Philadelphia Eagles draft watch: 3 Thoughts on selection 234

In some ways, the argument can be made that the Philadelphia Eagles got a steal in Round 7. Some might say that the seventh round was probably where they projected their final selection of the 2021 NFL Draft would go. Sure, guys that get drafted in the seventh round get drafted in the seventh round for a reason, but this guy has a nasty spin move and often got to the quarterback whenever he felt like it.

If coached correctly, something that’s been a bit of a problem with the Birds over the past few seasons, Patrick Johnson could develop into a star. He’s probably a better fit for a 3-4 scheme as an EDGE guy. Some see him as a defensive end. The Philadelphia Eagles look like they want to try him out at linebacker.

Here are three immediate reactions to the guy who carries the final name the Eagles would scribble on a draft card in 2021.

Okay Philadelphia Eagles fans, let’s do some work.

1. Why did this take so doggone long?

At six-foot-three and 255 pounds, Johnson has nice size for a man playing his position. After earning Second-team All-AAC honors in 2018 and 2019, he earned a First-team All-AAC nod in 2020. He was also named as a 2020 Second-team All-American.

With that being said, it’s puzzling why he fell so far and got taken so late.

2. Numbers? Of course, you’re about to get some numbers!

Everyone loves stats, and here’s what was pulled from Johnson’s resume. In four years with the Tulane Green Wave, he tallied 132 total tackles, including 35 for a loss of yardage, 21 sacks, 11 pass breakups, and six forced fumbles in four seasons and 41 career games at the collegiate level.

3. Might this force the Eagles to shuffle the roster some?

With so many versatile payers (and with the news that Genard Avery has moved to linebacker), the question is this. Might we see some guys moved around? Is Davion Taylor really a safety? Is Jacoby Stevens, one of Philly’s sixth-round draft choices, a safety? Is Patrick Johnson a defensive end?

We’re a long way from working that out. We haven’t even reached training camp, but don’t be surprised if the roster is shuffled some. Philly has a lot of guys now that can fall under the category of those ‘positionless players’ Jim Schwartz used to talk about.