NFL Draft Grades: Rounding up Eagles grades from league experts

After three days and nine draft picks, the the 2024 Eagles draft has come to an end. This year's class was widely considered one of the more impressive groups among all 32 teams, with Philly managing to land more than a couple exciting prospects on both sides of the ball.

The class is headlined by cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, but guys like Will Shipley, Ainias Smith, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. make for a fun group that should, in theory, contribute right away. There couldn't be an NFL Draft without NFL Draft grades, of course, and here's how Draft analysts viewed the Eagles' efforts this weekend.

NFL Draft Grades: Rounding up Eagles grades from league experts

ESPN: A

There's no question the Eagles were one of the league's most disappointing teams in 2023, as they went from Super Bowl LVII to coach Nick Sirianni being on the hot seat following a blowout loss to the Bucs in the wild-card round, all in the span of a year. This is an important draft for Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman, who saw their defense collapse late in the season. They made some solid signings in free agency to help that unit, but I thought they had to go with a cornerback in Round 1 to add an injection of youth to their secondary, even if it meant trading up.

Bleacher Report: A+

Mitchell will immediately bolster a pass defense that needed cornerback help and finished last season ranked 31st in yards allowed. While he has a small-school background, he was the talk of the Senior Bowl and has been on the rise ever since. At absolute worst, Mitchell will provide valuable depth in the secondary and on special teams as a rookie. Philly didn't let anyone fall to it in Round 2, instead trading a pair of second-round picks to move up for cornerback Cooper DeJean. The former Hawkeye is an athletic, versatile defensive back who easily could have been the Eagles' pick at No. 22. The value of the pick helped offset the cost of the trade.

Washington Post: B-

The Eagles prioritized the secondary by taking two cornerbacks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, in the first two rounds. The DeJean pick was a great value after he dropped into the second round. He also could be given a chance as a returner under the NFL’s new kickoff rules. The Eagles made a like-father, like-son selection in the fifth round by taking LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. However, they did nothing to help their offense on the draft’s first two days.

NFL.com: A-

Don't forget about the Eagles when identifying 2024 NFC title contenders, especially after this draft. Getting Mitchell to help the cornerback room without having to trade up was a major win. They moved up for DeJean like Detroit did for Brian Branch last year; I suspect he'll have a similar impact as a rookie. Hunt's potential on the edge was worth the third-round pick. The grade reflects the trade of this year's third-round pick for cornerback Kelee Ringo last year; the result is still uncertain.

USA Today: A

They got, arguably, the draft’s best defensive back (Toledo first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell). They got, arguably, the draft’s most athletic and versatile defensive back (Iowa second-rounder Cooper DeJean). Third-rounder pass rusher Jalyx Hunt is an intriguing project, and fourth-round Clemson RB Will Shipley could maximize the plays Saquon Barkley takes off. Michigan G Trevor Keegan and Florida State WR Johnny Wilson are high-ceiling Day 3 picks, and fifth-round Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. puts the cherry on top with the sentimental homecoming factor … at a position that’s seemingly been unsettled since dad left.

Pro Football Focus: A

Philadelphia fortifies its 28th-ranked coverage unit with arguably the most talented cornerback in this class. Mitchell led all FBS cornerbacks in PFF overall grade in each of the past two seasons. His outstanding athleticism and ability to make plays in off-coverage make him a perfect fit in Vic Fangio’s defense.