NFL mock draft: Eagles add to their QB drama with 6th pick
Eagles inject their offense with new blood in seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft.By: Shamus Clancy
With a new coaching staff in place in Philly, it's once again time to turn towards the first NFL draft in the next era of Eagles football.
As a reminder, the Eagles will likely have eight picks in total including a project late compensatory pick in the sixth round for the loss of Jordan Howard in free agency last offseason.
Hiring Nick Sirianni may not mean Carson Wentz is as entrenched as the starting quarterback going forward as originally thought. If Justin Fields drops and is sitting there on the board, it'll be tough to pass on a guy with his talent level.
Fields is a rocked up, dual-threat machine who combined for 78 touchdowns over the last two seasons in 22 total games.
Passing on a receiver in the first round necessitates taking one immediately on Day 2. Rondale Moore has battled injuries in his collegiate career, which could understandably turn off Eagles fans, but he's a multi-dimensional threat that feels closer to Tyreek Hill than whatever the Birds got out of Jalen Reagor as a rookie.
Miles Sanders' talent is undeniable, but he's missed 10 games in his first two seasons and regressed as a pass-catcher in 2020. Nick Sirianni's offenses in Indianapolis relied heavily on running backs in the passing game and Michael Carter could seamlessly contribute from Day 1 in that regard.
Carter combined for 50 catches and 2,669 total yards from scrimmage as a junior and senior for the Tar Heels. He also provides value as a kick returner, a spot the Birds desperately need some juice.
For all his draft faults, Howie Roseman has illustrated a knack for finding offensive linemen who are legitimate NFL players late in the draft. Sadarius Hutcherson (no. 50 above) will be more of a guard at the pro level, but his experience at both guard and tackle on both sides of the line at South Carolina will make him a key depth piece.
Adding defensive players from the SEC is always a prudent decision. Tyree Gillespie's experience as a single-high safety for the Tigers could have him excelling in a reserve role in new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's Cover 1 looks.
He's a grinder with special teams experience as well, which could endure him quickly to Eagles fans.
LaBryan Ray is more of an early down run-stopper than a true pass-rushing threat. In a defense that should feature Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave feasting on opposing quarterbacks, however, Ray's ability against the run should allow the Eagles' highly priced defensive tackles to catch a breather from time to time.
Coastal Carolina became the Cinderella darling of college football last season and Tarron Jackson causing havoc was a major part of that.
It was against lower-level competition in the Sun Belt Conference, but Jackson totaled 42 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks in four years for Chanticleers.
Don't count out his motor carrying him to a rotational pass-rusher role at the pro level.
Jamar Watson will need to beef up to settle into a 4-3 defensive end role in the NFL, but the production stands out enough to take a flyer on the Wildcat as a development guy to stash on the practice squad for a year or two.
In his last two years at Kentucky, Watson had 21.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
