Recent mock draft has the Philadelphia Eagles taking Jaylen Waddle

In a recent mock draft done by Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, the duo had the Philadelphia Eagles making a bit of a surprising selection with their sixth overall pick.

Passing on the likes of Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and even Heisman winner DeVonta Smith, Cowherd and Jeremiah had Philly snagging themselves Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle:

Now for what it’s worth, Waddle was considered by many to be a top-ten prospect heading into the 2020 NCAA season. Plenty of scouts and analysts believed he was actually Alabama’s best overall weapon from the 2019 season, ranking above the likes of Henry Ruggs and DeVonta Smith.

Should the Philadelphia Eagles consider Jaylen Waddle at pick #6?

More from Section 215

• 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
• 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
• Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
• Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles

However, due to an injury suffered against Tennessee in late October, the speedy pass-catcher was unable to appropriately participate in last year’s collegiate season. He played in just four games at the start of the season prior to his injury, and then made a cameo appearance during Alabama’s convincing National Championship win.

Waddle’s injury-riddled 2020 has caused many to predict him “falling” come draft night, with popular names like Ja’Marr Chase, Kyle Pitts, and the before mentioned Smith routinely being mocked ahead of him on draft boards. Some mocks even have Waddle falling as far as the 15-20 range, which has led some to view him as a potential “trade back” candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here’s a bit of what thedraftnetwork.com had to say in regards to Waddle’s scouting report:

"Jaylen Waddle is a dynamic wideout that’s spent time on the outside, in the slot, and periodically as a chess piece in the backfield. Possessing a unique skill set, he’s a smaller wideout that contains a well diverse skill set. With notches of speed that most defenders are incapable of reaching, he plays the game with a jetpack. Capable of running a variety of routes, he’s an all-levels threat that can have an equal impact as an explosive play generator no matter which domain he catches the ball in. An easy separation generator, he’s wise with his approach to running routes and plays the game in a controlled manner despite it looking like he’s in fast forward compared to everyone else on the field alongside him. Still needing polish on his routes in the intermediate areas as he can take extra steps at the top, the good far exceeds the bad in that department."

With just under 2,000 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns at the collegiate level, Waddle definitely ticks off the “weapon” box for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. He can line up on the outside and in the slot, and offers another option in the return game. The obvious bit of controversy to Cowherd and Jeremiah’s mock draft is that it has Philly passing on the likes of quarterbacks Wilson and Fields, while also choosing Waddle over his ‘Bama counterpart Smith.

Even with Waddle’s impressive resume and traits, opting against drafting the current Heisman winner and two potential franchise QBs could rub some Eagles fans the wrong way come draft night.