Happy draft day, everyone!
We’ve waited months for this moment and we could all really use this escape. So thanks for following along to all our coverage over the past few months. We’ll be live on NBC Sports Philadelphia at 6 p.m. tonight as we get ready to see what the Eagles do in Round 1.
And for the last time in 2020, here’s a mock draft roundup of Eagles’ first-round picks:
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
What they said: I know the Eagles would love to add a speed receiver, but with the top options off the board, Murray is too good to ignore.
NFL
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
What they said: I came into this process thinking the Eagles were a lock for a WR here, but the mature, speedy tackler from OU slots into the middle of their defense.
My take: I really started to pay attention when Jeremiah had Murray going to the Eagles in his previous mock draft. And now that he’s done it twice in a row, it’s notable. Jeremiah is a former Eagles scout and is pretty plugged in. The biggest difference between his mock draft and Davis’ mock draft is that in Jeremiah’s the top four receivers were already off the board. Davis had them passing on Justin Jefferson.
I can’t see the Eagles passing on one of those top four receivers if one is available. But if they’re all gone, I’m not sure the next receiver is worth the 21st pick. So there’s a chance the Eagles can’t trade up or back and get stuck at 21 … and then drafting a defensive player makes sense.
Benjamin Solak, The Draft Network
Trade to 13: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
What they said: The Eagles are at the center of many aggressive trade-up rumors while the 49ers have made it clear that both Nos. 13 and 31 are on the market. Is CeeDee Lamb good enough for San Francisco to rebuff all offers and make the pick? With Philadelphia moving from No. 21 to No. 13, the 49ers are almost guaranteed to get pick No. 53 in return, so I think the price is right. The Eagles get an X-receiver who can replace Alshon Jeffery on the outside while providing infinitely more juice after the catch.
Trade to 10: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
What they said: Carson Wentz needs another target and “Trader Howie” gets his man.
My take: Lamb is probably the one receiver who would warrant a major trade-up to this range because the Eagles would have to part with the 53rd pick. Ideally, they wouldn’t do that but getting Lamb would probably be worth it. He projects as the top WR in this class and would replace Jeffery as the Eagles’ X receiver.
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
What they said: His stock has been rising, and many think he is not far behind the top three wide receivers.
My take: If Jefferson is simply there at 21, the Eagles should take him. I am having a hard time believing he’ll be there but I guess it’s still possible. Since the combine, Jefferson’s name has been linked to the Eagles and for good reason. He’s one of the top four receivers in this class but is probably the fourth, so his value lines up with where the Eagles pick. He was a slot receiver in 2019 at LSU but that doesn’t bother me. I’ve been on board with drafting Jefferson for a while now and I’d even do it if it cost a minimal trade up. So getting him at 21? Sign me up.
Andrew Kulp, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Trade to 15: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
What they said: The Browns move back for the third and final time, as Andrew Berry swings a deal with his old boss. It's no secret the Eagles need a wide receiver -- Alshon Jeffery is injured and possibly on the trade block and DeSean Jackson turns 34 in December. And if Howie Roseman learned anything from watching the Chiefs win it all this year, having a fleet of speedy receivers who can stretch defenses vertically can benefit even the best quarterback in the league. The Birds pay the price for Ruggs' 4.27 speed and never think twice about it.
My take: Kulp is on the Ruggs train and I like that. Ruggs would be a great fit in Philly for an Eagles team that has been focused on getting faster this offseason. We don’t get trade terms but a jump from 21 to 15 is certainly feasible. As I look at the trade-up options, there will be several teams in the teens willing to move back. If Howie wants to get aggressive, he can.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
What they said: DeSean Jackson is 33, Alshon Jeffery’s days appear numbered and Carson Wentz needs an explosive, young, 6-1, 208-pound playmaker with 4.5 speed and 40-inch vertical leap who averaged an insane 10.9 yards after catch.
My take: In this scenario, the last of the top four receivers went to Dallas at No. 17. This isn’t a horrible pick — I like Aiyuk — but it doesn’t seem like great value. He’s a player who might still be available later in the round and perhaps even early in the second round. So picking Aiyuk at 21 would be, at least in my opinion, a reach based on need. In this mock, Aiyuk is the last receiver taken in the first round, which means the Eagles probably didn’t have to take a wideout here, especially with guys like Murray, Patrick Queen and Jeff Gladney still available.
Subscribe and rate the Eagle Eye podcast:
Apple Podcasts / Google Play / Stitcher / Spotify / Art19
Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.