2021 NFL Mock Draft: Eagles target DeVonta Smith, Bears settle on Mac Jones
By Randy Gurzi
WR. Minnesota. Rashod Bateman. 21. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 46. player
Somehow, the Philadelphia Eagles landed Carson Wentz in a trade and didn’t have to give up anything earlier than their third-round pick this season. Of course, that’s an over-simplification of the trade. The Colts did give up a third in 2021 and at least a second in 2022, but that could turn into a first if Indianapolis makes the playoffs with Wentz starting at least 70 percent of the snaps this season.
In the long run, that’s probably a better deal for the Eagles since it means the Colts can put more talent around Wentz this season. Philly will clearly want them to succeed in 2021, so they can take their better picks the following season.
And while Wentz fell apart with the Eagles, it’s highly possible that he will find success with his new team. One reason is that he’s replacing Philip Rivers who was the quarterback of an 11-win team. That means Wentz isn’t joining a rebuild, but trying to continue what they built on in 2020.
Another reason to believe in his chances would be Frank Reich. The Colts head coach was with Wentz in Philly in 2017 when the quarterback was playing out of his mind.
Reason No. 3, they add a No. 1 wideout here in Rashod Bateman. Say what you will about Jalen Reagor, but the Eagles whiffed on that pick. They could have had Justin Jefferson but instead took a guy who has a ceiling of a No. 2 receiver. Then in the second, they drafted Jalen Hurts, so it wasn’t as if that team was all-in on getting it right for Wentz. Only time will tell, but this could be a great spot for the quarterback and Bateman is an excellent addition for them here.