Random Eagles Information Still Not Worthy of a New Thread

QuotePHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles tied an NFL record for most trades in a seven-round draft with eight. They join the 2023 Houston Texans and 2018 New England Patriots for most draft-day trades since 1990.

The wheeling and dealing by general manager Howie Roseman kicked into overdrive Saturday, as Philadelphia executed five different trades on Day 3.

Eagles were a party in 8 of the 28 trades made during the draft.

ice grillin you · April 30, 2024, 08:36:10 AM

you are welcome...

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Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite pick: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Eagles are almost always near the top of my annual draft rankings, and this year is no different. Adding defensive back Cooper DeJean in the second round was tremendous value, but having Mitchell fall in their laps at No. 22 was a steal. An outstanding size/speed athlete, the Toledo product plays with high-level ball skills and composure. On top of landing an impressive class, the Eagles also added third-, fourth- and fifth-round selections in the 2025 draft via trade.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

The Eagles cleaned up on Day 3, adding a legacy pick (Jeremiah Trotter Jr.), an impact returner (Ainias Smith) and an oversized receiver (Johnny Wilson). I expect Shipley to make an immediate impact as part of the backfield. Though he runs like a grinder, Shipley has athleticism to make defenders miss — especially in the screen game, which should be more of an emphasis for the Eagles under new play caller Kellen Moore.

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Philadelphia Eagles A-

Day 1 grade: A

Day 2 grade: B+

Day 3 grade: A

Analysis: Don't forget about the Eagles when identifying 2024 NFC title contenders, especially after this draft. Getting Mitchell to help the cornerback room without having to trade up was a major win. They moved up for DeJean like Detroit did for Brian Branch last year; I suspect he'll have a similar impact as a rookie. Hunt's potential on the edge was worth the third-round pick. The grade reflects the trade of this year's third-round pick for cornerback Kelee Ringo last year; the result is still uncertain.

General manager Howie Roseman traded several times Saturday, flipping the script on last year's Ringo deal by getting 2025 third- and fifth-round selections. All-purpose back Shipley and receiver Smith will likely play on special teams and the offense as rookies. My favorite pick of the day was Roseman trading for Trotter, a fine player and legacy pick for the Eagles. McMahon could start at center this year if Cam Jurgens does not, and Keegan was a great pick late to add youth to the guard depth chart.
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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: A+

Mitchell — Philadelphia fortifies its 28th-ranked coverage unit with arguably the most talented cornerback in this class. Mitchell led all FBS cornerbacks in PFF overall grade in each of the past two seasons. His outstanding athleticism and ability to make plays in off-coverage make him a perfect fit in Vic Fangio's defense.

DeJean — The Eagles add two top-10 players on the PFF big board in the first two rounds of this draft, both at the cornerback position. DeJean projects as a movable piece in Vic Fangio's defense who could theoretically end up outside, in the slot or at safety. He's been extremely productive in the Iowa secondary, allowing just a 45.0 passer rating into his coverage over the past two seasons.

Hunt — A small-school player, Hunt dominated the lower levels, racking up 78 pressures, 14 hits and 14 sacks since 2022. He has athleticism, explosiveness and power that many edge rushers in this class don't possess. He needs development to win at the next level, but his traits give him a great chance at reaching his potential.

Shipley — Shipley is one of the better athletes among running backs in this draft class, with a 99th-percentile PFF Game Athleticism Score. He was solid with the ball in his hands, too, and he earned a PFF grade above 70.0 in each of the past three seasons.

Smith — Smith proved a dangerous receiver after the catch at Texas A&M, as he forced 20 missed tackles after the catch in 2023 (seventh among all WRs). On 102 combined targets the past two seasons, he dropped just two passes.

Trotter — Sure to be one of the big stories of the day due to him heading to the same place where his father enjoyed an outstanding career, Trotter ranked fourth among all linebackers the past two seasons with a 91.3 overall grade. He also ranked fourth nationally in that time with a 92.1 coverage grade.

Keegan — Supplementing the interior is a sound approach here for the Eagles, who needed to fill some voids. Keegan didn't allow a sack in 2023 and earned a career-high pass-blocking grade (80.7). He played eight games without allowing a single quarterback pressure.

