Grading the Philadelphia Eagles 2014 Draft

By Ryan Ratty on Wednesday, May 14th 2014
Grading the Philadelphia Eagles 2014 Draft

After a 10-6 season in 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles look to improve their record as well as get farther in the playoffs than the wild card round. Although the Eagles have gotten better with the addition of Darren Sproles and the re-signings of Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin, the rest of the NFC East has gotten better too.

The NFC East is known for being one of the toughest divisions in the NFL and that still holds true. The Redskins signed DeSean Jackson and Jason Hatcher. The Giants were one of the most active teams in free agency. The Cowboys also got deeper, even with the losses of Hatcher Demarcus Ware. That being said, the Eagles needed to have a good draft. Let's take a look at the Eagles' draft and how they graded out.

 

1st Round, 26th Pick: Marcus Smith, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Louisville

Seen by many as the biggest reach of the first round, this was definitely a questionable pick. Some had said that Smith is a second-to-third prospect. Regardless of a reach, the Eagles had a need for a pass rusher and Smith could become a real good player with some tuning to his game. (Grade: B-)

 

2nd Round, 42nd Pick: Jordan Matthews, Wide Receiver, Vanderbilt

Jordan Matthews is one of my favorite receivers in this draft class. One of the NFL's hottest trends is big-bodied receivers. That's exactly what Matthews is. Subpar quarterback play hurt his college production, but Matthews has the combination of hands and athleticism to be a gifted receiver. He will be insurance for Maclin in case he isn't the same player coming back from his ACL injury. (Grade: A)

 

3rd Round, 86th Pick: Josh Huff, Wide Receiver, Oregon

To those who follow Chip Kelly, speed is his ultimate goal. Kelly was the head coach at Oregon and one of his favorite players there was Josh Huff. Although the Eagles took a receiver a round earlier, Huff may be that wild card that will put this offense over the top. The duo of Sproles and Huff will be a tough one to stop. (Grade: B+)

 

4th Round, 101st Pick: Jaylen Watkins, Cornerback, Florida

The Eagles had one of the worst secondaries in the league last season, so drafting a defensive back was definitely something that needed to address. Jaylen Watkins is coming from a talented college secondary and he could play cornerback or safety. Versatility is something Kelly loves and that's exactly what Watkins is. (Grade: B)

 

4th Round, 141st Pick: Taylor Hart, Defensive End, Oregon

Taylor Hart is another Oregon product who has played for Kelly. Blessed with a unique blend of long arms and athleticism, Hart has the potential to be a contributor right away for the Eagles. He does a good job at anchoring the edge and that's what the Eagles need. (Grade: A-)

 

5th Round, 162nd Pick: Ed Reynolds, Safety, Stanford

Another thing coach Kelly loves is players who come from the Pac-12. While Ed Reynolds has had problems staying healthy, he possesses great vision that allows him to follow the quarterback's eyes. Reynolds will provide soe competition at the safety position. (Grade: B+)

 

7th Round, 224th Pick: Beau Allen, Defensive Tackle, Wisconsin

Fletcher Cox is one of the league's top defensive tackles, but the Eagles don't have much depth behind him. Beau Allen was a great player at Wisconsin and he will provide some nice depth across the defensive line, as he has the ability to play defensive end too. (Grade: B+)

It is no secret that the Eagles are an offensive-minded football team and they made that even clearer by adding Matthews and Huff. The problem with this draft for Philadelphia is that they will be relying on players like Smith, Watkins, and Hart to make immediate impacts on the defensive side of the football. There are still holes on the defense and it will be up the Philly's brass to fill those voids before the season starts.


Final Grade: B-

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