Few believe the Philadelphia Eagles won’t take Justin Jefferson at 21, but there’s a chance that Grant Delpit, Kenneth Murray or K’Lavon Chaisson may be the better options.
As Philadelphia Eagles fans and members of the media, we’ve all gone over this over and over again, but let’s do so one more time for the sake of argument. Here are the five wide receivers who are seen as the best prospects at the wide receiver position as we approach the NFL Draft: Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs III, Justin Jefferson, and Tee Higgins.
If all of them are gone after the first round, no one should be surprised. If Jeudy, Lamb, and Ruggs are gone after the first ten picks, don’t bat an eyelash.
You can make an argument that Jefferson could go before 21 if you wanted to. Here’s something that’s been stated for a while and may need to be stated again. No one knows what’s going to happen once this selection meeting or any other gets going. Philly could go with Jefferson. They could go with someone else, but if we think of that second possibility, what do we make about guys like Grant Delpit or Kenneth Murray. Where do they fall?
On most draft boards, you’re probably going to find Murray nestled right between Isaiah Simmons and K’Lavon Chaisson. Simmons is the cream of the crop at linebacker in this class. Chaisson has all of the tools, but there’s something else to consider here. Murray ran a nice 40 at the most recent NFL Scouting Combine but got hurt. Could he slide or see Chaisson leapfrog him? It isn’t impossible. Could Philly consider adding a safety of Delpit’s caliber? It isn’t impossible.
A deeper look at team needs and prospects available tells you something. Great receivers will be available by the time Philly’s second selection (53) rolls around and beyond. Chaisson, Delpit, and Murray won’t be, but they all satisfy a need and might be available at 21 as well. Here are three reasons why all three might be better options than the wide receiver just about everyone seems to be on board with.