Grading the Eagles First Two Days of the Draft
Rounds one through three have been wrapped up in the 2022 NFL draft, and the Eagles have made some huge moves. The Birds made two trades in the first round to land the drafts unicorn, and one of the best receivers in the league. On day two, they didn’t make any trades and picked where they were scheduled too, but they still picked up Kelce’s replacement, and the linebacker that many had them taking in the first round.
In round one, the Eagles traded pick 15, a 4th rounder, and two 5th rounders to move up to 13 and grab Jordan Davis. This was a huge move because they were able to get the most athletic prospect in college football history, and they didn’t have to give up any first or second round picks (other than 15) up. Davis is 6’6 340 pounds and he ran a 4.78 second 40, which at his size is unbelievable. He is going to learn from a hall of famer in Fletcher Cox which will be huge for his development. This is a pick with an A+ grade for the Birds. Secondly in round one, they traded pick 18, and the later of their 3rd round picks for AJ Brown. Brown is one of the best receivers in the entire football league and he’s only 24 years old. In three seasons he has 2,995 yards, and 24 touchdowns. Howie was able to trade for him and extend him for 4 years and $100 million. His friendship with Jalen Hurts should be easily visible when they hit the field and that chemistry shows. It also is a great trade for DeVonta Smith, less pressure will be on him, and Smith/Brown has a chance to be one of the best receiving duos moving forward.
In round two, at pick 51 the Eagles selected Cam Jurgens, center from Nebraska. Jurgens is 6’3, 303 pounds, and ran the fastest 40 time for a center since Jason Kelce at 4.92 seconds. Many were surprised by the pick since Kelce is still playing at such a high level, but getting his replacement now, so he can learn under Kelce while hes still playing so well is a good idea. Jason Kelce also tweeted out showing massive support when Jurgens was picked, saying he was his favorite player in the draft and that he sees himself in Cam Jurgens. Drafting a center in round two isn’t where a lot of us saw the Eagles going, but if Jason Kelce enthusiastically approves, then so do I.
Lastly in round three, the Eagles were able to stay at their pick and select Nakobe Dean, Linebacker from Georgia. Dean was easily a top 20 pick talent, but fell do to concerns with a pectoral injury. Many had the Eagles taking Dean with the 15 or 18 pick, so the fact that they got him in the third round is amazing. This could be a major steal for the Eagles. Dean could be a perennial pro bowl linebacker and the Eagles need a player like that behind their amazing Defensive line.
The Eagles brought in four players who can and will change the outlook of this franchise. In just two nights the Eagles added the most athletic player in prospect history, one of the best and youngest receivers in the league, Kelces replacement, and a top 20 talent prospect in the third round. Howie has gained a ton of respect for this haul so far, and my grade for them in the first two days is an A.
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Categorized:Eagles