Philadelphia Eagles: Ideal first-round targets in 2021 NFL Draft
By David Glancy
Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Alabama
After trading for Darius Slay the last offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles could look to finally solidify the cornerback position and select a shutdown corner in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Slay carries a $21.75 million cap hit this season, the figure decreases to $6.5 million next year and $3.25 million the following season, indicating he could become a future cap causality.
While a shutdown corner may not be Philadelphia’s primary need entering the Draft, Roseman could be tempted to take his pick of top corners. Patrick Surtain II is the son of the former Dolphins All-Pro and brings the physical attributes desired for the position. Surtain II possesses the size and length for a number one cornerback and has been a vital piece in Alabama’s defense since starting for the Tide as a true freshman.
Surtain II will be a top prospect to watch heading into the Combine where his biggest question marks entering the Draft are around his speed and agility. He is an effective press corner and carries a high level of patience and discipline for the position, relying on his size and strength.
Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina
Like Surtain II, South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn comes from an impressive football family. Horn is the son of former Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn and was a three-year starter at corner in an SEC defense. At 6-foot-1, Horn brings similar size to the position as Surtain II but has shot up as a contender to be the top corner selected in the 2021 NFL Draft after an impressive Pro Day at South Carolina.
The Philadelphia Eagles were in attendance for Horn’s Pro Day where the corner ran an impressive 4.39 40-yard dash and hit a 41-inch vertical. Horn outperformed Surtain II’s Pro Day and the South Carolina corner has continued to improve each season, unlike Surtain II who had an inconsistent final season with the Tide. Horn apparently met with the Eagles following his Pro Day and maybe Philadelphia’s top choice on defense after trading back.
Jaycee Horn said he has a meeting scheduled with #Eagles after he does his pro day
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) March 23, 2021