Eagles Full Draft Recap

Eagles Full Draft Recap – The 2021 NFL Draft has now come and gone. There were a lot of worries that Howie was once again gonna “muck” this one up. To say the least, I think Howie did a darn good job.

Ok, let’s say more. Here is a full recap of what the Eagles came out with.

Rounds 1 – 3

Alabama WR Devonta Smith – Yes, it wasn’t a dream. Something good, no great, has happened. Howie absolutely nailed the first round of the NFL draft. The pick wasn’t at #6 or at #12. Howie traded up with the Dallas Cowboys to #10 to jump the Giants and draft the Heisman Trophy winner, Devonta Smith. The Eagles got their guy, got an extra 1st round pick in 2022 (via Miami Dolphins), and gave a middle finger to the New York Giants. Could not be happy with how this round played out.

Alabama C/G Landon Dickerson – The big man from ‘Bama. Here’s the thing, this pick can turn into an absolute steal. A versatile offensive lineman who has played all 5 spots to eventually take over for Jason Kelce sooner than later. Also, a player who can step in for Brandon Brooks if he continues to get sidelined. I personally would’ve gone secondary here. Dickerson also has a bit of an injury history. However, if healthy and a constant contributor. Dickerson could turn out to be the backbone of this offensive line.

Lousiana Tech DT Milton Williams – Have to admit, I had to do some research on Williams when the pick came in. What I found is this guy is as strong as an Ox. Athletic and quick off the line. Also, Jonathan Gannon loves this pick. So, a plan may already be in place for how to get the most out of him. Check out Milton benching 500 POUNDS… WOW!

Eagles 3rd RD pick benched 500 lbs last month

Hello Milton Williams

pic.twitter.com/hekE6F7Om4

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) May 1, 2021

Rounds 4 – 7

Texas Tech CB Zech McPhearson – Eagles finally address the secondary. Although, McPhearson is projected to start as a special teamer who can eventually grow into a starting corner in the near future. The potential for this kid is sky-high. This still leaves the Eagles with an open spot opposite Darius Slay for a day 1 starter.

New Eagles CB Zech McPhearson
says he’s had this LeSean McCoy Eagles jersey since college, maybe when he was playing for Penn State

He put it on after he was drafted by the Birds pic.twitter.com/vI6OBh6SbN

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 1, 2021

Memphis RB Kenneth Gainwell – Some have him listed at 5’8″, some have him listed between 5’10” and 5″11″. Regardless of how big Gainwell is what we know is he can BALL. Howie grabs another weapon for Jalen Hurts. Gainwell opted out for 2020. But had a monster 2019 with 1500 yards rushing with 13 touchdowns to go along with 51 receptions for 610 receiving yards. Fun fact: Gainwell is cousins with Eagles Fletcher Cox.

Gainwell when asked if he compares himself to anyone already in the league.

“Not at all, I’m a rare breed. I’m a different one.”

Kenneth Gainwell

USC DT Marlon Tuipulotu – Eagles love drafting in the “Trenches” this draft was no different. Dipping again in the defensive tackle pool. Eagles grab a very talented tackle here with Tuipulotu. He finished at USC with 104 total tackles and 8.5 sacks. With Malik Jackson now gone. Marlon will be a solid rotational piece.

Coastal Carolina DT Tarron Jackson – Oh, would you look at that. Howie giving Jonathan Gannon all the tools he needs to put together a very strong defensive line. I’ve said before it’s not the size of the school that matters. It’s the size of the fight in the player. I’ve read nothing but awesome things about Jackson. Jackson could start off on the practice squad however like Tuipulotu could be a rotational piece. He has the talent to become a starter one day.

I’m sure there’s some people sick and tired of seeing the Philadelphia Eagles take linemen but that’s how we won a championship and that’s how we’re going to win another championship

Howie Roseman

LSU S/LB JaCoby Stevens – This is my favorite pick other than DeVonta Smith. This kid can straight-up play. A little confusion on where he will play though. Eagles yesterday labeled him a Linebacker. He played at safety at LSU. Stevens would have to put on about 10-15 to get up to the size of your prototypical Linebacker. Coming into the draft as a hybrid. Regardless of where he plays his presence will be felt. Love this pick. Great value in the 6th round.

Tulane LB Patrick Johnson – Funny enough, there is a bit of a question here also. Howie goes back-to-back “Linebackers”. However, all the clips I’ve watched of Johnson have him coming off the edge. And being quite good at it, to say the least. But again, regardless if PJ is coming off the edge or lining up as a Linebacker. He is disruptive. Howie continues to find really good players with great value in the later rounds of the draft each year. To close out this year’s draft Howie has done it again.

Eagles Key Draft Day Trades:
#10 overall from Dallas for #12 and #84
#73 overall and #191 from Carolina for #70
A 2022 fifth round pick from WTF for #225 and #240

There you have it. All nine draft picks. Since everyone else is giving a grade I suppose I will as well. If the Eagles would’ve addressed the secondary where I believe they should’ve in the second round and picked OLine depth in the third. I would grade it a bit higher. Overall though, I really liked this draft. Grade: B

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• Joey Sheeran
• Follow on Twitter: @Joey_EOP