Parsons, who opted out of the 2020 season due to the pandemic, is scary talented with outstanding body composition, rare speed and excellent open-field tackling ability. He'll help tighten up the Eagles' porous linebacker corps.
If the Eagles hope to revive Carson Wentz's career, they must upgrade the weapons around him. Pitts is a playmaker with the capacity to create mismatches as a hybrid WR/TE. Remember, Zach Ertz is entering the final year of his contract and is the subject of trade rumors.
The Eagles seemingly picked quarterback Carson Wentz over head coach Doug Pederson. Since that is the case, Philadelphia may as well try and surround the floundering quarterback with talent. Chase is the surest thing among the top wide receiver prospects this season because of his size and physical playing style.
Whether Carson Wentz or Jalen Hurts ultimately lines up under center for the Eagles in 2021, Philly needs more playmakers on offense. Smith has the skill set to be his quarterback's best friend. Paired with last year's first-rounder, Jalen Reagor, Smith would give the Eagles passing game a good shot to rebound under new head coach Nick Sirianni.
He spent much of 2020 gliding through opposing defenses to the tune of 117 catches for an Alabama record 1,856 yards and those SEC record 23 TDs. Teaming him with 2020 first-round WR Jalen Reagor could be the optimal way to get QB Carson Wentz back on track in 2021. However Smith will have to prove his 170-pound frame can hold up in the NFL and that he can deal with stronger corners who will doubtless try to jam him at the line ... unlike, say, what he encountered against Ohio State in college football's championship game.
The Eagles had a disastrous 4-11-1 season, with quarterback Carson Wentz regressing and getting benched for rookie second-rounder Jalen Hurts. And yes, Wentz was not very good, but his receivers didn't exactly give him much help. The Eagles got only 20 total catches from veterans Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson due to injuries, and 2019 second-round pick J.J. Arcega-Whiteside barely got on the field. So even though Philadelphia drafted Jalen Reagor in Round 1 a year ago, I still see this as a hole in the offense. Waddle, one of the fastest prospects in this draft, could be the go-to target in new coach Nick Sirianni's offense. He was one of college football's most electric receivers over the past three seasons, even if he was overshadowed at times by teammates Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy and DeVonta Smith. His ceiling at the next level is as a No. 1 pass-catcher.
I believe the Eagles will stick with their current quarterback situation and give the offense a boost with the most polished receiver in the draft class.
The Eagles desperately need a playmaking receiver. How does the reigning Heisman Trophy winner sound? Smith doesn't have Chase's size or athleticism, but he's quick in the open field, can make defenders miss and separates from corners with precise route-running. Whether it's Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts or someone else playing quarterback, the Eagles simply need better offensive weapons.
