Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Bold predictions for 2020’s NFL Draft

2. Philly takes their first linebacker in the first round since 1979.

Expect Joe Burrow to be drafted as the first-overall selection. Expect Chase Young to go second. Expect Jeffrey Okudah to go to the Detroit Lions with the third-overall selection, possibly as a replacement for Darius Slay. We can assume that Isaiah Simmons will go in the top ten and Derrick Brown could go in the top 15.

We can also assume that Xavier McKinney is a safe bet to go in the top 20. We’re all expecting that there will be a run on wide receivers, and quarterbacks, and offensive tackles. If you’re thinking that Philly can’t get a shot at one of the better linebackers like Kenneth Murray or K’Lavon Chaisson late in the first round, you may want to rethink that theory.

Here’s the prediction. With this being a very deep class for wide receiver talent, Philly trades back, possibly with the Minnesota Vikings, who lost Stefon Diggs and hold the 22nd selection, or they trade with someone like the New England Patriots or the Green Bay Packers, teams who also need wide receiver help. Those are just a couple of options.

Here’s how it plays out. Philly, now picking a little later than planned, take a linebacker in Round 1 for the first time since 1979, and they hopefully get a second-rounder out of the deal as well. Then, they make their move on a wide receiver.