Philadelphia Eagles Draft targets

By: Chris Moore (Twitter: @fantasy_moore)

Top Draft Targets For The Eagles

The Eagles have made it clear the team is starting over in 2021. The Eagles kicked off the 2021 NFL offseason by trading their former franchise quarterback Carson Wentz to the Colts. Jalen Hurts is set to take over the franchise for the near future, and the Eagles are clearly in store for a rebuild. The Eagles have the sixth pick in the 2021 NFL draft, setting the team up for a premier player in this year’s draft. With the Eagles’ new hire of Nick Sirianni as head coach, I expect the Eagles to build the offense around Jalen Hurts. Possible adding an offensive playmaker with their first-round pick. Let’s get into my top draft targets for the Eagles in round 1. 

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Ja’Marr Chase might be the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class. Chase sat out the entire 2020 collegiate season but was the best overall receiver in college in 2019. Chase was a huge part of LSU’s championship season, catching 84 passes for 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Chase was one of the most dominant college receivers in 2019, and he is one of the best receivers in this year’s draft class.

The Eagles need playmakers around Jalen Hurts not only this season but for the future. Chase would immediately become the Eagles’ best receiver on the offense. Landing a playmaker who can win almost every matchup no matter the opponent or situation is what the Eagles lack. Adding Chase would only help Hurts and the Eagles for the future.

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon  

Penei Sewell is a can’t miss player that every team should be interested in. Sewell is one of the best tackle prospects we have seen as of late. Sewell is a generational prospect at the tackle position. Who won the Outland Trophy last season at Oregon. The award is, rewarded to the best offensive linemen in the NCAA. Sewell is a future franchise tackle who could seriously help the Eagles for the future.

The Eagles made it clear this offseason, they are committed to Jalen Hurts. Building around Hurts is what the Eagles plan to do. Bringing in a future franchise tackle would benefit the Eagles tremendously. The Eagles had the 19^th ranked offensive line in 2021, and adding Sewell would help improve that ranking in 2021.

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Maybe the Eagles don’t view Ja’Marr Chase as the best wide receiver in this draft class. It would be hard to blame the Eagles for taking DeVonta Smith over Chase. Smith was the best wide receiver in college last season, catching 117 passes for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. Smith was the best receiver in the NCAA in 2020, winning the Heisman and leading the NCAA in receiving yards. It’s hard to look at Smith’s film from last season and not be impressed. Smith has shown he contains elite speed at the collegiate level.

His speed should translate in the NFL as well. Although there have been knocks on Smith’s game due to his small- frame. Smith is only 175 pounds, and many have wondered if his game will translate in the NFL. Either way, I believe the Eagles need to look at taking one of these elite wide receivers in the draft. Giving Jalen Hurts another weapon is only going to help the Eagles in 2021.