Philadelphia Eagles 2021, three-round mock: Expect something unexpected

Nick Bolton is the MIKE that the Philadelphia Eagles need.

Going along with the theme of expecting the unexpected, Philly finally invests an early pick in a linebacker. It’d be nice for a change. Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton is the centerpiece that this Eagles defense needs. The six-foot, 232-pound Mike linebacker possesses great instincts for the position – something that most of these Eagles linebackers lack. Bolton and Alex Singleton could be a special duo.

At Missouri, Nick had quite the career and even saw the field as a true freshman. In his last two seasons, he really stood out with 198 tackles, 127 solo tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and 12 passes defended. As we mentioned, Bolton’s instincts are impressive and that’s much needed for this team in pass defense. All too often we saw the Birds’ linebackers play too aggressive and get fooled by play action. Bolton is the middle of the field defender the Eagles defense desperately needs.

Not only that but he lays the boom on running backs. Combine that with the range he has and you have one of the most athletic linebackers in this draft. If he falls to pick 38, the Eagles would be stupid not to at least consider him.