Section 215
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Philadelphia Eagles: Fans want to see a WR/CB taken in the first round

By David Esser

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2021 NFL Draft is just a few hours away, and the Philadelphia Eagles are set to pick 12th overall. There’s been all sorts of smoke surrounding whom the Eagles covet the most in the first round, but we’ll soon find out the direction that Howie Roseman and company have been planning on going.

There’s been talk of the team targeting one of the Alabama wide receivers in DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle, there’s been rumors that they want to trade up for one of the top-rated cornerbacks (Jaycee Horn or Patrick Surtain II), and there’s of course been discussion surrounding the possibility of the team sticking to their guns and drafting an offensive/defensive lineman.

At least when it comes to fans of the team, they appear to be pretty conclusive in regards to what position they want the Eagles to target. In a recent poll that I ran on the Section 215 Twitter account, the votes were overwhelmingly in favor of selecting a WR or CB in the first round:

WR: 46.9%

CB: 42.9%

OT: 4.1%

DE: 6.1%

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The infatuation with the skill position players makes sense. After all, the Eagles have some of the worst receivers and cornerbacks in the league at the moment, and there should be plenty of options at 12 if the board falls in a favorable way. The Philadelphia Eagles could very easily have their pick of DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Jaycee Horn, or Patrick Surtain II.

Trading up a few spots (something the Eagles have reportedly been seriously exploring) would almost guarantee the Eagles first dibs at one of the top-rated ‘Bama prospects.

While historical data would suggest that “building through the trenches” is the best way to approach reconstructing a below average roster, the Eagles in particular have done a really bad job adding WR/CB talent over the years. As much as they could use some added depth on the offensive and defensive line, bringing in a true “blue chip” prospect at either WR or CB fills a major need for the team moving forward.

Fans know which position they want the Philadelphia Eagles to draft tonight.

It’s also probably worth mentioning that drafting an “exciting” position like WR or CB could add some much-needed juice to an Eagles fanbase that hasn’t had a whole lot to cheer about over the last year or so. It’s way more fun to watch your team finish at the bottom of their division if they have a promising rookie racking up touchdown catches or interceptions on a weekly basis.

Next. Philadelphia Eagles 3-round mock draft: What would Howie Roseman do?. dark

Ultimately speaking, we have no idea what direction Roseman intends to go with this year’s first-round pick, and I really wouldn’t rule out an investment into one of the “trench” positions. Players like Christian Darrisaw, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Kwity Paye, and Christian Barmore could all still be on the board at 12 – every single one of these players would improve the Eagles current roster.

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