Philadelphia Eagles Draft Grades
The Eagles had 10 draft selections at their disposal entering the 2022 NFL Draft that were accumulated through trades with the Colts and Dolphins. After making some notable moves in the draft, they ended up with just 5 selections. What were these moves and how did they affect the Eagles draft grade? Stay tuned!
13th Overall Selection (RD1-13) Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
The Eagles originally had the 15th overall selection, but decided to trade up two spots to 13 so that they could ensure they could get their guy. The Eagles parted ways with picks 15, 124,162, and 166. However, the guy they traded up for might just be worth all that and more. Jordan Davis was a huge component of the 2021 National Champions historical defense. Lining him up next to Fletcher Cox will create a nightmare interior defensive line. Davis’s huge frame of 6’6 and 340 pounds makes him an elite run stopper. Additionally, he has great hand use and has enough power to put pressure on the quarterback. Davis projects as a top nose tackle in the NFL. High floor, high ceiling kind of prospect.
Grade: A+
AJ Brown Trade
Although not technically a selection, I still feel the need to mention it in this draft recap, as he is one of the NFL’s best wide receivers. The Eagles traded picks 18 and 101 for him. I believe Brown is worth the compensation. The Eagles have been in the market for a WR1 for a while now, and Brown perfectly fills that role. Rather than taking a chance on a prospect, Eagles GM, Howie Roseman, decided to go after someone who you know what you are getting from. In Brown, you’re getting a top notch receiver who will be Jalen Hurts go-to receiving option. The Eagles have now all but eliminated receiver as a position of need. The receivers room now contains AJ Brown, last year’s first round pick, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, and Jalen Raegor. Hurts has more than enough weapons to showcase his ability.
Grade: A+
52nd Overall Selection (Rd 2-19) Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska
The veteran, Jason Kelce, is one of the best centers that the NFL has to offer. However, age is starting to come into play and retirement seems imminent. Jurgens is being drafted as Kelce’s eventual replacement. This is a smart pick by Philadelphia and shows that they have an eye towards the future. Jurgens is a great run blocker. He shows a great ability to pull and get to the second level. He is also a pretty sound pass blocker. There are some questions about his size as he stands at 6’3 and 290 pounds. However, his hot motor and traits that I previously mentioned help compensate for his lack of great size. Learning from one of the best centers in the game will help him refine some of his traits that need work.
Grade: A
83rd Overall Selection (Rd 3-19), Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Dean was consistently graded as a first or early second round prospect in mock drafts. However, there were some injury concerns floating around regarding a pectoral injury. Regardless of the injury, getting Dean in the third round is a great move. This is a low risk, high reward move, as Dean has the skills to be one of the most impactful players coming out of this year’s draft. This selection also fills a big need that the Eagles have at linebacker. He has often been compared to one of the league’s best, Lavonte David. Dean has great instincts, speed, and pass rushing ability for a guy his size. He also has great power, evident by the fact he can push back opposing offensive lineman. Additionally, his tackling ability is very sound. His biggest knock is his frame. Standing at 6’0 and 225 pounds, Dean may have struggles covering tight ends and bigger bodied receivers. His size issues are a valid concern, as not many linebackers his size have had great production in the NFL. However, his strengths in athleticism, instincts, and tackling may be enough to compensate for his lack of size.
Grade: A
181st Overall Selection (Rd 6-2), Kyron Johnson, EDGE, Kansas
Kyron is a fast and explosive player who often played on the edge and at OLB whose skills will translate to a SAM role in the NFL. His athleticism is terrific and he does a good job getting to the QB. He had 8.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles this past year. His upside is tremendous and getting him in the sixth round is good value
Grade: B+
198th Overall Selection (Rd 6-19), Grant Calcaterra, TE, SMU
Grant’s story is interesting. He originally played for Oklahoma from 2017-2019, where he made All-Big 12 teams on two occasions. In 2019, he retired from football due to concussions but decided to come back to football in January 2021 for SMU. Calcaterra shows great tracking ability and athleticism. He is a reliable pass catcher with good YAC ability. I believe if it wasn’t for his time away from the game, he could have been drafted much higher. This is great value in the sixth round and provides great depth at the TE position.
Grade: B+
Eagles Draft Grade Overall: A
The trade for AJ Brown and drafting of Jordan Davis will make an instant impact on the team next year. I believe that the Eagles are in a prime position to be contenders. If not this year, definitely moving forward, as a lot of the prospects that were drafted have high ceilings. Cam Jurgens is a great draft and stash option and has very good chances to succeed in the league with Kelce as his mentor. The Eagles got a lot of good value with their later round picks which heavily contribute to their A grade. This now makes back to back years in which Philadelphia has had successful drafts. There may be brighter days ahead for Eagles fans.
Eagles Draft Grade Analyst-Andrew Angelina.
