2021 Draft Discussion

[ice grillin you]

sporting news

It's fair to call this class solid but not spectacular for GM Howie Roseman, at least after the trade up to pick Smith. The Eagles went down the line addressing their needs and probably landed a couple near-future starters on top of Smith and Dickerson.

nfl.com

Day 1 grade: A

Day 2 grade: A-

Day 3 grade: A



Analysis: The Eagles became the first team in 16 years to use back-to-back first-round selections on receivers when they traded up two spots to pick Smith (they selected Jalen Reagor 21st overall last April). Smith is an outstanding talent who could very well prove worthy of sending their division-rival Cowboys a third-rounder for the two-spot swap. Dickerson was selected as a guard and could be center Jason Kelce's replacement in a year or two, though his injury history made him a bit of a risk as a top-40 pick. Williams' athleticism had earned him a spot in the third round. He'll give Philly some needed depth at defensive tackle.

They found the nickel corner they needed in McPhearson early in the fourth, then found value in the fifth round with a slasher, dual-threat back in Gainwell. Trading sixth- and seventh-round picks this year to Washington for a fifth next year was shrewd, if for no other reason than the fifth-rounder will play as a better trading chip if they need to make another move down the road. With Josh Sweat and Derek Barnett set to hit free agency soon, they were smart to nab Jackson in the sixth round. Stevens is a strong tackler and leader who could play linebacker or safety in the NFL.

PFF

Day 1: The Eagles need elite players at many different positions, and they get one by initially trading down but then trading up to take DeVonta Smith. The Heisman Trophy winner immediately becomes the best receiver on Philadelphia's roster. All Smith did last season was produce a 94.9 PFF grade with 23 touchdowns. He can play either wide or in the slot — it doesn't matter. His diminutive size may have scared some teams off, but he has shown he can get open against anyone.

Day 2: If it weren't for injuries, Landon Dickerson would be a high first-round pick and one of the best offensive linemen in this draft. But multiple ACL injuries caused his stock to come with a significant medical red flag. Taking that gamble in the second round is a lot smarter than doing so in the first. The Eagles can look for him to replace Jason Kelce long-term and maybe find a starting spot at guard in the meantime.

Williams is undersized on the interior. However, he showed at a historically impressive Pro Day that he has the athleticism necessary to win at that size in the NFL. He took a big leap forward this past season, improving his PFF grade from 72.6 to 90.8 from 2019 to 2020. The Eagles are set at starter between Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, but Williams adds to the depth inside following the loss of Malik Jackson.

Day 3: The Eagles are getting incredible value for Patrick Johnson, a player ranked 92nd on PFF's Big Board. He is a nice technical player but needs to create consistent value by showing up to play on every down. When he's on his game, he is a very good player.

Draft Grade B-

usa today

Jumping the Giants for DeVonta Smith was a smooth move, and I guess the Cowboys knew they'd have to deal with the Heisman winner either way, so they might as well get a third-round pick out of the deal. Landon Dickerson was a risky pick with his injury history, especially with the other centers who were still on the board. Milton Williams was the most underrated interior defender in this draft, and deserving of all the fist-bumps. Kenneth Gainwell was the best of multiple bargain picks on Day 3 that should help their depth on both sides of the ball.

GRADE: B-

ny post

Philadelphia Eagles

Grade: B+

Analysis: Traded from No. 6 to No. 12 to No. 10 to land Smith, a possible target at No. 6. But trading down in the third round for an extra sixth was foolish and cost the Eagles a much-needed cornerback. Dickerson could start the year on IR.

yahoo

Philadelphia Eagles
Picks: 1-10: Alabama WR DeVonta Smith; 2-37: Alabama C-OG Landon Dickerson; 3-73: Louisiana Tech DT Milton Williams; 4-123: Texas Tech CB Zech McPhearson; 5-150: Memphis RB Kenneth Gainwell; 6-189: USC DT Marlon Tuipulotu; 6-191: Coastal Carolina EDGE Tarron Jackson; 6-224: LSU S JaCoby Stevens; 7-234: Tulane EDGE Patrick Johnson

Favorite pick: Dickerson

There's a considerable health risk here, as four of Dickerson's five college seasons ended with injury. If he can stay healthy, the Eagles landed one of the smarter, tougher, more physical interior linemen with an early second-round pick. Jason Kelce is in the twilight of his career, and Dickerson brings intangibles — and about 50 more pounds — that are similar to the Eagles' longtime great. We're holding out hope that Dickerson can have a long career because he has virtually everything desirable in an offensive lineman, save for a clean medical history.

