The 2020 season was a rollercoaster ride for the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFC East was the worst division in football by a wide margin last year and the Eagles failed to take advantage of the key injuries their most dangerous rivals dealt with. Some big-time changes are coming to Philly in 2021, and success at the quarterback position will be crucial to its rebuilding process.
The Eagles’ entire passing game was disgraceful last year. The offensive line was porous and gave up a league-high 65 sacks. Philly gave up at least 15 more sacks than any other NFL team. Carson Wentz faced a ton of pressure and injuries to the receiving corps contributed to the worst season of his career. Wentz was so bad that he was benched for rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts toward the end of 2020 before being shipped off to the Indianapolis Colts. Can the Eagles take a step in the right direction while their division is still in flux?
Philadelphia Eagles 2021 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 10, WR DeVonta Smith
Round 2: No. 37, G Landon Dickerson
Round 3: No. 73, DE Milton Williams
Round 4: No. 123, CB Zech McPhearson
Round 5: No. 150, RB Kenny Gainwell
Round 6: No. 189, DT Marlon Tuipuloto; No. 191, DE Tarron Jackson; No. 224, No. 225
Round 7: No. 234, LB Patrick Johnson
Team needs
Offense: Wide receiver
A slew of injuries decimated the Eagles’ offensive line last season, but Lane Johnson and Brandon Brooks will be back in the lineup. Assuming those two will return to respectable form, the passing attack can make a resurgence. However, the Eagles don’t have a clear-cut WR1 on their roster. The premier free agents have been snatched up, so Philly will likely have to find a go-to pass catcher through the draft.
Defense: Cornerback
Philly added Darius Slay via trade ahead of last season to improve their secondary, but still have work to do. The Eagles need another cornerback to play on the opposite side. Opposing teams picked on the player opposite Slay pretty often last season. Adding another force could help their formidable defensive line be more productive. The NFC East is loaded with talented receivers that require physical coverage and quick feet.
Dream first pick
WR Devonta Smith, Alabama
The Eagles are in serious need of a WR1. Philly dealt with a ton of injuries out wide last season. Travis Fulgham unexpectedly ended up leading the team in receiving yards (537), despite only being targeted 67 times. Jalen Reagor was underwhelming as a rookie, Alshon Jeffery is in a contract year, and DeSean Jackson has moved on. Smith is the kind of dynamic playmaker that can make plays down the field, but also rack up yards after the catch on short routes. Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle will likely be off the board, but Smith is the next best thing.