We did a story about a month ago titled “Let’s Hope Mel Kiper Jr.’s First Mock Draft is Wrong.”

Why? Because he had the Eagles taking Jaylen Waddle, with Ja’Marr Chase and DeVonta Smith already off the board. If that were the case, I’d find a team interested in Justin Fields, trade back, and then go from there.

Mind you, this was before the Carson Wentz trade, and Mel has now updated his jawn. It’s version 2.0, with the following picks:

  1. Jags – Trevor Lawrence, QB
  2. Jets trade back, Falcons take Zach Wilson, QB
  3. Dolphins – DeVonta Smith, WR
  4. Jets – Kyle Pitts, TE
  5. Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT
  6. Eagles – Ja’Marr Chase, WR

Writes Kiper, RE: Chase –

After trading away Carson Wentz, 2020 second-round pick Jalen Hurts tops the Eagles’ quarterback depth chart. And my feeling is that he has earned a chance to start in Week 1 next season and try to be Philly’s long-term answer, even though he completed just 52% of his passes last season. The Eagles have major salary-cap issues, and this is not going to be a one-year rebuild for new coach Nick Sirianni. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re picking in the top 10 next year as well. Drafting Chase here will allow a better evaluation of Hurts in 2021; he’s a true No. 1 wideout with a high ceiling. After opting out of the 2020 season, Chase will get a chance to work out for teams at LSU’s pro day on March 31, and there’s a chance he could wow scouts and coaches there and end up as the No. 1 receiver in this class.

Personally, I’d be stunned if Chase makes it to six, or goes off the board after Smith. Both are fantastic players, but most experts seem to have Chase rated just slightly higher than the Heisman Trophy winner (as Kiper mentions there at the end of the blurb).

The thing about this mock draft, if Pitts really does fly up the board and into the top six, is that both Justin Fields and Trey Lance would be on the board when the Eagles pick. They could go QB themselves, take Chase, or trade out for picks, and then maybe snag one of Micah Parsons, Patrick Surtain, or Waddle, with an extra selection or two to work with.

There are multiple ways to proceed. Get excited! That’s what Tom McGinnis would say.