Grading the Eagles' 2024 Draft Class: Howie Roseman continues to work his magic

The Philadelphia Eagles are having an exceptional NFL offseason, thanks to general manager Howie Roseman.  Roseman nailed free agency and he only continued to work his magic during the 2024 NFL draft.  The Eagles kicked off the draft by bolstering their weak secondary before packing on necessary depth elsewhere. Along the way, Roseman piled on draft […]

Kelsey Kramer College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 22 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Camp.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles are having an exceptional NFL offseason, thanks to general manager Howie Roseman. 

Roseman nailed free agency and he only continued to work his magic during the 2024 NFL draft. 

The Eagles kicked off the draft by bolstering their weak secondary before packing on necessary depth elsewhere. Along the way, Roseman piled on draft picks for the future by making several business deals. 

According to ESPN, Roseman's eight trades that he made in this year's draft are tied for the most draft-day trades by a team since 1990. 

With that being said, here's a look at how the Eagles graded out in the 2024 NFL Draft. 


Round 1, Pick 22: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field.
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Mitchell was a rock-solid first pick for the Eagles who desperately need a young and pro-ready weapon in their cornerback room. They also didn't have to trade up to get him. Mitchell brings electric 4.3 speed to Philly and has everything it takes to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. For now, he'll get to learn from and team up with Darius Slay and eventually replace him. 

Grade: A


Round 2, Pick 40: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Cooper DeJean
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles traded up to grab DeJean in the second round and it was a smart move by them as they gave up very little for first-round talent. He can play nickel, safety, or outside corner. DeJean's do-it-all ability will pair nicely with the Eagles' first-round pick in Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and both players will help breathe life into the Eagles' struggling secondary. 

Grade: A+

Round 3, Pick 94: Edge Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian

Jalyx Hunt
Gregg Pachkowski / gregg@pnj.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Hunt is an interesting pick because he's an edge but has experience playing safety. I think this pick was kind of a reach this early in the draft but the Eagles love versatile and extremely athletic guys. Vic Fangio will have a lot of fun developing him.  

Grade: B

Round 4, Pick 127: RB Will Shipley, Clemson

Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) runs during the third quarter of the game with Charleston Southern at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Eagles already have Saquon Barkley staring in their backfield but Shipley brings more versatility and much-needed quality depth to the Eagles' running backs room. He is also definitely an upgrade over Kenneth Gainwell. 

Grade: B+


Round 5, Pick 152: WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) runs the ball during a football game between Tennessee and Texas A&M at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Smith, known for being a reliable slot receiver during his time with the Aggies, comes to Philly hoping to do the same thing for the Birds. Whether he can start as a rookie remains to be seen, but he has the necessary athletic ability and trustworthy hands to do so. If anything, he'll be a nice special teams addition. 

Grade: B

Round 5, Pick 155: LB Jeremiah Trotter

Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium.Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Another need checked off by the Birds. Trotter was deemed a Day 1 pick by some but fell all the way to the fifth round, probably due to his undersized thin frame. Still, his Clemson resume is impressive and he'll be able to develop and learn from Devin White. 

Grade: B+

Round 5, Pick 172: OG Trevor Keegan, Michigan

Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan, center, celebrate a touchdown scored by running back Blake Corum against Washington during the second half of U-M's 34-13 win in the College Football Playoff.
Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan, center, celebrate a touchdown scored by running back Blake Corum against Washington during the second half of U-M’s 34-13 win in the College Football Playoff.Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

Just because Keegan was a three-year starter for the Wolverines last season doesn't mean he'll be a starting in the NFL. He's not a very athletic lineman but he's a decent depth piece. Some fans might like this pick more because they believe he gives off the perfect Jason Kelce vibes. 

Grade: B-

Round 6, Pick 185: WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State

Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (14) catches a pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

I like this sixth-round pick. Wilson has experience playing outside or in the slot so he gives the Eagles so options on where they can use him. He's a massive dude at 6-6, 231 pounds with a historic 84.5” wingspan. He can move extremely well too for how big he is. I think this pick could end up being a steal. 

Grade: A

Round 6, Pick 190: OL Dylan McMahon, NC State

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina State offensive lineman Dylan McMahon (OL49) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Dylan McMahon (OL49) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles continued to add depth to their o-line with their final pick of the draft. McMahon started at guard and center for the Wolfpack so he's one of many versatile guys that the Eagles picked up this weekend. He is extremely athletic for a big guy on the line. This pick was good way to wrap up this year's draft class after losing Kelce to retirement. 

Grade: B