Evaluating The Eagles 2020 Draft Class — Day Three

Late Round Steals?

After the abysmal performance on Day Two of the NFL draft, the Eagles front office needed to bounce back with some stellar picks, and they assuredly did. Therefore, without further notice, here is my reaction for every day three pick the Philadelphia Eagles made, and my final thoughts on their draft.

If you have not gotten the chance to read “Evaluating The Eagles 2020 Draft Class — Days One and Two”, click here

K’von Wallace — S Clemson

Mark my words. In two years, K’von Wallace will be a pro bowl safety for the Eagles. Overshadowed by the likes of AJ Terrell and Isaiah Simmons, K’von Wallace is another versatile defensive player for the Eagles. Wallace is most successful near the line of scrimmage as a box safety, but can also play slot corner and if Schwartz wants to be risky, split safety. Wallace is the perfect long-term replacement for Malcolm Jenkins; he is an exceptionally powerful tackler and always brings physicality and attitude to the turf: just read this tweet.

"Y’all gone get that championship swagger back. We right where we need to be. Y’all really stealing. Got me for cheap. Blessings tho let’s work." - K'von Wallace

Side Note: If the Eagles had drafted Wallace in the second and Hurts in the fourth, this draft would have looked more appropriate on paper.

Love the pick

Jack Driscoll — OT Auburn

Currently, Driscoll is a one-trick pony and that one trick is incredibly valuable: pass protection. Driscoll’s athleticism allowed him to keep up with the faster defensive ends in the SEC; however, he must work on his balance and strength to become more effective at run blocking. In my opinion, Driscoll would benefit from moving to guard with the Eagles because his athleticism can be used when Doug asks the guards to pull.

Overall, Driscoll is an excellent pass protector, who down the road could start in a guard role given development in his run blocking. Nonetheless, at the moment, he merely adds much-needed depth to the offensive line.

Wait and see

John Hightower — WR SMU

John Hightower is the definition of a big frame receiver who makes big plays. Hightower has excellent deep speed and understands how to apply pressure on his defender, especially on deeper routes. Additionally, he has striking vision with the ball in his hands and has enough wiggle to gain those chain moving hidden yards.

Although Hightower understands how to run deep routes, his shorter routes are lacking due to him occasionally rounding his breaks. Additionally, SMU rarely asked him to run intermediate routes. Nevertheless, the most glaring weakness in Hightower’s game was his lack of physicality; thus, he struggled against press coverage.

Hightower will benefit by adding a few pounds to his frame (currently 6’2 172 lbs via ESPN), using more of his body and hands off the release, and increasing his physicality at the catch point. Ultimately, John Hightower is a twitchy deep threat receiver who can develop into a substantial complementary starting role for the Eagles.

Side Notes:

Hightower is a superb kick returner
Underrated tracker of the football
I would have selected Donovan Peoples-Jones with this pick due to his physicality instead of Hightower, especially with the future Quez Watkins selection. Nevertheless, Hightower’s celling is high.

Like the pick

Shaun Bradley— LB Temple

Shaun Bradley (not to be confused with the former Sixer) is a local prospect all Eagles fans should root for. Born in Westampton, New Jersey, Bradley is a high character, speedy side-line to slide-line linebacker that needs time to develop. Bradley lacks the two most essential skills for a linebacker, blocking shedding and the ability to consistently tackle. Shaun struggles to come off blockers and often takes poor tackle angles due to his lack of balance. Nevertheless, his range, speed, and physicality are undeniable.

Hoping for the best

Quez Watkins — WR Southern Miss

Watkins is the definition of a speed demon. Watkins ran a 4.35 forty at the combine but also demonstrated his speed on film. He effortlessly flies past defenders in open space and is an incredible deep threat.

Nevertheless, his routes are far from polished even though he is quick in and out of his breaks. He also has some drop issues and is mostly a body catcher. Moreover, Watkins lacks physicality similar to Hightower; however, Wakins’ role on the Eagles will never demand physicality.

Although Watkins the prospect is intriguing and oozing with potential (he was included in my “Day Three Sleepers Series — 2020 NFL Draft), between him, John Hightower, and Marquise Goodwin, he is the least likely to become a contributor in the immediate or long-term future and therefore is a redundant addition.

Wait and see

Prince Tega Wanogho — OT Auburn

The Eagles snagged excellent value in the sixth round by drafting Prince Tega Wanogho. A day two talent, Wanogho slipped into the six-round due to medical concerns regarding his knee. Rumored to have ran a 4.74 forty yard dash (before putting on weight), Tega is one of the most athletic tackles in this draft class. With Jeff Stoutland as his coach, Wanogho can develop himself into a swing tackle that could potentially become a starter if Andre Dillard busts.

Love the pick

Forty Yard Dash Times of all the Eagles' Draft Picks

Jalen Reagor - 4.47 (questionable 4.28 pro day)

Jalen Hurts - 4.59

Davion Taylor - 4.49

K’von Wallace - 4.53

Jack Driscoll - 5.02

John Hightower - 4.43

Shaun Bradley - 4.51

Quez Watkins - 4.35

Prince Tega Wanogho - N/A

Casey Toothill - 4.62

Safe to say the Eagles added speed and youth to their roster

Casey Toothill DE — Stanford

This late in the draft, teams are selecting players based on physical attributes and athleticism. Casey Toothil screams athletic. A 3-4 outside linebacker at Stanford, Toothill played as an edge often and will transition into a 4-3 DE with the Eagles. Moreover, he needs to add weight and strength as he transitions.

A Few Combine results:

Twenty Yard Shuttle — 4.21 seconds

Bench Press — 17

Vertical Jump — 39”

Via NFL.com

Like the pick

Notable Undrafted free agents:

Grayland Arnold — CB Baylor

Arnold had six interceptions and will compete for the punt returner role with Reagor and Ward.

Adrian Killins — RB UCF

Killins ran a 4.27 forty (unofficial) and is an electric kick returner that will compete for that role with Hightower (written before Clement resigning).

Luke Juriga — C Western Michigan

Will Juriga be the future replacement for Jason Kelce?

We’ll see but probably not. However, if the Eagles gave him over $100,000 guaranteed, he must have significant upside.

Conclusion

The 2020 draft for the Philadelphia Eagles was an emotional rollercoaster. A solid day one pick tainted by another team’s selection and a disastrous round two selection hid the exceptional acquisitions the Eagles front office made. However, the success of this draft rides on the Eagles’ ability to develop young talent. The selections have placed the pressure on the shoulders of position coaches Jeff Stoutland (OL), Aaron Moorehead’s (WR), and Ken Flajole (LB). If development occurs properly, this draft will ultimately be one of the best in a while.

Final Thoughts: Wait And See

Featured photo from Discover Lehigh Valley, PA