Least-favorite pick: Willams

We moved Williams into our top 100 list before the draft at No. 87 overall because of his tremendous athleticism, intriguing upside and hot motor. He remains a project whose traits outweigh his production, and his size could be a limiting factor. He's neither massive nor long for interior duty, so he'll have to clean up his technique and learn better balance and keep blockers from getting into his chest so often. We don't hate this pick, but we don't think it was their best.

Overall: After a thoroughly confusing 2020 draft effort, the Eagles rebounded quite nicely with this year's haul. The leapfrog over the Giants to grab Smith was inspired; they wouldn't have gotten him otherwise. McPhearson (three career blocked kicks, four INTs in 2020), Gainwell and Tuipulotu were well worth the value where they were picked. Jackson has some Hugh Douglas vibes to him, able to make game-changing plays but also the kind of player who draws a lot of attention from referees. Stevens and Johnson could vie for roster spots. They also netted a lot of 2022 draft ammo with the trades with the Colts and Dolphins. For a team supposedly wallowing in dysfunction, the Eagles appeared to make the most of this class.

Grade: B+


Draft Kings

Philadelphia Eagles
Final draft grade: B+

The Philadelphia Eagles surprisingly made the smart pick in the first round and did not reach with the selection of DeVonta Smith. The reigning Heisman Trophy addressed an immediate need for Philadelphia and gives an explosive playmaker for Jalen Hurts.

After that, the Eagles made the trenches a priority on Day 2, which many fans were not happy with because they have holes at linebacker and cornerback. But in Round 2, they took offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and in Round 3 took Milton Williams.

On Day 3, they finally grabbed a cornerback in Zech McPherson, who was ranked the fourth-best boundary cornerback by Football Gameplan's Emory Hunt. In the fifth round, they added running back Kenneth Gainwell, who could be Nyheim Hines in Nick Sirianni's offense. For their last few picks, they drafted DT Marlon Tuipulotu, EDGE Tarron Jackson, SAF JaCoby Stevens, and EDGE Patrick Johnson.

waspo

Philadelphia Eagles: B+

The Eagles traded up two spots in the first round for WR DeVonta Smith. The addition of the Heisman Trophy winner provides second-year QB Jalen Hurts with a dynamic playmaker at receiver. Getting another Alabama product in the second round, C/G Landon Dickerson, fortified the interior of the offensive line.

sd tribune

Philadelphia
Grade: A-

Notable undrafted free agents: Georgia QB Jamie Newman, Florida WR Trevon Grimes.
The lowdown: If Dickerson stays healthy and Newman challenges Jalen Hurts than GM Howie Roseman will look back on this draft class fondly.

houston chronicle

Eagles

WR DeVonta Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner, is instant offense for QB Jalen Hurts, and he'll make defenses miserable. C Landon Dickerson can play guard and should be an immediate starter. DT Milton Williams could contribute as a rookie. CB Zech McPhearson is playing a need position and could earn a lot of playing time. Grade: C

the athletic

ROUND 1

No. 10: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Andy Staples: What the Eagles are getting in DeVonta Smith

Dane Brugler's analysis: Three wide receivers have been drafted and all three have been reunited with their former college quarterbacks. Smith might be an outlier from a size perspective, but his gliding speed, ball skills and competitive mentality are a unique blend. Jalen Hurts has an audition season in 2021 to prove he is the franchise quarterback and Smith will only help him compete for the long-term job.

