With the Senior Bowl and now NFL Combine both behind us, draft pictures are becoming clearer than they were in late January. While mock drafts are nothing other than fun speculation - they can really help fans get used to some of the names that will be announced come draft time.
In our first compilation of Draft Experts Mock Draft 1.0 most experts had the Eagles taking a top-ranked wideout. There is no secret around the NFL on how desperate the Birds seem at the wideout position. How fond were the days of the "DNA Boys". It's about time we stop giving this team nicknames in the off-season. Let's take a look at how the draft board is shaking out with the team's first post combine expert mock draft.
21. Justin Jefferson, LSU WR
This made me ecstatic. We profiled Jefferson in our 2020 Draft Vision series, and after he ran a sub 4.5 40 yard dash, he all but cemented himself in the first round. Jefferson had 18 touchdowns last year. EIGHTEEN. Jefferson has elite route running and catching ability and fits into the Eagles' slot role immediately. I mentioned in the draft vision profile - Jefferson reminds me of The Saints' Michael Thomas.
21. Henry Ruggs, Alabama WR
The fan-favorite. The guy who has Howie up late drawing up draft day trades to move up in the draft to secure. Howie and Co. could trade every pick in the draft to get Ruggs, and some fans will still call it a successful one. At the combine, Ruggs ran an outstanding 4.27 40-yard-dash, the fastest of the weekend. At 21, I'd be shocked if Ruggs was still on the board. There are too many WR needy teams in the draft to let him fall that far. As Eagles fans, we need to hope that there is an early run on quarterbacks and offensive tackles.
18. TRADE ALERT: Kristian Fulton, LSU CB (Trade pick 21 and 117 for 18)
Everyone loves draft day trades! While this is even more speculative than mock drafting itself, it is still fun to play the idea through. Fulton was a great man-cover corner for the National Champion LSU Tigers. With the Eagles staring at a potential brand new secondary next year, drafting a cornerback early might be the move here. This is all dependent on how the team handles free agency.
Michael Weiss | Philadelphia Eagles Frenzy
21. Justin Jefferson, LSU WR
I do believe that Ruggs will be long gone at pick 21. I also believe that Jefferson is the 4th best wideout in the draft, behind Ruggs. I really like Jefferson in the Eagles' offense, and believe him and Carson Wentz can grow a championship level chemistry. "The Son's of Philly".. that's right, no more off-season nicknames.
31. TRADE ALERT: K.J Hamler, Penn State WR
The 49ers do not have a 2nd, 3rd, or a 4th round pick. John Lynch has no other choice but to trade from pick 31 and bring in other draft assets. According to the draft value chart, the Eagles can send their 2nd round pick, a 3rd this year and either a 4th this year or draft capital next year for the 31st pick. To get back into the first round would be huge, because the team can add a wideout like Hamler or Denzel Mims; or a defensive back like Grant Delpit, Xavier McKinney or Trevon Diggs.
