May 01, 2021

Eagles select Texas Tech CB Zech McPhearson with 123rd pick of 2021 NFL Draft

By Jimmy Kempski
PhillyVoice Staff

With the 123rd pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Texas Tech CB Zech McPhearson.

McPhearson originally enrolled at Penn State, but transferred to Texas Tech, where he was a two-year starter. In 2020, he had 53 tackles, 4 INTs (including a pick six), and 6 pass breakups. Here's an INT from Texas Tech's bowl game:

First snap of the game vs TCU for Zech McPhearson

In cycle, head around looking for the ball, makes the play ... loved what I saw at the Hula Bowl, and finding a lot of that same stuff on the tape last night pic.twitter.com/RdvydZQ8Oi
— 📽+🏈x🌴 (@HawaiiBrownsHui) March 5, 2021

McPhearson is 5'11, 196, with ability to play outside or in the slot. He has shown a willingness to tackle, he has some ball skills, and he has good athleticism.

McPhearson should be able to compete for playing time as a rookie, both in the regular defense and on special teams, as he had 2 blocked PATs in his college career, as well as long blocked FG return for a TD.

Cornerback was arguably the Eagles' biggest need heading into this draft. I mean, look at the depth chart.

Eagles CBs	1	2	3
CB	Darius Slay	Michael Jacquet	Jameson Houston
CB	Craig James?	Kevon Seymour
Slot CB	Avonte Maddox	Lavert Hill	Shakial Taylor

To the surprise of some, the Eagles did not address the position until Round 4. They could continue to add competition at corner as the draft continues.