Sheil Kapadia's grade: The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was unguardable last year, with 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. Is his 166-pound frame a concern? Sure. But Smith has shown a knack for knowing how to protect himself, and he had no durability issues (54 games in four seasons) in college going up against SEC competition. Smith's instincts are off the charts, and coaches will love his smarts and competitiveness.

The Eagles have talked about drafting for volume. But they clearly felt like they had to get ahead of the Giants to land Smith. To do so, they had to give up a third-rounder (No. 84). This was a reasonable move for a player with an impressive track record and a high ceiling. Grade: B

ROUND 2

No. 37: Landon Dickerson, C/G, Alabama
Andy Staples: What the Eagles are getting in Landon Dickerson

Dane Brugler's analysis: Based on talent and character, Dickerson was an easy first-round pick, but he slipped a little due to the medical red flags. His power, movements and intelligence are all above average and he is the only player in this draft with at least one start at each of the five offensive line spots. He will be a steal if he stays on the field.

Sheil Kapadia's grade: The question with Dickerson is not talent, but durability. He suffered a season-ending injury three times in college. Having said that, Dickerson still managed to start 37 games, and according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just one sack during his entire college career. Dickerson started games at all five offensive line positions.

As far as process, though, this one is a head-scratcher. The Eagles have needs up and down their roster. The one area where they've been able to do more with less is on the offensive line. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to spend such a high pick on an interior offensive lineman with durability issues. Grade: C-

ROUND 3

No. 73: Milton Williams, DL, Louisiana Tech
Dane Brugler's analysis: The 70th-ranked player on my board, Williams was a good value pick here for the Eagles. He tested off the charts and that athleticism allowed him to be disruptive on film, collecting 19.0 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. He is short-armed player but should give the Eagles inside-outside versatility.

Sheil Kapadia's grade: Williams (6-foot-3, 284) is an underrated prospect. He produced 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. Williams offers the ability to provide interior pass rush, and he tested well athletically. The Eagles need depth at defensive tackle, and Williams offers upside. Grade: B+

ROUND 4

No. 123: Zech McPhearson, CB, Texas Tech
Zach Berman's analysis: McPhearson, 23, is 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds. He was first-team All-Big 12 last season with 4 INTs and 10 passes defended. The Maryland native played the first three years of his career at Penn State. He'll have a chance to compete for early playing time in a defense that needs help at CB. The Eagles return Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox, but they have little proven talent behind those two.

Dane Brugler's analysis: McPhearson displays the movement skills to mirror and stay on top of routes with the competitiveness to challenge passing windows. He does a nice job balancing his eyes between backfield and receiver, although he needs to improve his anticipation and response time to route tells. Overall, McPhearson has an intriguing mix of fluidity, toughness and cover skills and with improved play recognition, he should compete for NFL starting reps, fitting both man and zone teams with inside/outside ability.

ROUND 5

No. 150: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
Zach Berman's analysis: Gainwell was Dane Brugler's No. 4 RB in the entire draft. He rushed for 1,459 yards and 13 TDs and caught 51 passes for 610 yards in 2019 before opting out last season. Gainwell, 22, is 5-8 and 201 pounds and ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash. The Eagles have Miles Sanders entrenched as the. No. 1 running back, but Gainwell could earn playing time ahead of Boston Scott as the No. 2.

Dane Brugler's analysis: With his vision and cutting skills, Gainwell feels developing blocks, especially outside, which allow him to hit the crease and use his shiftiness at the second and third levels. He proved himself as a productive pass catcher in college, but his blocking leaves a lot to be desired. Overall, Gainwell lacks ideal size and body power which leads to durability and usage concerns, but he is a versatile rushing/receiving threat with instinctive playmaking skills and projects as a scheme-versatile offensive weapon.

