PHLSportsNation Draft Prediction: A Look at Who the Team Members Would Take at 21
Well ladies and gentlemen, it’s time we start to cross our t’s and dot our i’s.! With the 2020 NFL draft is now one day away the wait is all but over.
All of the time you’ve spend scouting prospect, critiquing mock drafts, and studying big boards; finally after months of anticipating what your favorite team will do, the time has now come upon us.
Yet, still with 24 hours left the wait will seem longer than ever. So how do you think we should past the time? How about having the opportunity get into the mind of how each of your favorite members of the PHLEaglesNation family, thinks the Eagles should approach their selection at 21.
Here is a 2020 NFL draft pick prediction by the members of Eagles Nation.
Quentin Rodriguez
Selection: Justin Jefferson, WR // LSU
The selection solves Philly’s need at WR. Jefferson possess a great combination of size and speed with an eye opening 40-yard dash of 4.43 while coming in at 6’1, 202 lbs. Jefferson put up monster numbers at LSU breaking the schools single season reception record with 111 grabs averaging 13.9 yards a pop.
Elusiveness is an essential part of Jefferson’s game, his ability to play outside and in the slot can help Carson Wentz tremendously. The two complement each other’s game nicely. On the money down (3rd downs), Jefferson caught 24 of 27 targets for 17 first downs and 6 TD’s. Wentz threw 11 TD’s to just one INT on such stakes this season. In addition, Jefferson caught 17 of 20 passes in the Red Zone, where Wentz has thrown 72 TD’s and 2 INT’s his entire career. Of Jefferson’s 20 aforementioned catches, 12 of them went for scores. Talk about Red-Zone production.
Pairing these two together will give Philadelphia the playmaker they have been longing for in the passing game.
Lizzie Nguyen
Selection: Tee Higgins, WR// Clemson
Recency bias has drummed up quite a bit of skepticism around Higgins ability to stand the test against elite defenses. Clemson may have given more targets to Justyn Ross over Higgins, but there isn’t anything on paper that proves Higgins is the lesser receiver.
Standing at 6’4″, 215 pounds, Higgins tallied 25 touchdowns and 2,103 yards on 118 catches in the past two years, and was the reason why Clemson scored one-third of their receiving touchdowns last season. He is the Eagles’ shot at landing the elite well-rounded receiver they’ve always dreamed of drafting. Higgins’ potential role on the offense is wide open if Philadelphia elects to part ways with WR Alshon Jeffery. His production on the outside will allow TEs Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert to focus on the middle routes, and a lethal combination of a large catch radius, height, and long arms will allow him to the Eagles’ top-ten red zone scoring.
NFL comparison: Chargers WR Mike Williams. Aside from the fact that both were on championship-winning Clemson rosters—Williams in 2016 and Higgins in 2018—both receivers have good speed, versatility, and a size advantage given their massive frames. Of course, no receiver comes without a downside: Higgins still has work to do on his shorter routes, and his speed and physicality are not yet refined. But if the Eagles really want a draft pick that will push them to the next level, or maybe ever *gasp* consistency, they shouldn’t be another team overlooking Higgins when the clock starts ticking.
Randy Harne
Selection: Denzel Mims, WR// Baylor
Denzel Mims might have the highest potential out of the receivers in this class. He has great size at 6’3” and 216lbs and tested well at the NFL combine. However, Mims was not highly productive at Baylor and there are questions as to whether he would transition well to the NFL.
Mims had shown he can compete in the NFL at the Senior Bowl where he flashed elite route running which is not something he did at Baylor. Playing with Carson Wentz and being the athlete that Mims is makes him an enticing receiver selection for the Eagles. Mims has also said the Eagles have shown the most interest in him on 94.1 WIP but also said he had a “scary” experience when visiting Philadelphia, hopefully he can handle a large city and big expectations.
Matt Lupi
Selection: Jalen Reagor, WR// TCU
Looking at the Wide Receiver options at 21, I strongly believe that Jalen Reagor is the best fit for the Eagles. The Eagles have an overwhelming need for an explosive outside receiver, which Reagor fits. He has great speed, but also the strength, and size to compete on the outside.
Reagor can easily fill in as an eventual replacement for DeSean Jackson, while also possessing several traits that will make him much more than just a deep threat receiver. His run after the catch ability and suprising contested catch success make him the perfect prospect for the Eagles at 21, and should not be seen as a reach by any means.
Dakota Duvall
Selection: Justin Jefferson, WR // LSU
(IF we stay at 21) Jefferson adds a much needed dynamic and speed to the position. With a 4.43 40 that would put him as the 2nd fastest WR on the roster behind DeSean Jackson. He can play slot and outside which could create a matchup nightmare for opposing safeties or linebackers.
Will Connell
Selection: Denzel Mims, WR // Baylor
I have the Eagles trading back and taking Denzel Mims. CeeDee Lamb goes in the top 10 earlier than Howie will like, and Jeudy, Ruggs III, and Jefferson are all drafted before 21. The Eagles trade back to acquire more picks while landing the Baylor speedster and addressing a serious need.
Mar’Quell Fripp-Owens
Selection: Cesar Ruiz, C// Michigan
Yes, I know this definitely wouldn’t win a popularity contest. While, I’m prepared for the pitchforks and angry mobs of Eagles fans to tell me why my selection and I are stupid.
History says the exact opposite, lets take a look back at every first round pick of Howie Roseman’s tenure.
- 2010: Brandon Graham, EDGE, Michigan
- 2011: Danny Watkins , IOL, Baylor
- 2012: Fletcher Cox, IDL, Miss. State
- 2013: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
- 2014: Marcus Smith, EDGE, Louisville
- 2016: Carson Wentz, QB, NDSU
- 2017: Derek Barnett, EDGE, Tennessee
- 2019: Andre Dillard, OT, Wash. State
As you can see, Roseman has shown a tendency to build the team from the trenches. Despite the need at interior offensive line not being massive, as notified by the selection of Dillard in the first round last year despite Jason Peters remaining on the team. Jason Kelce is only under contract through 2021 and has previously spoken about retirement. I don’t expect the board to fall in their favor in terms of value at wide receiver at 21 and protecting Carson Wentz will always be priority one for the Eagles. It has also been reported that Ruiz has spoken with the Eagles on multiple occasions.
As a two time All-Big Ten selection, with 31 starts for Michigan (26 at center/5 at right guard), Ruiz is versatile enough to fit at either the guard or the center which intrigued Philadelphia with Isaac Seumalo coming out. Hips and feet move in sync when working as a lead blocker and securing blocks at the second level, a staple of a Philadelphia offensive lineman. An experience player, has seen it all which explains his ability to account for things he sees pre-snap, as well as the stunts and extra blitzers post-snap. Despite concerns about his arm length (33 1/8″), Ruiz has a pair of quick and strong hands (11″), if he get a hand on you good luck. Ruiz can come in and be a suitable day one starter, but has the potential to become a perennial all pro along the offensive line.
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