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

The back half of the Eagles draft in 2021 was about as good as you can ask for.

First-rounders and second-rounders are expected to contribute early or grow into future starters. Teams expect to find value in Round 3 and Round 4. Once you reach Round 5, more often than not, you’re spending the remainder of Day 3 just hoping to get lucky.

If quality guys are found there, Quez Watkins for instance, consider your team lucky. In 2021, fortune was on the Eagles’ side.

Kenneth Gainwell (Round 5, pick 150 in 2021)

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

Regardless of what happens with Miles Sanders and Boston Scott after this season, Philly has some insurance in Kenneth Gainwell. There were theories that the Eagles had gotten a steal after adding him in Round 5. Aside from a few missteps here and there, that’s proven to be true.

Marlon Tuipulotu (Round 6, pick 189 in 2021)

• Production: C-
  
• Value (based on draft position): B-
  
• Potential: B-
  
• Overall: Undetermined
  

As is the case with Milton Williams, it’s hard to evaluate Marlon Tuipulotu until we see more of him. He’s barely eclipsed 100 snaps for his career.

His time probably won’t come in 2022, but this could be a building block for the future. Remember, it was his pressure that led to a tipped pass by Kyzir White that produced the first pick-six of James Bradberry’s career.

Tarron Jackson (Round 6, pick 191 in 2021)

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

Tarron Jackson‘s 253 defensive snaps in 2021 are more than four times what Tuipulotu (55) was given. He registered 18 tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack.

Based on what we’ve seen from the Eagles’ defensive line during the first two regular-season games, it wouldn’t disappoint anyone if Jackson surprised everyone with a breakout season. They need these young guys to produce, and they may need them to do so in a hurry.

Patrick Johnson (Round 7, pick 234)

• Production: C-
  
• Value (based on draft position): C
  
• Potential: C
  
• Overall: C
  

Patrick Johnson started two games in 2021 and appeared in all 17. Most of his value right now is attached to what he brings to the special teams unit, but it would be nice if he could evolve into a steady reserve player that can be relied upon if the defense sees unexpected injuries