He has the frame and athletic ability to be a quality RB2. Verdell is taken in the final round of this 7-round Eagles 2021 NFL Mock Draft, but he’s talented enough to go three rounds earlier.
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