Philadelphia Eagles: 2019 NFL Draft Class midseason grades

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 13: Miles Sanders #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs off the field with the ball after catching a 32 yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The catch marks his first touchdown in the NFL. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 29: Clayton Thorson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass during the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on August 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Clayton Thorson, QB

Round 5, Pick 167

The Northwestern quarterback entered the NFL draft as his school’s top passer through four years. For Northwestern standards, that’s fine and dandy. For NFL standards, that production means nothing. From the gate, the Clayton Thorson pick didn’t make sense for the Eagles.

That’s not to say we didn’t expect a quarterback — because the front office made it known they were going to select and develop a passer. The actual selection itself was just puzzling, though. Thorson would’ve more than likely fell below the fifth round, but the Eagles drafted based on their need for a third-string quarterback.

How did that work out for them? Not good, obviously. After an ugly preseason, Thorson was cut by the Eagles. Many assumed he would be back on the practice squad, but the Eagles didn’t even do that. Instead, Thorson ended up signing on the Cowboys’ practice squad. Typically, the Eagles front office wouldn’t admit they were wrong like that, but they had no choice but to take that loss.

Grade: F

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