Philadelphia Eagles, seven-round mock draft: Picking 12th

The Philadelphia Eagles get their wideout but later than most expected.

Most fans will expect the Birds to take a wide receiver much earlier than the fifth round. The fact of the matter is that the Eagles have a crowded and young wide receiver room.

Despite the coaching staff changes, they still kept wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead. The Birds haven’t had a wide receivers coach stay for more than one season since Bob Bicknell who coached from 2013-2015 under Chip Kelly. While the wideouts still have a lot to learn, there was evident development as the year went on.

While it’s crowded, it never hurts to bring in competition to make the young playmakers earn their spots. Day 3 is the right time to bring in UNC’s Dazz Newsome.

While Dyami Brown garnered most of the attention at UNC, Newsome was a great compliment to him averaging 122 yards per game over his last 24 collegiate outings. He also totaled 535 kick return yards, 144 punt return yards, and 178 rushing yards during his four years.

The five-foot-eleven, 190-pound receiver is a big play waiting to happen, and Sirianni will be sure to get him plenty of YAC opportunities. He could certainly challenge John Hightower for a roster spot. He’ll also give Greg Ward a run for his money for slot reps.

Hightower struggled with ball tracking and fighting contact last season. Newsome can go up and make the tough catch if needed and attack defenses with a variety of routes. Philly wouldn’t regret adding him to the mix.