2020 NFL mock draft: Philadelphia Eagles-only draft day-edition

If three Philadelphia Eagles don’t select a linebacker in the first round, they kinda, sorta have to on Day 2, right?

I know drafting for need is very a good call, and a really good player like Grant Delpit, Kristian Fulton, or K.J. Hamler could conceivably slip to pick 53 depending on how things shake out, but in my view, Troy Dye isn’t a reach.

Measuring in at 6-foot-4, 226 pounds, Dye is arguably the second-best coverage linebacker in this year’s class depending on how you classify Isaiah Simmons, and would immediately become Jim Schwartz‘s top option in the middle of the field without having to play a down of NFL football.

With T.J. Edwards locked in the middle, and Nathan Gerry kicked over to the weakside, Dye would play SAM linebacker in the Eagles’ base defensive package, but his real value comes in sub-packages, where his size, athleticism, and rangy-ness provides an intriguing counter to opposing tight ends and plus-sized slot receivers.

While Dye could use a bit more seasoning, and to gain a few more pounds of muscle to fill out his slightly-built frame, he could be an every-down player in the Eagles’ new-look defensive front and remain a competent contributor in the nickel, big nickel, and dime.

Other options: Ohio State‘s Jonah Jackson, TCU’s Lucas Niang

Player comp: Kiko Alonso