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5 players Eagles should draft in the first round

By Rucker Haringey

Trey Lance, North Dakota State Bison. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Trey Lance, North Dakota State Bison. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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Eagles mock draft, DeVonta Smith
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

3. DeVonta Smith

Smith is a player frequently connected to the Eagles via mock drafts at the moment. It’s a pick that makes a ton of sense for Philadelphia. He projects to be just the sort of No. 1 wide receiver who can give the team’s offense balance opposite Jalen Reagor.

Smith’s production for Alabama in 2020 was nothing short of spectacular. He dominated high-level college cornerbacks down the stretch of the Crimson Tide’s national title run. His combination of speed and high-level route running was perfect for Nick Saban’s offense.

The questions about Smith’s ability to effectively transition to the NFL are all about his size. He’s got the height required to play on the outside, but his slight frame could make it difficult for him to survive during a physical 16-game slate at the pro level.

Smith’s lack of size might be a big enough issue to make the Eagles pass on him at No. 6. If that happens, don’t expect him to drop very far. It would be a borderline shock to see him fall out of the top-10. He doesn’t represent the best option for Philadelphia in Round 1, but he could be a terrific consolation prize.

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