2021 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Football Team goes offense in Round 1

The Eagles completely bungled the management of their offense in 2020. First, they took Jalen Reagor one pick ahead of Justin Jefferson in the first round of the draft. Jefferson might win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for his play this year while Reagor was mediocre in his first season.

Then, in the second round, the team selected quarterback Jalen Hurts to back up Carson Wentz. The selection of Hurts wasn’t awful, but considering that the team had just signed Wentz to a massive extension, it made little sense to invest in a backup quarterback with that type of draft capital. And if the team wasn’t confident in Wentz at that point, then they absolutely made a mistake giving him such a big extension.

As a result of these moves, the Eagles offense sputtered in 2020. Reagor failed to make much of an impact while battling some injuries. Wentz completely regressed and lost confidence and now, his albatross of a contract looms large, unless new head coach Nick Sirianni can help him to regain his form.

That will be the No. 1 goal for the Eagles in 2021. If they’re going to compete this year, they need Wentz to rebound. A healthier offensive line including Andre Dillard, Brandon Brooks, and Lane Johnson, who all missed time last year, would be a nice first step, but adding a true No. 1 receiver will be critical as well.

That’s where Ja’Marr Chase would come in. Chase sat out last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the year before, he looked like a top-tier talent working alongside Joe Burrow. Chase posted 84 catches, 1,780 yards, and 20 touchdowns on the year despite being only 19. The sky is the limit for him, as he has solid size (6-foot-even, 208 pounds), great route-running ability, and good athleticism.

Chase should slide in nicely as a No. 1 weapon for Wentz and will allow Reagor to serve more as a No. 2 speed threat receiver with Greg Ward in the slot. That group would still have some unproven components, but at least they’d have a true top receiver. That’s something they were lacking after the injuries to DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery, both of whom are best served as situational players at this stage during their careers.