Philadelphia Eagles: Guesses, analysis on 2021 NFL Draft’s first 12 picks

Two top prospects for the Philadelphia Eagles come off the board.

7. Detriot Lions: WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

The Detriot Lions are not headed in the right direction. The team could select virtually any prospect in this draft and have it fill a position of need. Due to Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones’ departure, however, the team appears extra thin at wide receiver.

If the Lions want to give Jared Goff a fair evaluation, they have to give him something to work with. That’s exactly what they do here. An Eagles draft target, Jaylen Waddle has the speed and route-running ability to add some flavor to the otherwise dull Detriot offense.

8. Carolina Panthers: TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

After trading for Sam Darnold, the Panthers appear unlikely to draft a quarterback in the first round. They could select a cornerback with the eighth overall pick, but with a serious deficiency at the tight end position, Carolina selects Kyle Pitts here.

The Carolina trade for Darnold actually hurts the Eagles in a substantial way. Instead of being aggressive in attacking a franchise quarterback, the Panthers are now in the market for a cornerback, tight end, or offensive lineman, all three of which are desirable draft positions for the Eagles.

The way that these selections impact the Philadelphia Eagles.

Seeing these two players come off the board will certainly upset Philadelphia Eagles fans. It’s also worth noting that Pitts could fall even further than he has in this mock draft. If the Eagles value him enough, the team could trade back up and select him.

With a few of their top offensive targets being drafted so early, the Birds may be more inclined to draft a defensive player if the draft plays in a similar fashion to this mock.