Mercifully, the Eagles 2020 season is over. Philadelphia starts the season with a million questions they have to answer, but nothing is clearer than that: they need an addition of young talent to this list. The Eagles are old, slow, expensive and prone to injuries. The entire off-season will depend on younger and more athletic on both sides of the ball. A high pick for the Eagles is a great way to start. Before free agency, athletic testing and all the madness that this off-season entails, it will probably be … here’s how the first 18 picks of the NFL draft should shake out.
1 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson
This is the most obvious choice of the young decade. Trevor Lawrence is the best forward since Andrew Luck and can turn the Jaguars around from day one.
The Jets urgently need hope from the signalman and Justin Fields is the clear choice. In any other concept, athletics, strongly armed quarterback, would be the best choice. This year, the Jets are lucky to fall on two.
3 – Miami Dolphins (From Houston) – Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Oregon
The Dolphins have a dream scenario with the third choice in the Houston draft. They get an elite talent from a team that has won ten games. Protecting their full-back is crucial and Penei Sewell will be an immediate impact player.
Atlanta is a strange position as Matt Ryan still plays very good football. However, with a new regime coming in this off-season, it makes a lot of sense to set Atlanta up for the future. Zach Wilson has all the tools of a franchise quarterback, and could put Atlanta in a good position in the next decade when Matt Ryan hangs it.
It’s a little too sensible to reunite Joe Burrow with the man he went to in 20 summaries in 2019. Ja’Marr Chase will join Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd to give Joe Burrow an explosive trio of recipients.
6 – Philadelphia Eagles – DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Alabama
Without knowing what folly is in store for the next four months, DeVonta Smith makes the best sense because the clock is ticking three times this season. DeVonta Smith was the Crimson Tide’s leading receiver in 2019 when he shared targets with Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy, yet he decided to return to school. It was a great idea because he’s probably going to win the Heisman after catching 20 touches and being one of the most dynamic receivers in the country this season.
Smith gives the Eagles a true number one extension after missing the past two years in search of receivers in the draft. He can be the first target from day one, and Philly’s quarterback provides a dependent, consistent player who can turn from any target. Smith’s presence should also take some pressure off Jalen Reagor and hopefully allow him to develop as well. Due to the lack of playmakers in the Eagles attack, DeVonta Smith makes the best sense.
7 – Detroit Lions – Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota
The Lions will likely move on from the Matt Stafford era as they transition to a rebuild. Trey Lance is another very talented quarterback who has dominated the FCS levels. Detroit will be sitting on its head as they search for their next franchise passerby.
8 – Carolina Panthers – Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Alabama
If a quarterback is not here, the Panthers need to upgrade the back of their defense. Patrick Surtain II is a physical monster on the diagonal and will give the Panther secondary necessity.
The Broncos have a lot of talent in the skill positions, but they can improve their attacking line. Rashawn Slater is an athletic, physically and technically healthy blocker who can make life much easier for the Broncos fullback. Whoever it will be
10 – Dallas Cowboys – Kwity Paye, Defensive Lineman, Michigan
The Dallas defense was a disaster this year (unless they played the Eagles). They need help everywhere, but the help must start from scratch. Kwity Paye is a versatile, athletic defensive line that can disrupt from anywhere in the formation.
11 – New York Giants – Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State
The Giants have not had good lineout play for years, and every group of people seems to be mocking them as a linebacker. Let’s do it again! Parsons is athletic and a true defensive back. He will strengthen the center of defense in New York. He will have to answer a few off-field questions this spring, but from a talent angle, he would be a welcome presence in New York.
A year after playing in the Super Bowl, it’s injuries and a weak back that put them at twelve in the draft. The Niners can do a lot here, but they want to leave a cornerback like Caleb Farley.
13 – Los Angeles Chargers – Wyatt Davis, Offensive Line, Ohio State
The Chargers should be very pleased with the fact that Justin Herbert defeats all kinds of rookie records. He was clearly determined that he would be the man in Los Angeles for a long time. Wyatt Davis is a versatile linebacker who could be a major upgrade as the Chargers continue to build Herbert.
14 – Minnesota Vikings – Gregory Rousseau, Edge Defender, Miami
The Minnesota Vikings had a bad defense this year and it started with their inability to chase the passer. Gregory Rousseau gives the Vikings an extremely talented defender who can help revive their defensive front.
The Patriots desperately need guns in their passing game, for whoever their next quarter is. Kyle Pitts is a dangerous matchup nightmare that can queue in the queue, in the slot or even on the outside. Pitts is a touch machine and that’s exactly what New England needs.
16 – Arizona Cardinals – Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver, Alabama
The Cardinals must continue to surround their young quarterback with weapons. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins were a dangerous combination this year, but it’s clear they need running mates. Jaylen Waddle’s unreal speed would be a welcome addition to an offense with so much explosive potential.
17 – Las Vegas Raiders – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The Raiders need a pass-rush. Period. They have sacked the quarter just 21 times this season and that has played a big part in their collapse in the late season. Azeez Ojulari’s upside is sky high and these are the type of bets the Raiders have to make to revive their defense.
18 – Miami Dolphins – Rondale Moore, wide receiver, Purdue
The Dolphins barely missed the playoffs, but look to be in good shape for the next few years. Adding Rondale Moore to their offense will bring the necessary explosiveness in the passing game. Between injuries and a Covid shortened season, we haven’t seen Moore really dominate since his first year in 2018. However, Moore flickered a special game creator when he has since touched the ball.