Philadelphia Eagles Draft Grades
How did the Eagles do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the Philadelphia Eagles draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1 (No.10 Overall) WR, Devonta Smith
Philadelphia traded up with the divisional rival the Dallas Cowboys to steal their guy before their other rivals the Giants could take Smith. For that I applaud them! Smith was my highest rated receiver, and the Alabama standout basically just used the 2020 season to show the world that size doesn’t matter. I don’t like comparing players to Hall of Famers, but the Marvin Harrison comp really makes sense to me here. I love Smith’s ability to get open, it’s almost as if he isn’t even being covered. I’m not too concerned about his size as I see him avoid big hits and contort his body like Harrison did. Grade A+
Round 2 (No.37) C, Landon Dickerson
We weren’t as high on Dickerson as some were, but we were still a fan. There were players we liked more for the Eagles here and his injury history is concerning. That being said when he is on the field he is a solid center who could also play guard. He moves well and uses his hips to block off defenders and remove them from the play. A solid addition to a beat up offensive line but why not add a tackle or elite guard? Grade B-
Round 3 (No.73) DT, Milton Williams
We love this pick. The Louisiana Tech standout is a physical freak. Our other analyst had him pegged as a top sleeper pick back when most analysts had him as a later round pick. He put up 10.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss over the last two years. This is a bit of a developmental pick here, but wow is the upside there. If he can learn from Fletcher Cox this may be a pick we look back on as a big steal. Grade A-
Round 4 (No.123) CB, Zech McPhearson
I’m not a fan of this pick. McPhearson looked lost at times for the Red Raiders. His play recognition was far from impressive, and at times he looks as if he is going to fall over when in his back pedal. He will be susceptible to double moves and deep routes at the NFL level. There were many players available Philly should have looked at here! Grade C-
Round 5 (No.150) RB, Kenneth Gainwell
It never hurts to have a stable of good running backs in the NFL and Gainwell should help the Eagles running back room immediately. The Memphis Tiger is elusive and instinctive. His vision should allow him to find more open lanes than not. That is if the Eagles line can even make a lane anymore. Miles Sanders shouldn’t have to shoulder so much anymore. Grade B+
Round 6 (No.189) DT, Marlon Tuipulotu
Howie Roseman is back to building up the trenches with another solid interior defensive lineman in Tuipulotu. This is a great pick considering it is the sixth round. Tui played well at USC, but he lacks something as a pass rusher. I’m not sure if he is the right fit for Philly’s defense. He is a solid big body who will provide quality depth. Grade B
Round 6 (No.191) EDGE, Tarron Jackson
The Coastal Carolina standout is an athletic edge defender with solid production during his four years at college. He produced 18 sacks and 5 forced fumbles over the last 2 seasons. I love what he brought to the table at Coastal, but will he be able to produce at the NFL level? He lacks ideal bend and seems to disappear at times on film. Grade B+
Round 6 (No.224) S, JaCoby Stevens
Okay. I like Stevens, but I see him as a bit of a tweener. He lacks the athleticism I want to see at safety, and he is too small for me to be a three down linebacker. He could serve as a nickel package hybrid, but I see him get too reckless at times. He takes him self out of the play from time to time, and he can miss big but when he is on he is a game changer. Grade B
Round 7 (No.234) EDGE, Patrick Johnson
I saw a lot of Johnson when I was evaluating his teammate Cam Sample. To be honest, I didn’t really see anything out of either of them that wowed me. Johnson was productive at Tulane, but again there was a lot of film where you never even realized he was on the field. For a seventh rounder I don’t hate it, but I just see him as another body. Grade B-
Overall Grade B+
