Philadelphia Eagles (Last Year: 11-6)
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.
2024 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Kenny Pickett, RB Saquon Barkley, WR DeVante Parker, WR Parris Campbell, G Matt Hennessy, NT P.J. Mustipher, OLB Bryce Huff, LB Devin White, LB Oren Burks, LB Zack Baun, CB/S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Early Draft Picks:
CB Quinyon Mitchell, CB/S Cooper DeJean, DE Jalyx Hunt, RB Will Shipley, WR Ainias Smith, LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Eagles Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Marcus Mariota, RB D’Andre Swift, RB Rashaad Penny, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, G Sua Opeta, C Jason Kelce, DE Haason Reddick, DT Fletcher Cox, LB Nicholas Morrow, LB Zach Cunningham, LB Shaq Leonard, S Kevin Byard, S Justin Evans.
2024 Philadelphia Eagles Offense:
It’s astonishing to think that some football analysts deemed the Jalen Hurts selection to be one of the worst draft picks of all time. Hurts, who was once benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama, became the MVP frontrunner during various points of the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons. Hurts has piloted one of the most explosive offenses in the past couple of years, and he has been the front man for the unstoppable fourth-down play, which is known as the Tush Push or the Brotherly Shove.
As great as Philadelphia’s offense has been under Hurts, it has been missing one element, which would be a dynamic player alongside him in the backfield. D’Andre Swift has been the closest to that, but the Eagles found a colossal upgrade in free agency when they signed Saquon Barkley. The former Giant is one of the most electric running backs in the NFL. Not only is he a tremendous runner; he’s an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. Hurts will love to target Barkley as a safety valve. Barkley could have the same sort of impact Christian McCaffrey has had for San Francisco since being acquired from Carolina.
Hurts also has his top three weapons returning for another season. The Eagles possess one of the top receiver tandems in the NFL, with A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith in the prime of their careers. Dallas Goedert is also at his apex, though this will be his final year in his 20s. The Eagles didn’t have any sort of depth behind Brown and Smith, which became a huge problem when Brown suffered an injury late last year. To counter this, the Eagles signed Parris Campbell and then used fifth- and sixth-round picks on Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson, respectively. It remains to be seen if any of them can emerge as a viable tertiary wide receiver option.
Hurts will continue to have plenty of time to locate his receivers for big gains. The Eagles had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last year, and that should continue to be the case in 2024 despite Jason Kelce’s retirement. Kelce was one of the top centers in the NFL, but Philadelphia was aware of his plans. The front office drafted Cam Jurgens in the second round two years in advance, so Jurgens has had plenty of time to develop. Jurgens didn’t play all that well at guard last year, but center is a much more natural position for him.
Jurgens’ move to center means that a spot opened at right guard. That will be filled by Tyler Steen, a third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft. Steen barely played last year, so it’s unknown if he’ll be a quality replacement. The other guard will be Landon Dickerson, who is coming off a quality season.
While there is some uncertainty in the interior of Philadelphia’s offensive line, the edge blocking will continue to be top notch. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are considered one of the best tackle tandems in the NFL. Johnson is 34, so there could be some regression this season, but there hasn’t been any evidence of that occurring.
2024 Philadelphia Eagles Defense:
The Eagles began the season 10-1 last year, but it was clear that they weren’t as good as their record indicated. This was because the defense couldn’t stop anyone. The unit allowed Sam Howell to look like the second coming of Joe Montana in two matchups. Baker Mayfield was unstoppable in the playoff loss as well.
The front office absolutely had to make multiple moves to vastly improve the defense, and it did just that. It all started with a coaching hire, as the Eagles brought in Vic Fangio to provide a colossal upgrade as a defensive coordinator. They also signed Devin White to bolster the linebacking corps. White isn’t very good in run support, but he’s a speedy linebacker who covers extremely well. He’ll start next to Nakobe Dean, a former third-round pick who was the complete opposite of White. Dean thrived when playing the rush, but looked lost in coverage. He’s still young, so perhaps he’ll improve upon the latter.
Also in free agency, the Eagles signed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to boost the secondary. Gardner-Johnson was an effective and versatile piece of Philadelphia’s secondary in 2022, and he was sorely missed when he joined the Lions last year. He’ll start next to Reed Blankenship at safety. Blankenship was a rare bright spot in the defensive backfield last year.
The Eagles then secured two other upgrades via the draft, selecting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds. Both were incredible steals where the Eagles obtained them. Mitchell, who could have been chosen in the top 15 without any complaints, will compete with Darius Slay and James Bradberry to start on the outside. Both aging corners saw their skills rapidly decline last year – especially when it came to Bradberry – so it shouldn’t be difficult for Mitchell to unseat one of them. DeJean, meanwhile, will challenge for the nickel corner spot. Avonte Maddox had a woeful 2023 campaign, so DeJean shouldn’t have much of an issue winning that job.
Meanwhile, the strength of the Philadelphia defense will continue to be the pass rush. This is despite the fact that the Eagles traded their top sack artist, Haason Reddick to the Jets. In return, Philadelphia received Bryce Huff. While Huff isn’t as good as Reddick is now, he still accumulated double-digit sacks last year. He’s also much younger, so he’ll be around for much longer than Reddick would have been had the Eagles not traded him. Huff will join an edge-rushing rotation comprised of Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, and third-round rookie Jalyx Hunt. Sweat struggles versus the run, but he’s a talented edge rusher who recorded 6.5 sacks in 2023. Graham, despite being 35 last year, still performed at a high level, albeit while playing limited snaps. Smith, meanwhile, was a first-round pick in 2023. He didn’t play much as a rookie, but he has tremendous athleticism and upside.
Smith and Hunt are just two of many young players the Eagles have in their front seven. Two others were drafted in consecutive years, and they’ll comprise all but one of the starters on Philadelphia’s new three-man front. Jordan Davis is a massive run stuffer who can place pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Jalen Carter, meanwhile, was a devastating pass rusher. Both players slowed down as the 2023 season progressed. They should be better with improved endurance and experience. The Eagles also have Milton Williams, a former third-round pick who has made vast improvements to his game following a pedestrian rookie year.
2024 Philadelphia Eagles Schedule and Intangibles:
Jake Elliott made a name for himself when he drilled a 61-yard, game-winning kick against the Giants in 2017. He was amazing last year, hitting 30-of-32 tries, including 7-of-8 from 50-plus.
Braden Mann was sixth in net punting average last year, but he did not do well to pin the opposition inside the 20.
The Eagles have some tough games against the AFC North, as well as the Packers, but their overall schedule is easy because they get to battle the NFC South.
2024 Philadelphia Eagles Rookies:
Go here for the Eagles Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2024 Philadelphia Eagles Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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Projection: 13-4 (1st in NFC East)
2023 Projection: 13-4. 2023 Actual Result: 11-6.
2022 Projection: 12-5. 2022 Actual Result: 13-4.
2021 Projection: 4-13. 2021 Actual Result: 9-8.
2020 Projection: 9-7. 2020 Actual Result: 4-11-1.
2019 Projection: 12-4. 2019 Actual Result: 9-7.
2018 Projection: 13-3. 2018 Actual Result: 9-7.
2017 Projection: 12-4. 2017 Actual Result: 13-3.
2016 Projection: 5-11. 2016 Actual Result: 7-9.
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:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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