The Philadelphia Eagles checked off their needs in the 2024 NFL draft with an eye on the future. After walking away with arguably the best draft class, they also stockpiled picks for future seasons.
2024 Draft Needs
After losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2023 Wild Card round, mainly due to poor tackling, the Eagles needed to bolster the defense. Their most significant needs heading toward the draft were linebackers, safeties, wide receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks. However, they did pick up some key pieces in free agency. Headlining those moves was the signing of star running back Saquon Barkley. They also filled other holes, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary.
Checking off the 2024 NFL Draft Needs
The Eagles had a successful draft, securing nine players who met their needs while aligning with their team philosophy.
The most notable acquisitions in the 2024 Draft:
- Quinyon Mitchell, CB (Toledo): Selected in the first round at No. 22 overall, the 22-year-old excels in pass coverage and should be a significant addition to the Eagles’ secondary.
- Cooper DeJean, DB (Iowa) picked in the second round at No. 40 overall, which may be one of the steals of the draft. He was touted as one of the best defensive backs in college football and his stats back that up. The 21-year-old is versatile, can play inside and outside cornerback and safety, and has experience as a punt returner.
- Jaylx Hunt, OLB (Houston Christian): Chosen in the third round at No. 94 overall, Hunt is a promising and explosive edge rusher. According to PFF, Hunt posted a 25.3 percent pressure rate on third down last season, the second-best of any pass rusher at the Combine this year.
- Will Shipley, RB (Clemson) was acquired in the fourth round at No. 125 overall. He is a multiskilled running back who can be explosive as a runner, pass catcher and kick returner. As the former lead kick returner at Clemson, he can contribute on special teams immediately. The 21-year-old also provides depth behind Barkley.
- Ainias Smith, WR (Texas A&M) was selected in the fifth round at No. 152 overall. Smith’s speed and agility make him an exciting prospect as a receiver. He’s a bit of a “jack of all trades” as the only 2,000-yard receiver in SEC history to gather at least 250 yards on rush attempts, punt returns and kickoff returns.
Checking off needs for the present and the future
Eagles GM Howie Roseman gave a master class of wheeling and dealing during the 2024 draft, tying the NFL record for trades made. Of those transactions, the team squirreled away three additional 2025 picks, including a third-rounder, setting up draft capital for continued success. In the meantime, the newest player additions, especially on defense, check off their pressing needs, priming the Eagles for a 2024 Super Bowl campaign.
What are your thoughts on these moves? Let me know @FantasyQueenB on Twitter/X.
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