We've made it through March and now are in the month of the NFL Draft! All signs point to it being a 100% virtual draft, which may take away from the feel of "draft night", but it will surely be something worth watching for football fans across the country. Since our last mock, there have been some moves made around the NFL which have shaken up the draft order, as well as draft needs for teams. Possibly the biggest is the move made was by the San Francisco 49ers moving up to pick number 13; many draft analysts have the 49ers drafting a wide receiver with that pick. The Eagles also made a number of moves to sure up the defensive side of the ball - specifically the defensive backfield. Another relevant piece of draft news that came out recently, was that word is the Eagles do not have much interest in trading up from 21 to select a wideout.
In mock draft 1.0, all draft experts were predicting the Birds to grab a wide receiver at #21. In mock draft 2.0, most analysts were projecting the team to grab a receiver again, but also mixed in a cornerback (before the Darius Slay trade).
It's almost all but certain that the team will go with a wideout at 21, but let's check out who the "experts" have our Philadelphia Eagles taking.
21. Patrick Queen, LSU LB
This is a new one! Patrick Queen was an outstanding linebacker for the LSU Tigers' defense last season, and will all but surely be a first-round pick. Queen plays fast and aggressive, two things the Bird's look for in linebackers. He also plays best when he is kept clean, with the big uglies up front eating up blocks. The Eagles need linebacker help, and Queen stepping in would surely solidify the middle.
21. Tee Higgins, Clemson WR
Higgins was a top target for Trevor Lawrence over the past two seasons for Clemson. The knock on him is that he is slow (for a wideout) and could not stretch the field much. Higgins is the polar opposite of Henry Ruggs, who Eagles fans seem to be falling in love with.
21. Justin Jefferson, LSU WR
A name that has been linked to the Eagles all offseason, Jefferson would be a welcomed face to the nest. A personal favorite in this year's draft, Jefferson has the ability to start right away in the slot for the Eagles. He can also play on the outside, but will need refinement there. I previously wrote a full draft profile on Jefferson and why he could be a fit in Philly.
There you have it, the experts have spoken; two wideouts and a linebacker. The Eagles have holes that need to be filled, but once again Howie has set the team up early in the offseason to be able to draft the best player available. Be sure to tune into the NFL draft beginning on April 23rd.
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