The Carson Wentz era is over and now it’s time for the Philadelphia Eagles to move forward as an organization. The Colts sent back a 2020 third round pick and a 2021 second round pick that could become a first round pick if Wentz meets certain conditions. So let’s get to my mock draft:

Trade

The Eagles send #6 and #37 to the Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins trade #3 to the Eagles: The Eagles then draft Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Plenty of Birds fans will go nuts, but Jalen Hurts isn’t good enough to pass on a guy with the talent of Fields. While most think that Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence is light years ahead of the class, the other prospects that I gave first round grades to are very close to him. The Buckeye signal caller is the complete package as a passer and athletically. Eagles fans would be very pleased once he sees the field.

Trade

Eagles send #70 and #155 to the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers give #55 in return: I traded back into the second round to address the Eagles offensive line which is dealing with age and injuries. Guard Trey Smith from Tennessee is the pick. At 6’4 330 pounds, he’s big, a mauler, and has agility and movement ability to go along with it. Brandon Brooks is coming off his second serious injury in three seasons and center Jason Kelce has contemplated retirement the two past offseasons. Smith is a day one plug and play guy.

Third Round #84 Overall: Jabril Cox Linebacker LSU 6’3 230 lbs Senior

Cox is a player that I fell in love with while he was at North Dakota State, and he made the jump to the SEC and proved that he was legit. The Eagles need to start valuing the position and pairing Cox with Alex Singleton gives Philadelphia an instant upgrade at the position. He’s fast, agile, has good instincts, tackles, can cover, and is always around the ball. He’s exactly what you need in a stack linebacker in this NFL.

Fifth Round #157 Overall: Darrick Forrest Safety Cincinnati 6’0 200 lbs Senior

This former Bearcat is a three year starter and part of one of the best defenses in college football. While he doesn’t do anything great, he’s really solid across the board. He reads the field well, is a good tackler in space, and is rarely out of position. He can play in the box or slot in a nickel roll versus tight ends or play a deep split safety in cover two. And from day one he’s the type of guy who’ll be a core special teams asset.

Sixth Round #191 Overall: Malcolm Koonce EDGE Buffalo 6’3 250 lbs Senior

The Birds need to add young pass rushers to the team and at this point in the draft Malcolm Koonce is the best on the board. While coming off of his pro bowl, Brandon Graham is up there in age and could possibly be moved if general manager decides to move veteran players for assets after June 1st. The team also has to make a decision on giving former first round pick Derek Barnett his fifth year option or signing him to a long term deal. Me personally, I’d throw Barnett out the front door because he simply hasn’t lived up to being a first round pick. Koonce is a hybrid edge prospect who’d fit as a end in a four man line or a stand up outside linebacker in a 3-4.

Seventh Round #220 Overall: Josh Palmer Tennessee Wide Receiver 6’1 210 lbs Senior

Josh Palmer has proven to be a big play receiver in his four years as a Vol, even with terrible quarterback play the entire time. His film shows the ability to get behind corners, playmaking after the catch and the hops to go up and get the ball. He was available this late in the draft in the draft simulator but it’s huge chance he’s going in rounds 4-5 after his pro day.

Seventh Round #228 Overall: Marco Wilson Florida Cornerback 6’1 190 lbs redshirt Junior

Wilson has good height and length, has played outside and inside as a nickel. He shows the ability and willingness to tackle and a move to safety could be in his future as a pro. His versatility makes him a value pick in the seventh round, where the Eagles have a had success prior with Jalen Mills.