The Philadelphia Eagles are apparently all-in on upgrading their roster via the NFL draft, but one expert believes they’ll go defense over the wide receiver in the first round.
Todd McShay previously had the Birds selecting a wide receiver in his other mock drafts, but in his latest installment via ESPN.com, Howie Roseman and company shore up the defense tremendously with the selection of LSU star linebacker, Patrick Queen.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Patrick Queen, ILB, LSUThe void at wide receiver hasn’t gone away, and the Eagles will have to think long and hard about whether they are ready to enter the 2020 season with the oft-injured Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson, along with J.J. Arcega-Whiteside off a disappointing rookie campaign, as their wideouts again. Justin Jefferson out of LSU is for sure in play at No. 21. But Philadelphia also could really use a spark in the middle of the defense. Queen is a rangy, off-ball linebacker with burst and great tackling ability.
Queen would again make the Eagles defense that much more versatile and he’s another hybrid that would allow Jim Schwartz to dictate to opposing offenses.
In the second round of his mock draft, McShay has the Eagles again going defense, this time with Pac 12 cornerback and former Utah star, Jaylon Johnson.
53. Philadelphia Eagles
Jaylon Johnson, CB, UtahIt’s another spot to maybe make a play for a wide receiver, but even with the addition of Darius Slay, the Eagles will be seeking cornerback depth in April. Johnson is strong in press coverage and flashes the ability to make plays on the ball. Philly has four picks in Rounds 3 and 4 to find a talented wideout, perhaps someone such as KJ Hamler, Donovan Peoples-Jones or Van Jefferson.
Johnson allowed only nine completions on 22 targets for 112 yards over his last seven games in Pac-12 play last season.
After watching Carson Wentz carry the Eagles to the playoffs, McShay maybe feels like a strong defense will make this team that more dangerous.
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