2020 NFL mock draft: Philadelphia Eagles select WR Justin Jefferson

The Philadelphia Eagles are on a nice little run here. They’ve made the playoffs in three straight seasons—of course, starting with their Super Bowl 52 win. Though the following two seasons have been mediocre 9-7 years, they managed to make the postseason in both and even tally a playoff win in 2018.

However, they’re in danger of falling back this offseason. Their secondary has had major issues and their receiving corps is aging. They’ve addressed the secondary by trading for a guy named Darius Slay, but there remains a lot of work to do for Philly.

Enter: POD commenter RyanCaldwell. Acting as Eagles general manager in our Pride of Detroit Community Mock, it is his duty to add a difference-maker with the 21st pick.

And with that selection, RyanCaldwell has chosen LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Here’s Ryan with his justification.

“Justin Jefferson fills arguably the biggest hole on the Eagles roster. Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson are fine options when they’re available. However, both are on the wrong side of 30, and both are coming off of injuries. Even if they are able to stay healthy and productive, the Eagles would still be in need of finding a long-term solution at the position. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Greg Ward Jr. are decent young options, but neither has the potential that Justin Jefferson has.

Jefferson might profile as more of a slot receiver, but I do believe that he will excel both inside and outside in the NFL. Playing with No. 1 pick Joe Burrow, Jefferson recorded 111 receptions, 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019. Production is certainly not a concern with Jefferson. He also had a very strong 2018 at LSU before Joe Burrow broke out as a star, recording 54 receptions, 875 yards, and six touchdowns. Jefferson has elite speed (4.43 40 time), great explosiveness (37.5-inch vert), good hands, and is a very good route runner.

I was tempted to try and wait until pick #53 to take a WR because this is such a deep class. However, I just couldn’t pass up on a talent like Justin Jefferson. I also didn’t want to risk there being a run on receivers before our next pick, which will likely happen. With CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs III, and Jerry Jeudy already off the board, I feel that of the remaining receivers, Jefferson has the best chance to end up as a difference-maker in the NFL. Giving Carson Wentz a young, reliable target who can help take their offense to the next level is a no-brainer. Justin Jefferson would instantly become the #1 receiver in Philadelphia and likely the #2 target overall after TE Zach Ertz.”

Catch up with all the picks from our POD Community Mock here.