NFL
By: Thomas Brown
In case you missed it, the Eagles had arguably the most polarizing draft. So without further ado, let’s get right to it!
Round 1, Pick 21: WR Jalen Reagor (TCU)
The 21st pick out of TCU is not the tallest. However, he makes up for it with speed. During his tenure in TCU, the wideout totaled 148 catches, 2,248 yards, 22 touchdowns, and had a combined average of 46.4 yards per catch. It is important to note that at the combine, his 40-yard dash time was 4.47. However, his 40-yard dash time at his pro day was 4.04. That time would’ve ranked as the fastest at the combine, EVER. Hopefully, that point puts his speed into perspective. I know the comparison is unfair now, but I see Reagor having a ceiling of Chiefs star WR Tyreek Hill. He can open the field like DeSean Jackson and help Carson Wentz in the passing game.
Draft Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick 21: QB Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma)
This selection is by far the most surprising move in the Eagles’ draft. In terms of team needs, this move does not do much. In terms of value in the pick, this move does not help either. Still, believe it or not, Hurts is very beneficial to the Eagles offense. He can throw the football as well as run it. Doug Pederson can create a multitude of packages that feature both Wentz and Hurts into the offense. As an Eagles fan, this is a sad but honest truth when it comes to Carson Wentz.
Since he’s been the starter for the Eagles, Wentz has only played nine postseason snaps. You can only tell me that Wentz’s health did play a factor in this selection. People tend to forget how dynamic Hurts is, which is very puzzling. At Oklahoma, he completed 69.7% of his passes, threw for 3,851 yards along with 32 touchdowns to just eight interceptions! Hurts also managed to do running game damage too. He ran for 1,298 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 20 touchdowns. He will have an impact on the offense that keeps defensive coordinators troubled.
Draft Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 39: OLB Davion Taylor (Colorado)
The linebacker out of Colorado provides solid linebacking tackling. The Eagles needed to address the position regarding youth and speed. At Colorado, Taylor combined for 129 tackles, six passes defended, and two sacks. He is impactful on third-down situations and can quickly become a starter for the Eagles defense.
Draft Grade: C+
Round 4, Pick 21: S K’Von Wallace (Clemson)
We got a steal, ladies and gentlemen! The safety from Clemson is easily one of, if not, the best selection out of the Eagles’ draft. The team provided depth at safety while also getting a potential starter. With this pick, many safeties can have an impact on Jim Schwartz’s defense. Safeties such as Jalen Mills, Rodney McLeod, Will Parks, and Wallace can provide improved play in the position. At Clemson, Wallace recorded 156 tackles, 16 passes defended, and two sacks and forced fumbles. He also had five interceptions. Wallace also provides immediate impact in the Eagles secondary through his ability to play multiple positions.
Draft Grade: A
Round 4, Pick 39: OG Jack Driscoll (Auburn)
Philadelphia needed to address offensive line depth. Driscoll provides just that need. With Halapoulivaati Vaitai signing with the Detroit Lions in free agency and Jason Peters still a free agent, this pick was necessary. Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland can groom and develop Driscoll for success down the line.
Draft Grade: C+
Round 5, Pick 23: WR John Hightower (Boise State)
Hightower is another example of the Eagles needing offensive speed. It will be interesting who Doug Pederson decides to implement into the offense with his bevy of receivers. The wideout from Boise State had 82 catches, 1,447 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns in his college career. He can provide value in the slot and be productive with his speed. What helps Hightower is the notion that there is no pressure for him to start right away, ultimately giving him more time to develop.
Draft Grade: B-
Round 6, Pick 17: ILB Shaun Bradley (Temple)
Philadelphia provided linebacker help early in the draft with Taylor. This selection of Bradley also helps. The linebacker out of Temple recorded 256 tackles, five passes defended, and two sacks and forced fumbles. He also has three interceptions. Expect him to get reps throughout the season to develop into a starter along with Taylor.
Draft Grade: C+
Round 6, Pick 21: WR Quez Watkins (Southern Mississippi)
Watkins had the third-fastest 40 yard dash time at the combine. He can turn any game into a track meet. He struggles with having consistent hands and being able to bring down the “50-50” ball. During his time at Southern Mississippi, Watkins combined for 159 receptions, 2,404 yards, and 17 touchdowns. What doesn’t work in Watkins’ favor is that he’s in such a crowded wide receiver room.
Draft Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 31: OT Prince Tega Wanogho (Auburn)
This pick is attractive because the Eagles may give up on Andre Dillard at left tackle. Wanogho, like Driscoll, has the advantage of having Jeff Stoutland groom and develop him into a potential starter.
Draft Grade: C
Round 7, Pick 19: DE Casey Toohill (Stanford)
This selection not only provides depth but Toohill can also develop into a disruptive edge rusher. At Stanford, he combined for 123 tackles, four passes defended, 14.5 sacks, and one forced fumble and interception. This pick also can justify the Eagles picking up Derek Barnett’s fifth-year option on his contract.
Draft Grade: B-
Eagles’ Final Draft Grade: B
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