The fall from grace has been evident for the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles.
So much discussion has centered around who will fill the coaching and quarterbacking in 2021, but the fact remains that the Eagles are an aging team.
There is no better way to fill the gaps with youth than by focusing on the NFL Draft.
The draft order depends on the team’s record at the end of the 2020 season.
Right now, at 3-7-1, the Eagles are projected to have the 6th overall pick in the draft.
That would be 1 of their 7 draft picks.
Besides the projected 6th overall pick in the first round, the Eagles have a pick in 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th rounds and two picks in the 5th round.
Here are 3 prospects the Eagles should be considering.
1. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham are 30+ years old so the pass rush is not as dominant.
Rousseau may not be the flashiest first-round pick, but he could make immediate contributions which is what the Eagles need.
He has been described as “consistently dominant” who is quick and with good hands.
At 6’7″ and 265 pounds, he is tough for opposing offenses to contain.
Rousseau opted out of the 2020 NCAA season and immediately declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
A current NFL player that his play is similar to is Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings.
Miami DE Gregory Rousseau (@Greg_R5) Highlights
Rousseau led the ACC in tackles for loss with 19.5 & sacks with 15.5. He was just a redshirt Freshman. BIG things coming up for Rousseau in 2020 #TheU
FULL VIDEO 🎥: https://t.co/COOuPeO0d4 pic.twitter.com/XWrqqDMO5m
— JustBombsProductions (@JBP_Official) May 8, 2020
2. Justin Hall, WR, Ball State
Alshon Jeffrey and Desean Jackson are also not what they used to be.
Travis Fulgham has emerged from the batch of younger players on the roster, but Justin Hall could be an exciting addition.
Though short in stature at 5’9″, Hall is a force to reckon with on the football field.
🔴 WR Spotlight 🔴
Justin Hall – Ball State
• Hall has had a phenomenal career for the Cardinals. He's hauled in 208 receptions for 2,107 yards 9 Touchdowns in his career. He's also added 3 rushing TDs. pic.twitter.com/smJVKH3zms
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) July 14, 2020
Hall can be used on offense or special teams and describes his abilities as follows:
“I know I can help in the passing game, I can help in the running game, shoot I will do whatever it takes to get the job done on the field. I will do what it takes to really be a problem for defenses, and help my team out.”
“As far as Justin Hall, man that kid can play huh? I like him man, I do. I like to see him with the ball in his hands. He is really a big play, or a touchdown waiting to happen.”
3. Raleigh Texada, CB, Baylor
Darius Slay needs a partner, and that could be Raleigh Texada of Baylor.
Lindy’s has named Texada the top cover corner in the Big 12.
Pro Football Focus rated his performance against West Virginia on October 3, 2020, as the best cornerback performance in the country for the week.
Baylor Coach Dave Aranda describes him.
“He’s a very humble person, and there is a competitor – a fighter – hidden inside of all the nicety. Inside of the kid that does everything right, there’s a scrappy dude in there – a guy that will punch you in the face.”
As the Eagles season continues, expect more draft analysis and the prospect names could change.
The 2021 NFL Draft will be held in Cleveland, Ohio from April 29 through May 1, 2021.
