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

A Philadelphia Eagles rival steals a top defensive prospect.

9. Atlanta Falcons (via Broncos): LB Micah Parsons, Penn State

After eight consecutive offensive picks, the Atlanta Falcons select Micah Parsons after trading the fourth overall pick to the Denver Broncos. The Falcons already have a solid linebacking corps, but Parsons has the versatility to move around the defense and be a difference-maker.

The Falcons struggled heavily on defense and adding a chess piece like Parsons who can rush the passer will go a long way in improving that side of the football. If Pitts is off the board, this pick is almost guaranteed to be a defensive player. A cornerback is also in play here for Atlanta.

10. Dallas Cowboys: CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

If the Cowboys select anything other than a defensive player, Philadelphia Eagles fans should be ecstatic. Last year, Dallas selected CeeDee Lamb as a luxury pick, and while the Cowboys’ offense with Prescott was explosive, the defense was absolutely disastrous.

After losing Chidobe Awuize, America’s Team lacks talent at the cornerback position. Pairing former college teammates Trevon Diggs and Patrick Surtain II together would be a wise decision for a team that needs to improve on defense.

How these two defensive selections impact the Philadelphia Eagles.

Surtain is widely regarded as the best cornerback in this draft, so seeing him go off the board would be disappointing, especially if the Cowboys selected him. It’d be tough to imagine a scenario where the Eagles select Parsons, so his pairing with the Falcons at nine doesn’t hurt Philadelphia.

If the Falcons select a cornerback, however, the Eagles might be in trouble. If Surtain lands with the Falcons, Jaycee Horn, a player who been linked with the Eagles, could very well be drafted by the Cowboys. The top two cornerbacks could be drafted in the top ten. Keep an eye out for what Atlanta does on draft night.