How did Patrick Surtain II, other potential Eagles draft picks do in major bowl games?
The College Football Playoffs kicked off on Friday and with the Eagles eliminated from playoff contention, the focus is now on stockpiling young talent.
The Eagles will either pick at No. 6 or No. 9 overall and several key needs could be available depending on what the Bengals do at No. 5 overall.
Eagles fans are clamoring for Ja’Marr Chase at No. 6 overall, but names like Patrick Surtain II and DeVonta Smith could change Philadelphia’s fortunes as well.
Here’s how some of the top Eagles targets performed in major bowl games.
Patrick Surtain II
In Alabama’s 31-14 win over Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl, Surtain II was the Defensive MVP of the game after logging five tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. The performance comes after Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly stated that he would not be attacking Surtain, whom the Irish head ball coach referenced as the best cornerback in the nation.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a catch for a touchdown against Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Nick McCloud (4) in the third quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Smith made his case to be the Eagles pick at No. 6 if Ja'Marr Chase is off the board after dominating Notre Dame on the outside. The Heisman Trophy candidate was named MVP of the Rose Bowl after he logged seven catches for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Smith was explosive on scoring plays of 26 yards, 34 yards, and seven yards. https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1345120646888611840
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Jahleel Billingsley (19) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during the first half in the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The undersized linebacker is an athletic marvel, who can be a sideline to sideline style playmaker for the Eagles' next defensive coordinator. Against Alabama, Owusu-Koramoah logged 6 tackles
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Dec 22, 2020; Boca Raton, Florida, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) scrambles with the ball against the UCF Knights during the first half at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
There have been some discussions about the Eagles potentially targeting a quarterback and Wilson could be the one player to fall to Philadelphia at No. 6. Wilson finished this season with 3,692 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. In his final game at BYU, Wilson logged 425 passing yards and five total touchdowns in a win over the UCF Knights in the Boca Raton Bowl. Wilson has a solid arm, good athletic ability and could be an option to run Doug Pederson's offense the way the Eagles head coach would prefer.
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) sacks Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) for a safety on the games final play during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
An explosive pass rusher, Ojulari is strong against the run as well and he's entering the draft after Ojulari is Mel Kiper's No. 3 outside linebacker prospect for the 2021 draft, behind Notre Dame's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Texas' Joseph Ossai. Ojulari started all 10 games for Georgia this season and capped his collegiate career off by logging three sacks and two forced fumbles in Friday's 24-21 win over Cincinnati at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta. He won defensive MVP honors for his performance.