ROUND 6

No. 189: Marlon Tuipulotu, DT, USC
Zach Berman's analysis: Tuipulotu, 21, was first-team All-Pac 12 last season. He's 6-foot-2 and 307 pounds and is the second defensive tackle the Eagles drafted. This could prove to be a value pick: Dane Brugler had Tuipulotu ranked as the No. 3 DT in the draft and the No. 69 overall player with a grade in the second/third round.

Dane Brugler's analysis: Tuipulotu flashes power in his hands to shock and knock back blockers, separating and locating the football in the run game. He doesn't have a ton of backfield production versus the pass, but he accelerates into blockers and gives them all they can handle. Overall, Tuipulotu lacks elite pass-rushing tools, but he is strong, stout and active to be a dominant run defender. He projects as an NFL starter who can play in one- or two-gap schemes.

No. 191: Tarron Jackson, DE, Coastal Carolina
Zach Berman's analysis: Jackson, 22, is 6-foot-2 and 254 pounds. He was a consensus All-American last season with 8.5 sacks and had 18.5 sacks during the past two seasons. The Eagles are top heavy at defensive end with Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat, but there are long-term questions at the position.

Dane Brugler's analysis: With his upfield energy, Jackson is quick to soften the edge with his heavy hands and cross into the neutral zone. While he is gap sound and holds up at the point, he has a tweener body type and needs to improve his anchor strength and shed skills. Overall, Jackson's gaudy college production might not translate, but he is a spark-plug rusher with the snap quickness and pop in his hands to line up inside or outside. He projects as a base end who can reduce on passing downs.

No. 224: JaCoby Stevens, S, LSU
Zach Berman's analysis: The Eagles drafted LSU safety JaCoby Stevens in the sixth round at No. 224, although the team is calling Stevens a linebacker. Stevens, 22, started the past two years (and parts of 2018) for LSU and led the Tigers in tackles last season. He's 6-foot-1, 212 pounds with a 4.58-second 40-yard dash. Stevens was considered a box safety who could help on special teams, so a move to LB could make sense. The Eagles had not yet drafted a linebacker.

Dane Brugler's analysis: Stevens runs the alley with conviction and loves to thump, although he needs to improve his downhill discipline and eliminate the missed plays. He has adequate ball skills in coverage, but the deeper he plays, the more ineffective he becomes. Overall, Stevens is a linebacker in the body of a safety and often the toughest player on the field, but he is a complicated study because of his tweener skills and uneven play. He projects as a box player and special-teamer.

ROUND 7

No. 234: Patrick Johnson, DE/LB, Tulane
Zach Berman's analysis: Johnson, 22, was an edge rusher in college who had 10 sacks last season and 10.5 sacks in 2018. He's 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds and was viewed as a likely 3-4 outside linebacker. It remains to be seen how the Eagles will use him, but it looks like they'll play him as an off-ball linebacker.

Dane Brugler's analysis: Despite average physical traits, Johnson is relentless in pursuit and has a knack for finding the quickest route from A to B (was one of only four FBS player to reach double-digit sacks in 2020). He faces a large jump in competition at the NFL level and needs to continue adding to his bag of tricks to cover up his shortcomings. Overall, Johnson lacks overwhelming size/strength and doesn't consistently play up to his testing numbers, but he is disciplined, physical and will be a tough player to cut once he's in a camp. He projects as a backup edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme.

The Ringer: B+

What they said: The Eagles sent Dallas a third-round pick to move up two spots in the first round and select Smith, but that seems worth it: They come away with a big-time playmaker and the no. 1 receiver for their offense. Philly doubled down on Alabama players by nabbing Dickerson, who should bolster the interior of their line right away. I'm intrigued by Gainwell, as the fifth-round pick could complement Miles Sanders and become a pass-catching threat in space. And on defense, the Eagles did well by nabbing Williams and Tuipulotu. The former has the tools to emerge as a subpackage rusher early in his career.

Pro Football Network: B+

What they said: As a team, the Philadelphia Eagles did a solid job putting pieces around Jalen Hurts. They traded up to secure their No. 1 receiver, before taking a risk on Landon Dickerson. The Eagles added upside options to their defense, but there are still concerns.

