Philadelphia Eagles Solidify Defense and Add Versatile Offensive Pieces in 2024 NFL Draft

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27/04/2024 21h56

With a focus on addressing key positions and filling gaps, the Eagles made several impactful selections across multiple rounds.

In the first round, the Eagles landed a steal in cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who was the first cornerback taken in the draft. Mitchell, known for his athleticism and excellent pass defending skills, set records at Toledo for passes defended in a season and in his career. With 43 passes defended and 6 interceptions in his last 27 games, Mitchell is expected to make an immediate impact and challenge for a starting spot in the Eagles' defense.

In the second round, the Eagles traded up to No. 40 overall to select Cooper DeJean out of Iowa. Originally coveted at No. 22, DeJean is a hybrid player in the secondary, capable of playing outside cornerback, the slot, and safety. With his versatility, DeJean is expected to have a significant role in the Eagles' secondary in the upcoming season. The trade also involved giving up two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick, highlighting the Eagles' determination to acquire DeJean.

In the third round, the Eagles traded back twice to ultimately select Jalyx Hunt, a big edge rusher from Houston Christian. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 252 pounds, Hunt has tremendous burst and shows great potential in pressuring quarterbacks. While he is considered more of a developmental prospect, Hunt's size and athleticism make him an intriguing addition to the Eagles' defensive line.

The Eagles filled their need for a No. 2 running back by selecting Will Shipley from Clemson in the fourth round. Shipley, a former five-star recruit, excels in the screen game and has a knack for making defenders miss. With his versatility as a receiver and kick returner, Shipley adds depth and playmaking ability to the Eagles' backfield.

Philadelphia continued to add offensive weapons in the later rounds, selecting Ainias Smith from Texas A&M and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson. Smith, although listed as a wide receiver, is known for his agility and ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. With his experience in the slot and dynamic playmaking ability, Smith is expected to contribute immediately.

Trotter Jr., the son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, brings a similar aggressive playing style as his father. While he may have limitations in coverage, Trotter Jr. possesses excellent ball skills and coverage abilities. His natural fit as a MIKE linebacker adds depth and excitement to the Eagles' linebacker corps.

Other selections by the Eagles include Trevor Keegan, an offensive lineman from Michigan, and Johnny Wilson, an outside receiver from Florida State. Keegan provides depth and run-blocking skill on the offensive line, while Wilson's size and athleticism make him a potential mismatch creator in coverage.

Overall, the Philadelphia Eagles made calculated moves in the 2024 NFL Draft, focusing on bolstering their defense and adding versatile offensive pieces. With their selections, the Eagles look poised to compete in the upcoming season and continue building a solid foundation for the future.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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