Eagles 2021 mock draft after Carson Wentz trade to Colts

Although the immediate focus is on the offensive side of the ball, the Philadelphia Eagles cannot go into the 2021 NFL Draft completely avoiding the defense.

The Eagles’ defense only picked off eight passes a season ago.

2020 trade acquisition Darius Slay was the only cornerback on the roster to record an interception last season and there is an obvious need for playmakers on the back end of the Philadelphia defense.

Eric Stokes had been knocking on the doorstep of a breakthrough in his first two seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs, and he exploded in nine games in 2020 with four interceptions, two returned for touchdowns.

As an outside corner, Stokes has a couple of traits you love to see from defensive backs. First and foremost, he is long and physical. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Stokes is a bit on the lighter side but he has the length to matchup with any outside receiver.

As is typically the case for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Draft these days, Stokes also has one of the most important traits this team looks for — speed.

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Eagles almost strictly drafted from among the crop of players that was fastest at their respective position groups.

Cornerback is a huge need for this team and it wouldn’t be shocking to see them double up in free agency.