5 players Eagles should draft in the first round

4. Micah Parsons

There is a slight chance the Eagles look to improve their defense in Round 1. That pick can only make sense if they believe there’s an instant impact difference-maker on the board at No. 6. Some scouts view Parsons as that sort of player.

The former Penn State star projects as a linebacker who can play excellent run defense and be a productive pass rusher at the next level. Philadelphia’s linebacker corps needs help in both departments. There’s no question landing Parsons would give the team a lot more steel on the second level.

The argument against drafting Parsons on the top 10 is simple. It’s very difficult for a linebacker to provide the production required to justify that kind of draft choice. Parsons would arguably need to be an instant Pro Bowler to make this pick look valuable at the end of his rookie campaign.

If Philadelphia’s offense was more settled, then selecting Parsons would be a reasonable play. As it stands, the team’s needs at quarterback and wide receiver would make this one a difficult pill to swallow for Eagles fans. That’s not a knock on Parsons, just a commentary on the value of linebackers in the modern NFL.