NBC Sports Edge: B

What they said: The Eagles' punking Gettleman in Round 1 was high comedy. It had to feel especially sweet for Philly to get the last top-tier receiver before a big drop talent drop to Tier 2 while punking Gettleman and leaving his hated Giants out in the cold, only to panic-reach on the limited utility of Kadarius Toney. A strong Day 2 followed, with good value found on both Dickerson and Williams. The Williams pick produced the most hilarious moment of draft weekend, when Howie Roseman's run around the room for congratulatory fist-bumps hit a snag when he offered knuckles to senior scout Tom Donahue, staring off into space in the corner of the room by himself -- as it turns out, seething in rage away from his colleagues who clearly disagreed with whatever alternate approach to the Williams pick he'd proposed. Donahue exchanged terse words to a visibly confused Roseman (who must have known darn well why Donahue was ticked). Incredibly, the exchange was caught during a live ESPN look into the Eagles war room. Don't tell Donahue, but I'm with Roseman on the Williams pick. Either way, Philly picked up the pieces and made a pair of nice mid-Day 3 picks in Kenneth Gainwell and Marlon Tuipulotu. Strong draft that has the potential to become epic due to Smith's Marvin Harrison ceiling and whether Donahue's moment scolding Roseman like a child who came back late after curfew gets GIF treatment and becomes iconic ala Laremy Tunsil's BongGate.

The Draft Network: B-

What they said: The lack of attention to cornerbacks and linebackers gets the "-" here, but the talent this team did add is impressive, especially considering the pure skill sets of Landon Dickerson, Milton Williams, Kenneth Gainwell, and Marlon Tuipulotu.

Fansided: C

What they said: Thursday night in Round 1, Howie Roseman showed why he is one of the more adept NFL Draft wheelers and dealers in the league, but then the Eagles' draft went careening off the tracks.

To be able to jump the division rival NY Giants, and take Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith, who multiple sources tell FanSided was the top player on general manager Dave Gettleman's board, and not surrender a future first-round pick to do so is a major victory. Smith is an electrifying downfield threat, and a major step towards building around second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts, while maintaining the flexibility to trade up and take a quarterback with one of the top-selections in 2022.

However, even though Landon Dickerson hasn't allowed a sack since 2017, the former Alabama guard/center is a major injury risk after two ACL tears. At best, Dickerson is a long-term replacement for Jason Kelce and an immediate starter at one of the offensive guard spots, at worst, he is an injury-risk and reach. It also feels like a significant reach to select Milton Williams, a defensive tackle along an already stout defensive front, especially when video of what appears to be front office division over the selection was broadcast to the world.

The Eagles needed to hit a home run in this class, and seem to have come out managing only a double.

[Diomedes]

your draft grade summary post:  A

everything in one place, nice job breaking each report apart without getting silly about line breaks, etc, fine use of italicized bold, and extra credit for capitalization...I didn't know your keyboard had a shift key..though I suspect any capitalization was copypasted in, not added by your hand....

Would be an A+ but for the edits...I always consider myself a failure if I'm forced to edit a post after the window of time allowed to avoid the tag

[ice grillin you]

the edit was me forgetting to I and B one of the reviews but i 100% agree with being a total failure if you have to edit...however the edit was the lesser of the two evils in this case...it would have drove me bonkers to know one of the headers was not I and B

[QB Eagles]

These grades are used to drive clicks the day after the draft and are never mentioned again. Think these outlets should at minimum be required to disclose what grade they gave JJAW a couple years ago so we can put their analysis in proper context.

[ice grillin you]

its not breaking news to say that not every mock draft or draft grade is accurate....ive still never not clicked on one

[Rome]

Smith is a pick we're going to look back on and say that was one of the best picks this team ever made. 

Or worst.

But definitely one of those two. 

[ice grillin you]

Dane Brugler just dropped his full league draft grades and has the birds at #1

[MDS]

howie jerking off to that...nobody smells themselves quite like our little dude