Eagles stock report: Grading second-year draftees ahead of Week 3

The Philadelphia Eagles need more out of some of their second-year stars, but there’s no need to worry either. This group can grow into valuable contributors.

Things began with a bang in Round 1 with the addition of the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner. DeVonta Smith set a franchise record for receiving yards by an Eagles rookie, and even though he didn’t tally a single reception in the season-opener of his sophomore campaign, we have no concern about what Smitty will be able to produce for years to come in Philadelphia.

DeVonta Smith, wide receiver (Round 1, pick 10 in 2021)

• Production: A
  
• Value (based on draft position): A+
  
• Potential: A+
  
• Overall: A+
  

Landon Dickerson, center (Round 2, pick 37 in 2021)

• Production: A+
  
• Value (based on draft position): A+
  
• Potential: A+
  
• Overall: A+
  

Random notes: An injury to conclude his college football career led to Landon Dickerson being drafted in Round 2. For that reason, Philadelphia was able to acquire a man with first-round talent on the draft’s second day and a man that will, no doubt, stay in the starting lineup for years to come as long as he stays healthy.

Milton Williams (Round 3, pick 73 in 2021)

• Production: B
  
• Value (based on draft position): B+
  
• Potential: B+
  
• Overall: B+
  

We truthfully don’t know how good Milton Williams can be yet. He got better as his rookie season went on, and he’s gotten off to a slow start this season. Currently, in a crowded defensive tackle rotation that has Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, and Jordan Davis ahead of him on the depth chart, we may be forced to wait until Year 3 to see his jump.

He earned 456 snaps in 2021. With 55 already on his resume during the first two games in 2022, he should be able to exceed that total in his sophomore run.

Zech McPhearson (Round 4, pick 123 in 2021)

• Production: C
  
• Value (based on draft position): C
  
• Potential: Undetermined… We still need to see more.
• Overall: C
  

Zech McPhearson hasn’t played much. He hasn’t been great when he has, but he hasn’t been terrible either. He’s clearly the Eagles’ fourth-best cornerback right now though.