Fortunately, the Eagles 2020 season is over. Philadelphia enters the off-season with a million questions that need to be answered, but nothing is clearer than this: they need an infusion of young talent on this list. Eagles are old, slow, expensive and subject to injuries. The entire off-season will depend on getting younger and more athletic on both sides of the ball. A good choice for Eagles is a great way to start. Before the free agency, the athletic tests and all the craziness that this off-season period is likely to incur … here’s how the first 18 NFL draft choices should happen.
1 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson
This is the most obvious choice of the young decade. Trevor Lawrence is the best potential defender since Andrew Luck and can play for the Jaguars from day one.
The Jets desperately need hope in the signal caller and Justin Fields is the right choice. In any other draft, the strong, athletic quarterback would be the first choice. This year, the Jets are lucky that he dropped to two.
3 – Miami Dolphins (From Houston) – Penei Sewell, Ofensive Tackle, Oregon
The Dolphins have a dream scenario with the third choice in the Houston draft. They can add an elite talent to a team that has won 10 games. Protecting your quarterback is crucial and Penei Sewell will be an immediate impact player.
Atlanta is a strange position, considering that Matt Ryan still plays very good football. However, with a new regime coming this offseason, bringing in a talented young passer makes a lot of sense to prepare Atlanta for the future. Zach Wilson has all the tools of a franchise defender and could put Atlanta in a good position in the next decade when Matt Ryan hangs up.
It makes a lot of sense to reunite Joe Burrow with the guy for whom he made 20 touchdowns in 2019. Ja’Marr Chase will pair with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd to give Joe Burrow an explosive trio of receivers.
6 – Philadelphia Eagles – DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Unaware of any craziness that the next four months have in store for us, DeVonta Smith makes more sense as the clock strikes three zeros this season. DeVonta Smith was the main receiver for Crimson Tide in 2019, when he was sharing targets with Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy, but decided to go back to school. That turned out to be a great idea, as he will probably win Heisman after taking 20 touchdowns and being one of the most dynamic recipients in the country this season.
Smith gives the Eagles the true number one breadth after having spent the past two years looking for recipients in the draft. He can be the primary target from day one, giving Philly’s quarterback a dependable and consistent player who can turn any target into a touchdown. Smith’s presence should also take some pressure off of Jalen Reagor and, hopefully, allow him to develop as well. Given the scarcity of shipowners in the Eagles’ attack, DeVonta Smith makes more sense.
7 – Detroit Lions – Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota
The Lion will probably be coming out of the Matt Stafford era while making the transition to reconstruction. Trey Lance is another extremely talented quarterback who has dominated FCS levels. Detroit will bet on its positive side while looking for the next franchise drawer.
8 – Carolina Panthers – Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Alabama
If a quarterback is not here, the Panthers must update the back of their defense. Patrick Surtain II is a physical specimen in the cornerback and would bring the necessary strength to the secondary Panther.
The Broncos have a lot of talent in the skill positions, but they can improve their offensive line. Rashawn Slater is an athletic, physical and technically solid blocker that could make life a lot easier for the Broncos quarterback. Whoever it is
10 – Dallas Cowboys – Kwity Paye, defensive striker, Michigan
Dallas’s defense was a disaster this year (unless they were playing against the Eagles). They need help everywhere, but that help should start right at the beginning. Kwity Paye is a versatile and athletic defender who can interfere with all training.
11 – New York Giants – Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State
The Giants haven’t played a good linebacker in years and every draft people seem to make fun of a linebacker. So let’s do it again! Parsons is athletic and a true defensive defender. It would solidify the New York defense medium. He will need to answer some questions off the field this spring, but from a talent standpoint, he would be a welcome presence in New York.
A year after playing in the Super Bowl, injuries and a bad defender put them in the twelfth choice of the draft. The Niners could do a lot here, but they would be happy to get a cornerback like Caleb Farley.
13 – Los Angeles Chargers – Wyatt Davis, Offensive Line, Ohio State
Chargers must be quite satisfied with Justin Herbert breaking all kinds of rookie records. He’s clearly set to be the guy in Los Angeles for a long time. Wyatt Davis is a versatile striker who could be a major upgrade in the guard as the Chargers continue to build around Herbert.
14 – Minnesota Vikings – Gregory Rousseau, Edge Defender, Miami
The Minnesota Vikings had a strangely bad defense this year and started with their inability to rush the passer. Gregory Rousseau gives the Vikings an extremely talented defender who can help revitalize their defensive front.
The Patriots desperately need weapons in their passing game for whoever the defender is next year. Kyle Pitts is a dangerous confrontation nightmare, which can line up, in the slot or even outside. Pitts is a touchdown machine and that is 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 is clear that they need some race mates. Jaylen Waddle’s unreal speed would be a welcome addition to an attack with so much explosive potential.
17 – Las Vegas Raiders – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Raiders need a quick pass. Period. They have only dismissed the defender 21 times this season and that played a big part in his breakdown at the end of the season. The positive side of Azeez Ojulari is very high and these are the types of bets that Raiders need to make in order to revive their defense.
18 – Miami Dolphins – Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Purdue
The Dolphins narrowly missed the playoffs, but appear to be in good shape for years to come. Adding Rondale Moore to the offensive would bring the necessary explosion to the passing game. Between injuries and a shortened season for Covid, we haven’t seen Moore really dominate since his first year in 2018. However, Moore has shown a special ace whenever he’s touched the ball since.