Wilson — The massive receiver out of Florida State finally comes off the board in the sixth round. At 6-foot-6 and 231 pounds, Wilson ran an impressive 4.52-second 40-yard dash. While not a super-developed route runner, there is certainly a role at the next level for a vertical threat who converted 21 contested catches over the past two seasons.

McMahon — A depth pick at this point in the draft, McMahon allowed just one sack and 12 total pressures from 361 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. He put up career highs in overall grade (69.7) and pass-blocking grade (71.3) last season.
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Philadelphia Eagles
Overall grade: A-
The Eagles played the draft so well. They let Quinyon Mitchell fall right into their lap with the 22nd overall pick and he has all the tools necessary to be a CB1 in the NFL. Then, they jumped back up in Round 2 to grab the falling Cooper DeJean. Taking swings on Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson on the third day of the draft might work for them and they made the feel-good selection of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. They also added a couple picks in 2025, including a future third-round selection from the Dolphins. Well played, Howie Roseman.

Favorite pick: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa (40th overall)
DeJean should have been a first-round pick, full stop. He is a stud who can play every position in the secondary. With Quinyon Mitchell also being selected, DeJean might have to play safety or slot early in his career, but he's well-equipped for that role too. He also has great ability in the return game. He's a special player all-around.

Least favorite pick: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson (127th overall)
Weird pick. Shipley doesn't profile as a dynamic NFL back, but he was a solid player in college. If this is the worst this class has to offer, not so bad. At least the Eagles picked up a future fifth-round selection in the process of getting Shipley.
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Philadelphia Eagles

GM Howie Roseman knows how to balance the draft as well as any GM in the league. Sometimes he's ultra aggressive, other times he trades back multiple times and lets the draft come to him. Either way, it always feels like quality prospects fall into his lap, doesn't it?

Mitchell AND DeJean? HELLO. Hunt has immense upside based on what he showed in 2023 at Houston Baptist, which came after a switch from safety at Cornell. Smith and Wilson are two divergent specimens but both experienced productive collegiate careers at marquee programs. And Trotter has the coverage ability and range to be a star in Philadelphia, just like his dad.

Grade: A-
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Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles GM Howie Roseman is a wizard. After trying to trade up in the first round for a CB, the top one — Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell — fell right to him at 22. Then he got another corner with a first-round grade by trading up for Iowa's Cooper DeJean in Round 2. That alone would've made it a great weekend for Philly, but Roseman added to it with a Day 3 deal to bring LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to his father's old franchise. Their one curious move was taking Houston Christian edge rusher Jalyx Hunt in the third, but the Eagles can afford a high-ceiling project like that. Oh, and all of Roseman's trades got them some 2025 draft capital, too.

Grade: A-
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Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles once again had a top talent fall to them near the bottom of Round 1. A year after landing Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith with the No. 30 overall pick, the Eagles snagged Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell at No. 22.

Mitchell was the top-ranked corner and the 10th overall prospect on the B/R Scouting Department's final draft board. The pick was a ridiculous value for Philadelphia, and it also filled a significant need.

Mitchell will immediately bolster a pass defense that needed cornerback help and finished last season ranked 31st in yards allowed. While he has a small-school background, he was the talk of the Senior Bowl and has been on the rise ever since. At absolute worst, Mitchell will provide valuable depth in the secondary and on special teams as a rookie.

Philly didn't let anyone fall to it in Round 2, instead trading a pair of second-round picks to move up for cornerback Cooper DeJean. The former Hawkeye is an athletic, versatile defensive back who easily could have been the Eagles' pick at No. 22. The value of the pick helped offset the cost of the trade.

Houston Christian's Jalyx Hunt is a small-school edge prospect who may need time to develop, but the Eagles are well-positioned to give him time and maximize his athletic potential.

General manager Howie Roseman uncovered some terrific depth on Day 3 in the form of running back Will Shipley, receiver Ainias Smith and receiver Johnny Wilson.

