Philadelphia Eagles (Last Year: 11-6)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A+ GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Eagles had one of the worst pass defenses last year. They signed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, but need much more to bolster their secondary. They’ll also need to focus on acquiring another receiver, some blocking depth, and another defensive lineman.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: If you were to tell me ahead of the draft that the Eagles would end up with both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, I would have asked, “Wait, how did the Eagles move up in the first round and also trade back into the first round?” Amazingly, the Eagles landed both Mitchell and DeJean. This was enormous, as the duo will help improve an aerial defense that made Sam Howell look like Joe Montana in two meetings last year.
Philadelphia wasn’t done landing mega values after Mitchell and DeJean. Jalyx Hunt, while being a bit of a project, was a steal at the end of the third round, as was running back Will Shipley in the fourth frame. The same can be said of Ainias Smith, who will help the lacking receiving depth, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who will bolster the linebacking corps.
The Eagles came away with the best 2024 NFL Draft class of all the teams I’ve graded thus far. They made nine picks, and seven of them scored A- or better. The two outliers earned “B” grades. Philadelphia made so many great selections and filled numerous positions of need. This is an easy A+.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
22. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo – A Grade
Wow, not a Georgia or Alabama player? Who kidnapped Howie Roseman? This is actually a great pick, and I’m happier about my Eagles 17/1 Super Bowl bet. There was talk about Quinyon Mitchell going No. 13 to the Raiders or No. 15 to the Colts, so the Eagles are getting great value with arguably the top cornerback in the draft at No. 22 overall.
40. Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa – A+ Grade
The Eagles have multiple second-round picks, so it makes sense that they would trade up, especially for a talented defensive back like Cooper DeJean. The Iowa product is very versatile and possesses high upside with his great athleticism. He should have been chosen in the first round, so I love this pick. I also am a big fan of the Eagles being aggressive with their Super Bowl window being wide open.
94. Jalyx Hunt, DE, Houston Christian – A Grade
I mocked Jalyx Hunt to the Eagles in the second round of my re-draft ahead of Friday. Jalyx Hunt is a project, but he has immense upside and could be a Pro Bowler one day. It’s not a surprise that the Eagles are landing a talented player who can contribute in the future.
127. Will Shipley, RB, Clemson – A Grade
Will Shipley had some third-round consideration, so the Eagles are getting a good value after trading down. It’s not a surprise that they drafted a running back, given that Saquon Barkley has an extensive injury history. Shipley is an efficient runner who can be a solid receiver out of the backfield.
152. Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M – A Grade
The Eagles are having an outstanding draft, and this is another great pick. Ainias Smith could have been chosen in the third round. He’s undersized (5-9, 191), but he’s a quick and shifty route-runner.
155. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson – A Grade
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s father was a great player for the Eagles. Trotter Jr. has some athletic limitations, but he was a stellar player for Clemson who could end up being a decent player for Philadelphia. Trotter may have to spend a lot of time on special teams, but there’s some potential. Trotter could have gone a round or two earlier than this, so you have to love the value.
172. Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan – A- Grade
No one should be surprised that the Eagles are drafting an offensive lineman. Trevor Keegan was a steady and solid guard for Michigan for three seasons. He’s a stout run blocker, but must improve in pass protection. He’ll have time to do that sitting behind some talented starters. He could have gone a round or even two earlier than this.
185. Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State – B Grade
Johnny Wilson was seen as a third- or a fourth-round prospect, so some will argue that this is a steal. However, others will argue that Wilson doesn’t have a natural position in the NFL, given that he can’t separate enough to be a receiver, and he’s too small to be a tight end. Perhaps Wilson will find a home in the NFL.
190. Dylan McMahon, C, N.C. State – B Grade
A center is an obvious need, given Jason Kelce’s retirement. The Eagles have a replacement, but they needed new depth at the position. Dylan McMahon was a projected fifth-rounder, so the range makes sense for him to go at No. 190.
Season Summary:
The Eagles were 10-1 at one point in the year with wins over the Chiefs, Bills, Cowboys, and Dolphins. Things fell apart after that, as Philadelphia lost to the Drew Lock-led Seahawks, Cardinals and Giants before suffering a humiliating defeat against the Buccaneers in the playoffs.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Three Cornerbacks: The Eagles were miserable against the pass last year. Their cornerbacks were horrible, so three new ones will be needed, as the entire position must be retooled. Signed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
- Two Linebackers: Losing T.J. Edwards ruined Philadelphia’s linebacking corps. Two new players are needed at the position to help the team defend the middle of the field. Signed Devin White
- Wide Receiver: Philadelphia has zero depth at receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, as the team learned once Brown got hurt in the finale. Signed DeVante Parker and Parris Campbell
- Running Back: D’Andre Swift is set to hit free agency. If he’s not re-signed, an upgrade will be needed over Kenneth Gainwell. Signed Saquon Barkley
- Interior Offensive Line Depth: Jason Kelce is retiring. The Eagles have Cam Jurgens to take over, but that would leave them with little depth up front. Signed Matt Hennessy
- Punter: Braden Mann is an impending free agent. Re-signed Braden Mann
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Philadelphia Eagles Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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