As mock-season comes to a close, we’re just over 24 hours until one of the biggest drafts in recent Eagles History. With all that in mind, lets get into my final mock for the 2021 NFL Draft.

(TRADE) Round 1, Pick 7: Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, LSU.

Yes I know exactly how crazy this looks, but hear me out on this one. The first three picks of the draft are basically a lock for quarterbacks. The Falcons sit at pick four, and there’s no doubt in my mind they’ll be on the phones listening to offers. In this mock I have someone, whether that be Denver, New England or Washington, trade up to go get their franchise quarterback. Pick five is the Bengals, who could take a skill player, but after the Burrow injury should go with a tackle. That means that at pick seven one of either Kyle Pitts or Ja’Marr Chase will be on the board.

Regardless of what Miami does at six, if this scenario plays out I fully expect Howie to call Detroit. The Lions are set for a rebuilding year, and could be enticed for the right package to move down a couple spots. Over the next two years the Eagles have 20 draft picks, with 11 of them being in this year’s draft. If Howie offers pick 37, a fourth rounder, and a second rounder next year I see Detroit grabbing that deal.

Now on to my No. 1 wide receiver in this year’s draft, Ja’Marr Chase. The 2019 national-champion wideout is a stud #1 receiver thanks to his multi-threat capabilities combined with great intangibles. Chase decided to sit out the shortened 2020 season amid the global pandemic, which is partly why I think he’s being undervalued by some. His 2019 campaign was incredible. Chase caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns on route to a national title. The six-foot 208-pound receiver also posted a 4.38 40 time with a 41-inch vertical. Chase’s speed and quickness makes him a threat on any level, but his deep ball ability is unmatched in this year’s class. Chase has a knack for not only tracking deep balls easily, but framing his catches and using his size to bring down catches. In a stacked receiver class, Chase shines out as the true best wideout, even if some doubt his ability after sitting last season. The Eagles not only get their guy fans wanted at pick six, but give up less than what they got for trading down to twelve.

Round 3, Pick 70: Safety Richie Grant, UCF.

With the departure of Malcolm Jenkins before the 2020 season, the Eagles need to find themselves another swiss army knife player for their defense. Richie Grant is the perfect player for that position, and may not even make it to this pick with his draft stock rising as we approach the draft. Grant was a three year starter at UCF where he was utilized all around the field. For starters Grant is by far the best run stopper of the safety class, posting a 90 grade in run defense last season. Grant’s size doesn’t pop off the charts, as he’s listed at 6 foot and 194 pounds but his versatility makes up for it. Grant has shown proficiency as a single high safety and can even blitz off the edge in certain packages. If Grant falls to pick 70, the Eagles can land their anchor on defense for the next decade.

Round 3, Pick 84: Cornerback Tyson Campbell, Georgia.

This year’s cornerback class is loaded, with stars like South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn and Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II headlining the class. The Eagles won’t be able to snag those guys in this mock, but in a deep corner class there are still some great prospects for Howie to land. The Eagles are in desperate need of an outside corner to pair with Darius Slay. The Eagles currently don’t have another outside corner on the roster. Avonte Maddox cannot play outside corner, so the Eagles need to go get a bigger guy to put on the outside. Tyson Campbell sits 6-foot-1, 193 pounds and possesses great speed thanks to a 4.34 40-time. Campbell also has shown an elite ability to stay with receivers off the line and turn his hips easily. Campbell isn’t a highly touted corner in this draft thanks to not being the best corner on his team and only recording one interception in his collegiate career. Regardless, his size speed and quickness makes him a great selection for the Eagles to pair with Darius Slay for years to come.

Mandatory Credit: ESPN, Ben Fennell, NFL.