Free-agent addition Saquon Barkley has a significant injury history, and the Eagles have long needed a reliable third receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Shipley, Wilson and Ainias Smith could all fill notable roles as rookies.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was the 77th-ranked prospect on the final B/R big board and could develop into a regular contributor in Philadelphia's defense. He should be viewed as one of the best value picks of Day 3.

It was another very strong draft for Roseman and the Eagles, with bargains through and through and multiple future starters likely in the mix.

Grade: A+

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Philadelphia Eagles A+

THE EAGLES CAME INTO THE DRAFT WITH MASSIVE QUESTION MARKS AT CORNERBACK, THEN CAME OUT OF THE WEEKEND WITH TWO OF MY TOP-RANKED PLAYERS AT THE POSITION. Philly somehow managed to land Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (my no. 12 player) at 22nd overall before turning around in the second round and trading up to nab Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (my no. 17 player) at 40th overall. Not shabby! Philly GM Howie Roseman did his typical thing, moving up and down the board to position the team to draft the guys they wanted (making eight trades in all, adding third, fourth, and fifth-rounders in 2025 along the way). In the end, the Eagles picked nine times—finishing with a haul that includes two very intriguing receivers in Texas A&M's Ainias Smith and Florida State's Johnny Wilson. I'll be watching those two pass-catchers closely; Smith is a diminutive and versatile slot receiver who brings return value, while Wilson is a jumbo-sized receiver who has the talent and tools to eventually emerge as the team's no. 3 option behind A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith.
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Philadelphia Eagles Draft Grade: A-

Instant impact: Quinyon Mitchell, CB

Best value: Cooper DeJean, CB

Riskiest pick: Jalyx Hunt, EDGE

The Eagles completely overhauled their secondary with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Howie Roseman then played the game of the draft perfectly on Day 3, picking three extra 2025 picks including a third-rounder while also getting good value on players like Ainais Smith and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
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Philadelphia Eagles A-

Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: A
Draft picks: CB Quinyon Mitchell, CB Cooper DeJean, EDGE Jalyx Hunt, RB Will Shipley, WR Ainias Smith, LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., G Trevor Keegan, WR/TE Johnny Wilson, C/G Dylan McMahon

Analysis: GM Howie Roseman somehow ended up with arguably the two best corners in the class to fill a big need. Hunt can tap into his big small-school pass-rush upside for Vic Fangio. Shipley, Smith, and Wilson are valuable, versatile cogs for Jalen Hurts to support Saquon Barkley, the expensive wideouts, and tight ends.
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Philadelphia Eagles: A+ Grade

Goals 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+.
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Philadelphia Eagles A

Analysis: Similar in complexion to the Lions draft, this was a targeted rebuild as well as a big swing in the third round to take a former safety-turned-edge rusher who could end up being one of those draft gems. Cooper DeJean is going to shine in the zone-heavy Vic Fangio scheme, and the Eagles, in a division with the pick-prone Dak Prescott and Daniel Jones, plus a rookie in Jayden Daniels, are suddenly a daunting opponent.
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Philadelphia Eagles A

They got, arguably, the draft's best defensive back (Toledo first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell). They got, arguably, the draft's most athletic and versatile defensive back (Iowa second-rounder Cooper DeJean). Third-rounder pass rusher Jalyx Hunt is an intriguing project, and fourth-round Clemson RB Will Shipley could maximize the plays Saquon Barkley takes off. Michigan G Trevor Keegan and Florida State WR Johnny Wilson are high-ceiling Day 3 picks, and fifth-round Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. puts the cherry on top with the sentimental homecoming factor ... at a position that's seemingly been unsettled since dad left.
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Diomedes · April 30, 2024, 08:51:39 AM

tl;dr: too many white boys, overall grade: D

Rome · April 30, 2024, 08:57:13 AM

Maybe three or four become starters and one or two become Pro Bowl level guys. They didn't do anything outrageously stupid and getting two instant contributors like Mitchell and DeJean is impressive no matter how much luck was involved.

I said A- after the second day and that still feels right. They did pretty well on Saturday, though.

Diomedes · April 30, 2024, 09:00:57 AM

Joking aside, I'm suspicious of the universal praise. No one knows anything about how any of these will turn out, but somehow everyone agrees that the Eagles did a bang up job at the draft.

We'll see.