5 big questions Eagles must answer after NFL Draft

Every year, the Philadelphia Eagles end up having the type of draft where the rest of the league asks questions like, "How do they do this?"

It seems as though the Eagles simply do what every other team should be doing; making the sensical decisions at the right time and taking the best players available. It isn't rocket science.

Still, even though the Eagles wind up with strong classes more often than not, there are always questions fans are asking about this roster after the draft.

The Eagles are in good shape, roster-wise, but still have questions to answer

What happens with James Bradberry? Is he a post-June 1st cut candidate?

Philadelphia drafted two of the top defensive backs in this year's class with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean coming to town, which now begs us asking what in the world does this team do with veteran James Bradberry?

If the Eagles designate him as a post-June 1st cut, they don't save a dime, however they only incur roughly $4 million in dead money. His play took a step backward last year, as he allowed a passer rating of 108.6 and earned a coverage grade of just 54.7 per Pro Football Focus.

Follow-up: What will Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean's roles be in 2024?

If Bradberry is cut, then Mitchell is the easy answer there. He'd step right into that role, and likely be an upgrade, quite frankly. As for Cooper DeJean, though, his role is a bit muddier. DeJean might be best suited as the team's slot cornerback, but it's unlikely he earns a starting role on the outside.

Of course, Philly could always roll into the summer with Bradberry still on the roster and simply allow the guys to battle it out, with the best players on the field earning the starting gigs.

Can Nolan Smith warrant his first-round selection? Will he even be given an opportunity?

Josh Sweat and Bryce Huff are the starting outside linebackers for right now, even though it seemed like Nolan Smith may have been able to get an opportunity prior to free agency. With Huff inking a deal in Philly, that gave Smith a backseat once again. Eagles fans were excited about being able to draft Smith in the first round a year ago, but he hardly saw the field as a rookie, playing only 16 percent of snaps. What's the plan with Smith going forward?

How patient will everyone be with Jeremiah Trotter Jr.?

Coming to the team where his father saw tremendous success means a whole lot of pressure on the shoulders of fifth-round pick Jeremiah Trotter Jr. For now, he'll be a backup. But, will he get an opportunity for more playing time down the line? If so, will the Eagles be patient as he continues to develop?

If he takes a little bit of time to adjust to the NFL, how patient will the team be with him, considering the name?

Why didn't this team draft a tackle?

Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata are firmly locked in as starters, but the depth behind those two is questionable. The team likes Le'Raven Clark and Fred Johnson, but many fans would agree that they aren't too confident in either one, should Johnson or Mailata go down with a serious injury. This draft seemed like the perfect opportunity to snag a tackle in the middle rounds and groom them for future/emergency use.