NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 15th overall

This feels like a dream scenario for the Philadelphia Eagles. They traded down earlier in this 2021 NFL mock draft, picking up significant extra capital to build their team on both sides of the ball. Even after trading significantly down the board, the Eagles are still able to land a premier prospect at an important position of need.

DeVonta Smith probably should not be available at this pick, but this wide receiver class is incredibly deep and that could cause some talented players at the position to slip. We saw this last year when Jerry Jeudy fell to No. 15 and CeeDee Lamb fell to No. 17 in a loaded wide receiver class. We could certainly see something similar with at least one of these premier wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

Smith is coming off of an absolutely incredible season at Alabama and he has the talent to make a similar impact at the next level. Smith is an incredible route runner, displays tremendous speed and quickness, and consistently catches the ball with soft hands. He is a fantastic deep threat who also shines in run-after-catch situations and needs to be taken seriously as a dynamic big-play weapon at the next level.

Many knock Smith because of his slight frame. While that is fair, he plays much bigger and stronger than he actually is. He is extremely competitive in contested-catch situations and does a nice job of protecting himself on the field. Smith is undoubtedly an extremely talented wide receiver prospect and the Eagles need to add more impact players at the position. Trading down and snagging him at No. 15 would be ideal for this team.