After going back and forth for months on end about who the Eagles should select with their #6 overall pick, Howie Roseman shook up the draft in a big way trading down to #12. The team secured an additional first-round pick next year in the process, but many fans now have to cope with the fact that the Eagles are more than likely out of Ja’Marr Chase & Kyle Pitts range.

The trade bodes well for the future, but not being able to take an elite pass-catcher this year will sting:

All is not lost, however, as there will still be highly talented prospects available from where the Eagles are picking. Barring any other moves that Howie could be making, here’s an updated look on what I pray to God the draft will look like:

Round 1, Pick #12: Jaycee Horn, CB – South Carolina

It would be incredibly difficult to pass on Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith if either were still available here, but stud corners are harder to find than playmaking receivers. The Eagles desperately need another corner on this roster opposite Darius Slay. Avonte Maddox surrendered a passer rating of 108.3 this season and I doubt the Eagles are interested in playing Craig James or Michael Jacquet extensively.

For much of the scouting process, Patrick Surtain II had been touted as the top CB in this class. Horn is quietly overtaking that spot. Horn is a natural-born football player, following the footsteps of his father who was a 4-time Pro Bowl WR in his own right.

At 6’1″, 205 lbs, Horn possesses remarkable size and athleticism to be able to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and prevent separation. Playing at both nickel and outside corner, his instincts in coverage allow him to follow opposing top receivers regardless of where they line up.

The former Gamecock only allowed a 33% completion percentage and 54.9 passer rating when targeted last season, in addition to running a 4.39 40-time at his Pro Day. Horn’s statistical production may raise some questions, but he is undoubtedly a CB1 at the pro level.

South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn is impressive on tape! Big time quicks and ball skills. Love his his feisty play style too! Here’s an example of that 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/9PzWPjNXSb

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) December 10, 2020

*Trade: Eagles trade #37 and a 4th-round pick (#123) to Jacksonville for #33*

Round 2, Pick #33: Kadarius Toney, WR – Florida

I go back and forth between Terrace Marshall Jr. and Kadarius Toney quite a bit, but I like the do-it-all receiver in this spot. Toney is quickly moving up the draft boards and with some lackluster offenses ahead of the Eagles in the second round, parting with a 4th-round pick to get a dynamic receiver for Jalen Hurts is well worth it. The Florida product is a jack-of-all-trades type of player that was utilized all over the field last season:

• 70 receptions
• 984 receiving yards
• 14.1 yards/catch
• 161 rushing yards
• 11 total TDs

Toney is dangerous in the open field with an explosive second gear that will be problematic for opposing defenses. He can operate from anywhere on the field, having 27 plays of 15+ yards and forcing 20 missed tackles last season. The way Toney evades defenders is reminiscent of a video game.

I also understand that all of these traits sound incredibly similar to Jalen Reagor, so Sirianni’s coaching and scheme-fit will play a vital role in getting the most out of Kadarius Toney. The talent is too intriguing to pass up on, just find a way to get the ball in his hands.

Kadarius Toney hit all the buttons on this run 🕹 pic.twitter.com/ELLhx4SVT6

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 9, 2019

Round 3, Pick #70: LB Jabril Cox – LSU

Other than the emerging Alex Singleton, there weren’t a whole lot of great things to say about the Eagles linebackers last season. Thankfully, Nate Gerry has moved on to the 49ers to be their new punching bag. Gerry ranked 100th out of a possible 100 linebackers in passer rating allowed last season. There isn’t enough alcohol in the world to tolerate watching that.

Jabril Cox may very well be the best coverage linebacker in this class. He matches up against tight ends well and recorded PFF’s second-highest grade for a slot defender at 91.3. I’m sure we can all remember what George Kittle and Tyler Higbee of all people did to the Eagles defense last season.

Cox excels at changing direction and his instincts allow him to process plays quickly. His transition from FCS football to SEC was almost seamless as he was a natural leader on that LSU defense.

His run defense does need some work as Cox can take some questionable angles at times, but that’s a tendency that is easily rectified with NFL coaching. In 10 games last season, Cox totaled 58 tackles (6 for a loss), 3 interceptions and 5 passes defended for the Tigers.

Jabril Cox played 2,292 snaps since 2018.

He committed just 3 penalties. pic.twitter.com/LOUEj0h375

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 2, 2021

Round 3, Pick #84 (From Colts): Payton Turner, DE – Houston

With Vinny Curry signing with the Jets in free agency, the Eagles aren’t left with much edge depth beyond Josh Sweat. Brandon Graham turns 33 in a few days and Derek Barnett, while he has shown flashes, hasn’t lived up to his first-round pedigree just yet. The versatile Payton Turner has a lot of upside as a productive edge rusher.

Turner can play both inside and out with his 270-pound frame and is unbelievably nimble for a player his size. His athleticism alone will translate to the next level and his production speaks for itself. He displayed sheer explosiveness in the five games he played in last season, compiling 25 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Turner’s length isn’t anything to write home about, but his initial burst off the line of scrimmage will prove valuable. Whether he projects as a rotational or full-time edge rusher remains to be seen.

Some quickness from 6-6, 270 pound EDGE Payton Turner! As a stand-up wide rusher! pic.twitter.com/hmCiyXRbjU

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 13, 2021

Follow Victor Williams on Twitter | Listen & Subscribe to The Philly Pod today:

Mandatory Credit: Phelan M. Ebenhack | AP