2. Philly can get a good wide receiver later. That isn’t the case at linebacker or safety.
In his draft profile of Grant Delpit, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares LSU’s star safety to Kenny Vaccaro and gives him a grade of 6.30, meaning he’s expected to be a starter sometime during his first two seasons. Here’s more of Zierlein’s take.
"Aggressive, urgent striker with good upside who posted a disappointing follow-up to an exciting 2018 campaign. His evaluation requires a full load of 2018 tape, where his coverage potential was better illustrated. He transitions with instinctive eyes and plays physically against tight ends. Willingness to rush in and hit has never been a problem in the alley or in his fits, but tackle inconsistencies have plagued him throughout his career due to angles and technique that could be challenging to fix. LSU sources say NFL teams won’t be getting the alpha leadership Jamal Adams provided for the Tigers, but Delpit should find a starting role early in his career as a versatile safety with big nickel potential."
No, that isn’t an A-plus assessment, but after Delpit is off of the board in Round 2, Kyle Dugger, Jeremy Chinn, Antoine Winfield, and Ashtyn Davis are probably the four best safeties behind him. Much is expected of Dugger, but Chinn, Winfield, and Davis all come with huge question marks.
As far as linebackers go, after Simmons, Murray, and Chaisson, the best linebackers available are Julian Okwara, Patrick Queen, Zack Baun, and Josh Uche. That list looks a little more enticing, and there are some solid names there, but this draft’s pool at linebacker doesn’t have as many big fish as we see with these wide receiver prospects.
Philly could potentially land the likes of Chase Claypool, Jalen Reagor, Denzel Mims, and K.J. Hamler in Round 2 or later. Are you still convinced that Justin Jefferson is the only option at 21?