Eagles draft grades: Ranking Philadelphia’s last four draft classes
The 2021 Eagles draft class
The 2021 Eagles draft class tops our ranking. The 2022 class is ranked fourth. Why did we place them behind a class that hasn’t stepped on the field yet? Here’s an explanation. Nine players were taken in this class.
- DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Alabama
- Landon Dickerson, offensive lineman, Bama
- Milton Williams, defensive tackle, Louisiana Tech
- Zech McPhearson, cornerback, Texas Tech
- Kenneth Gainwell, running back, Memphis
- Marlon Tuipulotu, defensive tackle, USC
- Tarron Jackson, defensive end, Coastal Carolina
- JaCoby Stevens, linebacker, LSU
- Patrick Johnson, linebacker, Tulane
JaCoby Stevens is the only member of this draft class that isn’t still on this roster (or on any NFL roster). That’s okay though. His selection was made with a bonus compensatory pick (and he was the third of three sixth-round draft choices).
Landon Dickerson is a star and a potential ten-year starter if he stays healthy. His second year ended with a Pro Bowl nomination.
DeVonta Smith is another jewel from this class. He should have been added to the Pro Bowl roster, but he wasn’t.
Number 6’s resume speaks for itself. He eclipsed the Eagles’ franchise record for receiving yards gained by a rookie in Year 1. Last season, he snagged 95 passes. That’s a franchise record for wide receivers, and it’s second only to Philly’s record holder in that category, tight end Zach Ertz.
Arguments can also be made that Milton Williams, Zech McPhearson, Kenneth Gainwell, and Marlon Tuipulotu can all excel if they are given larger roles and are allowed to take their lumps.
2021 draft class grade: A-