We’re a little over 24 hours away from the 2021 NFL Draft and it feels like the most unpredictable in years when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles. Currently holding 11 selections, nobody really knows what Howie Roseman has up his sleeve and after a chaotic 12-month period, we can surely expect another fireworks display at some point. Here are five bold predictions concerning what the Eagles will do during the Draft.
Double dipping
It shouldn’t come as a revelation that the Eagles need cornerback help. With the NFC East only gaining strength at receiver this offseason and a severe lack of depth both inside and at CB2, it’s imperative that the team add some talent to a secondary that currently has more holes than a Hedgehog’s pillow. It should also be noted that the Eagles didn’t even sign a free agent at the position this offseason, leaving their most glaring roster need unaccounted for.
With this in mind, a double-dip at corner seems beyond plausible. I’m predicting that the Eagles add a tall outside corner and an aggressive nickel who can grow behind Avonte Maddox during the upcoming season with the potential to grow into a larger role.
No QB controversy
The QB factory has been at the epicentre of attention all offseason, but when all is said and done, I think we can all agree that drafting a QB to compete with Jalen Hurts would be beyond idiotic. The team may add a developmental arm to the roster, but my prediction here is that they won’t do so until at least round 5.
There is no need to repeat the same mistakes made last year and with a trio of first-rounders in 2022, the team already have enough ammo to go up and grab a QB if this experiment does fail. For now, the plan has to centralize around Jalen Hurts and giving him every opportunity to succeed.
Eagles stay put
The Eagles seem just as likely to move back up the NFL Draft order as they do to move even further down. While QB needy teams seem hungry to ensure they get their guy, there is also a sense that the Eagles want to ensure they don’t lose out on a potentially-elite cornerback or a dominant offensive weapon. When push comes to shove, I think the Eagles have already made their move.
Moving back down to 12 has ensured that they’ll have access to one of the top receivers in this year’s class, or one of Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn. Sure, there is a pressing need at corner, but the Eagles are in a position of luxury where they can allow the board to fall into their lap and take the best remaining player, regardless of position.
Because of this, I don’t think the Eagles will actually move from their 12th overall pick, instead deciding to stand pat and take whoever the best talent remaining is.
Zach Ertz stays with the Eagles
The chatter surrounding the future of a once-elite tight end this offseason has been exhausting. After a teary-eyed press conference to end the season, many assumed Zach Ertz had played his final game as an Eagle. We’re now at the NFL Draft and he hasn’t been moved. His contract will come to an end next season anyway so if the trade offers don’t reflect what he could potentially be, why would the Eagles bite the bullet? Dallas Goedert hasn’t proven himself as a reliable TE1 just yet and he too is a free agent next year.
The TE class has some intriguing pass-catchers within, but it may behoove the Eagles to keep Ertz around for a prove-it year and invest that draft pick elsewhere…which is exactly what I think happens.
Andre Dillard traded to the Colts
I’ve been manifesting this for some time now, but it makes way too much sense to me. The Colts need a franchise left tackle after losing Anthony Castonzo and the notable names in this class will be long gone by the time their 21st selection comes into play. Frank Reich has worked with Andre Dillard before, as has Carson Wentz, Press Taylor, and Mike Groh. The Colts would be acquiring a young tackle who has starting upside, and the Eagles can move up from the second-round to poach a receiver if they go defense at 12, while simultaneously ending the LT debacle that is bound to ensue this offseason with Jordan Mailata thoroughly deserving a shot to start.
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What are your bold predictions? Let us know in the comments!
Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire
