Grading the Eagles’ 2024 NFL Draft class

NFL draft grades season is right here following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft. You might imagine this train to be arbitrary and reductive … and also you’re not fully mistaken … however shut up. Ready to see how the picks really end up is each 1) all about results-oriented pondering and a couple of) not enjoyable. The purpose right here and now’s to guage the method behind the choices. Did the Philadelphia Eagles make cheap bets primarily based on the data that was obtainable to them on the time? That a lot is price grading.

To recap, right here’s an summary of this yr’s Eagles draft class:

1 (22) – CB Quinyon Mitchell

2 (40) – CB Cooper DeJean

3 (94) – EDGE Jalyx Hunt

4 (127) – RB Will Shipley

5 (152) – WR Ainias Smith

5 (155) – LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

5 (172) – OG Trevor Keegan

6 (185) – WR Johnny Wilson

6 (190) – OL Dylan McMahon

If we’re accounting transactions made with 2024 draft picks when judging this class, listed here are some extra components to contemplate:

By buying and selling down a number of instances on this yr’s draft, the Eagles acquired a 2025 third-round choose from the Miami Dolphins, a 2025 fourth-round choose from Detroit Lions, and a 2025 fifth-round choose from the Houston Texans.
The Eagles dropped from No. 98 to No. 120 (along with sending out the 2 most favorable of their 4 2025 seventh-round picks) to accumulate Kenny Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 2022, the Eagles included a choose that grew to become No. 199 (together with a 2023 fifth-round choose) in a commerce with the New Orleans Saints to accumulate C.J. Gardner-Johnson and the Saints’ 2025 seventh-round choose.
The Eagles despatched Ugo Amadi and a choose that grew to become No. 242 to the Titans for the choose that grew to become No. 182.
The Eagles despatched picks that grew to become No. 146 and No. 182 (plus Terrell Edmunds) to the Tennessee Titans for Kevin Byard forward of the 2023 commerce deadline.

However sufficient about trades, let’s get to this yr’s precise choices.

QUINYON MITCHELL

Can I get a second to take a victory lap that nobody really cares about? OK, superior!

Take a look at my current historical past within the annual SB Nation NFL writers mock draft:

Am I on a heater or what? And it could’ve been 5/5 over the previous 5 years if Howie Roseman listened to me and took Justin Jefferson in 2020. Good to know he’s discovered his lesson since then.

Self-congratulatory shenanigans apart, Mitchell was considered one of three lifelike targets that I believed made loads of sense for the Eagles within the first spherical. As written on the day after he was chosen:

The opposite two had been Amarius Mims, who went off the board at No. 18, and Terrion Arnold.

Mitchell is who I had the Eagles taking at No. 22 general on this yr’s SB Nation NFL writers mock draft. Choosing him was a no brainer for me in that exercise.

The actual life resolution was barely extra difficult since Terrion Arnold was unexpectedly nonetheless on the board. I appreciated Arnold over Mitchell; I really feel very assured about his projection contemplating his expertise at Alabama, his manufacturing, and his mentality (critically, go watch his interviews and inform me that man isn’t mentally suited to play CB, he oozes confidence). Arnold can be youthful; he simply turned 21 in March whereas Mitchell turns 23 in July.

That being mentioned, the hole between Arnold and Mitchell wasn’t very large for me. Mitchell checks loads of containers:

Above-average dimension.

Loads of expertise enjoying the place (43 school begins).

Sturdy.

Boasts elite athleticism (4.33 40-yard sprint).

Makes performs on the ball (6 INTs, 45 PDs, 1 FF).

The most important knocks on him are considerations in regards to the stage of competitors (4 of Mitchell’s six school interceptions got here in a single sport towards Northern Illinois’ backup quarterback) and his inexperience enjoying press protection. However he confirmed optimistic indicators in each of these regards throughout Senior Bowl week. That’s clearly a reasonably small pattern dimension nevertheless it’s nonetheless encouraging.

Mitchell has the potential to be a Day 1 starter throughout from Darius Slay. I is likely to be extra reluctant than others to merely assume he’s instantly a lock for that function. However if you take a look at this teaching workers’s reluctance to play rookies, and also you contemplate how there are loads of different corners competing for enjoying time, I’m not able to set in stone. And it’s not a catastrophe if he’s not ranging from the soar. But it surely positive could be good if he’s immediately in a position to assist the Eagles at a serious place of weak point for them final yr.

I’m undecided if Mitchell will likely be so good that he’ll be mentioned alongside Sauce Gardner and Patrick Surtain II as top-of-the-line younger cornerbacks within the sport (BGN’s Jonny Web page does certainly suppose he has elite potential). However, whereas it’d be nice if that occurs, that’s not the usual he must be held to. I do be ok with his probabilities of at the very least turning into an above common starter, which might be a optimistic end result.

Credit score to Roseman for combating towards his proclivity to commerce up within the first spherical to as an alternative stick at No. 22 to get the Eagles’ top-ranked prospect at a serious place of want each within the short-term and long-term.

BLG GRADE: A

BGN GRADE:

COOPER DEJEAN

If the Eagles weren’t in a position to land one the three aforementioned first-round targets, I’d’ve been comfy with them taking DeJean at No. 22. And so it appeared wise to bundle No. 50, No. 53, and No. 161 to stand up to No. 40 (whereas additionally getting No. 78 and No. 152 again) to go get him.

DeJean is a reasonably thrilling participant to consider. One would suppose his versatility ought to assist him discover snaps prior to later. Now, what’s that function precisely? Within the short-term, he might see enjoying time as a nickel cornerback whereas serving as depth on the surface and at security. There’s potential for Vic Fangio to get inventive with him, though the Eagles would possibly need to maintain it easy in the beginning.

Lengthy-term, there’s potential for Mitchell and DeJean to be the following Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown as exterior cornerbacks mainstays.

DeJean’s non-defensive utilization may even be attention-grabbing. Once you watch him with the ball in his arms, it looks like he’s too electrical to not at the very least combine in as a punt and/or kick returner. Might we even see him on offense? Iowa gave him a contact there they usually had been apparently planning on doing extra of that in 2024 had he stayed at school.

TL;DR – Undecided how the Eagles will use him however am positive he’ll make an impression in some capability.

BLG GRADE: A

BGN GRADE:

JALYX HUNT

Is it secure to imagine everybody right here is aware of what a “warmth verify” is in basketball? In case that’s not the case, right here’s a definition from Quora:

A “warmth verify” is a time period used to explain a kind of shot a participant takes. If a participant has gotten “scorching”, this implies they’ve made an above common share of their pictures in a current interval of measurement. A participant can “get scorching” inside a single sport, or could possibly be described as “he’s been scorching from 3 level vary” over the previous a number of video games.

A “warmth verify” shot could be used to explain a usually shot of poor selective high quality, however acceptable as a result of the participant taking the shot has been scorching.

The Hunt choose is Howie’s model of a warmth verify. He was feeling himself after the Mitchell and DeJean choices and determined to get actually daring by drafting a former Cornell security who transferred and became an edge rusher for Division I FCS Houston Christian.

There’s sufficient proof on the market to recommend this wasn’t some unconscionable attain. As Roseman famous, former Eagles scout and present lead NFL Community draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had Hunt listed as a prime remaining prospect (No. 64) on the published for a bit previous to his choice. Previous to the draft, Bob McGinn famous at the very least one scout who had a third-round grade on Hunt.

I just like the upside the Eagles are swinging for right here. There’s an end result the place Hunt develops into a top quality edge rusher, which might be very priceless. He appears

However I believe the speculation of Jalyx Hunt (band identify?) is significantly better than the fact of him as a participant (I do like his character, he appears enjoyable). I’m not saying it’ll be the identical end result right here however I’m reminded of former Eagles third-rounder Bryan Smith, who was a complete bust.

Hunt is already on the older aspect for a rookie; he’ll flip 23.5 in September. And I query how a lot of an opportunity he’ll really get to develop when he’s not in line for enjoying time. Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, and Zack Baun are all seemingly forward of him on the depth chart. Maybe even Julian Okwara and/or Terrell Lewis as properly.

If the Eagles are really dedicated to being affected person with Hunt, maybe it’ll repay. Vic Fangio purportedly being curious about him as considered one of his favourite gamers from the draft isn’t nothing. Possibly he can ultimately develop to turn into the Eagles’ model of what Fangio had in Miami with Andrew Van Ginkel. That’d be a unbelievable end result relative to expectation.

The extra seemingly end result is that Hunt by no means materializes into a lot of something.

BLG GRADE: D+

BGN GRADE:

WILL SHIPLEY

Shipley appears to have some actual followers. The Eagles had the previous five-star recruit as considered one of their “purple star” gamers.

I discover myself merely whelmed (versus overwhelmed or underwhelmed) by this choose. BGN’s Jonny Web page summed it up properly in his pre-draft RB rankings:

11. Will Shipley, Clemson, 5’11 206

Abstract: Shipley appears to be like like a “jack of all trades, grasp of none” backup operating again with good receiving expertise, and really feel for zone runs however no actual elite traits regardless of good manufacturing for 3 straight years.

Eagles Ideas: I’ve received no actual curiosity in Shipley, till in a while in day 3.

I do like that Shipley is simply 21 years previous and he profiles as a north/south runner (through Underdog Fantasy):

I don’t like how Shipley’s school numbers had been similar to his fellow Clemson operating backs, as highlighted by PHLY’s Bo Wulf. He didn’t clearly outperform his friends.

The Eagles had a necessity for extra operating again depth. Saquon Barkley is locked in because the workhorse starter however the Eagles didn’t have a lot behind him. Kenny Gainwell hasn’t confirmed to be something greater than a RB2 (at finest) and he’s going to be a free agent after this season.

Shipley is poised to be Gainwell’s eventual alternative. Maybe the rookie might overtake the veteran this yr? I can’t say I’d be shocked if Shipley’s first three seasons evaluate to Gainwell’s with each gamers being a bit overrated and over-utilized by the Eagles’ teaching workers.

BLG GRADE: C

BGN GRADE:

AINIAS SMITH

For the previous two seasons, the Eagles have had a transparent imaginative and prescient for WR3 behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. That function was to be occupied by Quez Watkins, who was purported to a low-volume, high-impact goal. Sadly, unhealthy issues tended to occur each time the ball was thrown to Watkins.

Shifting ahead, the Eagles appear to examine the WR3 function a bit in another way. They’ve added two extra conventional slot receiver choices in Parris Campbell and Smith. They’ve additionally added two big-bodied downfield threats in DeVante Parker and Johnny Wilson. There are two completely different buckets. Maybe we might see WR3 enjoying time break up between these roles?

Smith could have an opportunity to compete for snaps as a job participant. He might consider as one thing of a Olamide Zaccheus alternative. Smith isn’t a burner however he does have the flexibility to make defenders miss and battle for yards after the catch. The Eagles might look to get him concerned on screens and jet sweeps. Smith had 72 speeding makes an attempt in school for 405 yards (5.6 common) and 4 touchdowns.

Smith additionally components in as a returner with expertise fielding each punts and kicks.

BLG GRADE: C+

BGN GRADE:

JEREMIAH TROTTER JR.

Trot Jr. can’t fairly be anticipated to be Trot Sr.

That being mentioned, there’s a path to him making an impression as a rookie. Precisely nobody would recommend the Eagles are loaded at off-ball linebacker. Devin White and/or Nakobe Dean are projected starters who might very properly be unseated.

If Trot Jr. flashes in coaching camp, that’ll be greater than Dean has ever actually executed in his NFL profession so far. He has the flexibility to make up for any dimension/athleticism considerations through the use of his instincts to make performs like he did at Clemson.

On the very least, Trot Jr. would possibly have the ability to present some high quality depth and play on particular groups. Positively price taking the prospect on him at this level within the draft.

BLG GRADE: B+

BGN GRADE:

TREVOR KEEGAN

Not the flashiest choose ever made however I just like the meat-and-potatoes nature right here. The Eagles misplaced two of their prime backup offensive lineman with Sua Opeta and Jack Driscoll leaving in free company. Keegan has the potential to be a good choice off the bench over the following few seasons. Maybe he’ll even push for the beginning proper guard job?

To get a man who began 37 video games for top-of-the-line offensive strains in school soccer over the previous few seasons at No. 172 looks like good worth.

BLG GRADE: B

BGN GRADE:

JOHNNY WILSON

Can Wilson be a respectable NFL participant? Or will he be the following tall receiver who’s way more intriguing in concept than in actuality, like Ifeanyi Momah or Hakeem Butler (his prime comparability on Mockdraftable)? Wilson was extra productive in school than the previous … however lower than the latter.

Wilson and the Eagles have been insistent that he’s certainly a receiver, not a decent finish. He’ll have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot and maybe some occasional targets. Wilson has the potential to be particularly helpful in sure matchups (instance: a staff with shorter corners) and conditions (purple zone). He could possibly be the low-volume, big-play choice (16.5 yards per reception in school) the Eagles need behind their prime two WR targets.

Taking a shot on a 6’6⅜”, 231 pound receiver with 99 percentile wingspan who runs a 4.52 second 40-yard sprint is well worth the cube roll in a while Day 3.

BLG GRADE: B-

BGN GRADE:

DYLAN MCMAHON

McMahon: Undersized, athletic middle who was drafted at No. 190 and will likely be carrying No. 63 on the Eagles.

Jason Kelce: Undersized, athletic middle who was drafted at No. 191 and wore No. 62 on the Eagles.

McMahon is the following Kelce confirmed.

Probably not.

However … possibly?

For now, McMahon will compete for a backup middle function behind Cam Jurgens. He has some expertise at each guard spots, which is good, nevertheless it feels like finest tasks to the pivot within the NFL. Not onerous to see why the Eagles wished to enroll him at Jeff Stoutland College.

BLG GRADE: B-

BGN GRADE:

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

With the 2025 NFL Draft anticipated to be deeper than this yr’s class, I actually just like the transfer to accumulate three future picks. The Eagles don’t even essentially want to make use of them on rookies; they now have additional ammunition for a veteran acquisition(s).
The Eagles clearly had curiosity in drafting an offensive sort out, as additional evidenced by their funding in Mekhi Becton at some point after the draft ended. I heard they appreciated Amarius Mims; he would possibly’ve been the choose at No. 22 if he didn’t go off the board at No. 18. The issue for them is that six tackles went within the prime 20 choices. And the Eagles appeared to suppose there was a large drop-off after that first group, which wasn’t a completely unusual opinion (see the DJ tweet under). They didn’t need to draft a sort out simply to have extra depth there. They wished a sort out who critically tasks as a future starter. Until Becton or considered one of their reported UDFA signings unexpectedly pans out, they’ll seemingly be trying to discover a potential Lane Johnson successor once more excessive within the draft subsequent yr.

OVERALL GRADE

I’ve gotta say, the end result from this BGN ballot shocked me:

I anticipated much more “A” votes. Particularly when the Eagles are getting loads of nationwide love for his or her draft efforts. They’ve the third-highest consensus grade:

To me, Roseman and firm did job of including high-level expertise whereas additionally conveniently addressing a serious place of want on the prime of the draft. The Day 3 picks had been worthwhile gambles, if not higher … as within the case of the Trotter Jr. choice. Didn’t love the Hunt choose however that choice alone isn’t sufficient to pull the entire grade down.

Between the 9 picks they made and the longer term ones they acquired, I believed the Eagles used a reasonably good course of, which is what we’re finally evaluating right here. I’d give them an A.