Evaluating The Eagles 2020 Draft Class — Days One and Two
Why...
The 2020 Philadelphia Eagles draft class was one of the most controversial in my lifetime. A roller coaster through and through, every selection, Howie Roseman and the front office, made was either critically acclaimed or thoroughly bashed. The reluctance to trade up for CeeDee Lamb and the pitiful selection of Jalen Hurts in the second round, a third-string quarterback who will contribute in gimmick plays this season, transformed Eagles fans into globes of raging fire. Nonetheless, the Eagles front office made some sneaky marvelous selections. So let’s see which picks were exceptional and which ones were abysmal.
Note: This article is not grading the Philadelphia Eagles draft. Draft grades are often inaccurate because developing a player and fit are more important than the player themselves. Thus, even if the pick is exceptional, in a couple of years, that prospect could be out of the league due to factors out of his power. However, this article expresses my opinions on each Eagles draft pick. Also this article will only “evaluate” the first three picks (stay tuned for the rest of my evaluation).
My “evaluation rubric”
Love the pick
Like the pick
Wait and see
Hoping for the best
Despise the pick
Jalen Reagor — WR TCU
Jalen Reagor, in my opinion, was definitely a reach for the Philadelphia Eagles. However, based on all the buzz around Reagor and the information coming out of the front office, it’s more than safe to say that the Eagles had a first-round grade on Reagor.
Reagor is one of the most explosive wide receivers in this draft. His 2019 quarterback play resulted in his natural talent becoming underutilized. Nevertheless, Reagor displayed more than flashes this season with his elite burst and elusiveness in open space, especially on punt returns, as well as his exceptional deep speed. He also is phenomenal at tracking the deep ball, and despite his miniature stature consistently high-points the pigskin.
In terms of the negatives, Reagor needs to work on his concentration (drops) on shallow routes and his route polish. Overall, although there were prospects, specifically linebackers, that I would have taken before Reagor, he has all the potential to become a number one receiver.
Like the pick
Thoughts on Jalen Reagor:
Worse Case Scenario - Kenny Stills
Best Case Scenario - A faster Jeremy Maclin
Side Note: I would not have traded the reportedly necessary second-round pick to move up and select CeeDee Lamb. However, if I knew the Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts in the second, I would.
Jalen Hurts — QB Oklahoma
*Warning Rant incoming*
Most Eagles fans, especially myself, will never understand this selection. Jalen Hurts, the player and prospect are worthy of a second-round pick; nonetheless, for the Philadelphia Eagles, he is at most worth a fourth-round pick. Furthermore, despite the second round label, for the upcoming season, Jalen Hurts will probably be the third-string quarterback.
Honestly, regarding pure arm talent and downfield accuracy, Nate Sudfeld is light years ahead of Hurts and combining that with the current world situation leading most likely to reduced training camps, the Eagles will solely use Hurts as a gimmick player for this season. Moreover, if the Eagles wanted a player to play the role of Taysom Hill, they could have drafted Lynn Bowden, a QB who transitioned to slot receiver, or sign Steven Montez who went undrafted (written before the Khalil Tate signing). The only logical sense I can make out of this pick is that Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman want to develop Hurts into a starting quarterback and trade him for an entity more valuable than a second-round pick. Nevertheless, that idea is a risk no NFL team should take.
Side Notes: My issue with the pick is not the fact that the Eagles selected a quarterback, it is where they chose one. The second round is particularly early for a third-string developmental quarterback. Also, if the Eagles and Doug Pederson are viewing this situation like Michael Vick replacing Donovan McNabb in specific packages and circumstances, they are in for a rude awakening. Jalen is neither the athlete nor the prospect Vick was and never will be.
Not to beat a dead horse, but here are notable players selected after Jalen Hurts that would fill needs for the Eagles.
- Ashtyn Davis FS
- Denzel Mims WR
- AJ Epenesa DE
- Kristian Fulton CB
- Willie Gay Jr LB
- Matt Hennessy C
- And more
Despise the pick
Davion Taylor — LB/S Colorado
If there is one word that describes Davion Taylor, it is athletic. Taylor’s athleticism and versatility intrigued the Eagles. Davion is the perfect chess piece for the Eagles defense: Jim Schwartz can use Taylor as a box safety, nickel, and traditional linebacker. Running a 4.49 forty and bench pressing 21 times, Taylor is always one of the quickest to the football and has the strength to move off blocks consistently.
Furthermore, Taylor's “see ball find ball” instincts will lead to consistent tackles for loss and will shut down the quick passing game. Although a raw prospect, Davion Taylor has the talent, intuition, and range to contribute for the Eagles this season in more than a special teams role.
Like the pick
After Day Two, the odds of this draft being successful were bleak.
Stay tuned for my thoughts on day three of the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles draft where I also describe my overall reaction about their acquisitions.
For my evaluation of day three click here.
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Featured photo from Steve Cheng
