The draft’s first two days are wrapped up, and the Eagles are flying high after getting some of the top talents in the first round.
Philadelphia drafted a total of four players the first two days, so let’s grade the first four picks of the Eagles draft.
Jalen Carter: A
Jalen Carter fell to pick 9 before the Eagles traded a fourth-round pick next year to the Bears to move up from 10 and select him. Carter at 9 is a tremendous value for the Birds. The fourth they traded for him next year will be replaced with a fourth-round compensatory pick from Javon Hargrave signing with the 49ers. Carter was widely viewed as the best prospect in this entire draft class.
The circumstances surrounding him are the reason he fell to 9. I believe the Eagles’ culture will keep Carter on the right track, and he will benefit from playing with three of his former teammates from Georgia.
Nolan Smith: A+
Nolan Smith falling into the Eagles’ laps at pick number 30 was one of the most surprising parts of the draft, in my opinion. Smith was often mocked by the Eagles with their 10th pick, so being able to get him at 30 is incredible. He is often compared to Haason Reddick, which is something to be extremely excited about.
Having him come off the edge and having Davis and Carter up the middle is something that should get Eagles fans pumped up. This could be a legendary defensive line if they can replicate what they did at Georgia.
Tyler Steen: A
Again, another fantastic value pick from the Eagles. Steen played tackle at Alabama, so he has faced some of the best defensive linemen that college football has to offer. He is very athletic, and he has enough versatility to play guard.
The Eagles announced him as a guard when they drafted him, so he will compete with Cam Jurgens for the right guard spot. The trend of taking linemen from the top college programs has paid off so far, and with Steen, it looks like that will continue.
Sydney Brown: B+
The Birds have an obvious need for safety. He is very experienced and played well over his career at Illinois. He is highly athletic and explosive. He is great in the box and not afraid to lay a hit. He has great ball skills, and he could be the day-one starter if he plays as well as he did in college.
The Eagles have had amazing drafts through the first two days for the last three years. Howie and the front office know what they are doing, and it will be exciting to see who they add on day three.
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