2021 NFL Draft: One perfect prospect for all 32 teams
By Randy Gurzi
Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Things went in the wrong direction for the Philadelphia Eagles last season — but a lot of that was their own fault. In desperate need of wide receiver help, the Eagles elected to take Jalen Reagor out of TCU which was a bit of a surprise since Justin Jefferson was still on the board.
Reagor had a lot to like about his game, but calling him a No. 1 wide receiver is a major stretch and he had just 396 yards receiving as a rookie compared to the 1,400 Jefferson had. If that move wasn’t enough to put quarterback Carson Wentz in a bad spot, they also used their second-round pick on a backup quarterback in Jalen Hurts.
Of course, Hurts ended up taking Wentz’s job and now will be the starter as their former second-overall pick is now in Indianapolis. While they can’t go back and fix their drafting woes, they can make sure to give Hurts the help they refused to give Wentz.
Originally set to pick at No. 6, they were in a perfect spot to finally get themselves an elite wideout — and their best option would have been DeVonta Smith from Alabama. The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner is a perfect fit for them and would even help Reagor who is better suited to be the second receiver rather than the No. 1 guy.
Again, the Eagles made things harder on themselves by trading down. Yes, they did get some great capital in return but adding Smith would have been the best thing for this offense. It could still happen, but it’s nowhere near as likely now.