The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp’s 2024 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren’s deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let’s look at the Philadelphia Eagles, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Philadelphia Eagles rookies?
- Quinyon Mitchell — CB — Round 1
- Cooper DeJean — CB — Round 2
- Jalyx Hunt — EDGE — Round 3
- Will Shipley — RB — Round 4
- Ainias Smith — WR — Round 5
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr. — LB — Round 5
- Trevor Keegan — OG — Round 5
- Johnny Wilson — WR — Round 6
- Dylan McMahon — OG — Round 6
Philadelphia Eagles Draft Class Grade:
The Philadelphia Eagles received an A- draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Eagles Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The selection of Quinyon Mitchell (first round) was a surprise in a few ways. The Eagles used their original first-round selection for the first time since 2015 and drafted a cornerback in the first round since 2002. Mitchell will compete for a starting job with James Bradberry, though the transition from the MAC to the NFL is not an easy one for skill position players.
In 2023, Mitchell allowed a catch rate 30.5% below expected based on route-adjusted data. However, he did get beat downfield on occasion, allowing nine completions at 10 or more yards downfield. So be prepared for some potential early struggles as he adjusts to the leap in competition.
Howie Roseman clearly felt the secondary was the team’s primary weakness, as he also added Cooper DeJean (second round). DeJean played cornerback at Iowa but could make the transition to safety in Philly. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who spent the 2022 season in Philly, returned this offseason. In the short term, DeJean’s easiest path to the field may be competing with Avonte Maddux for the slot corner job.
DeJean has the athletic traits to contribute in almost any role in the secondary, though he needs to improve his ability to locate the ball in coverage. DeJean has elite ball skills (seven career interceptions), but his route-adjusted ball-hawk rate was 2.1% below expected over the course of his career. If those issues reading the quarterback carry over, the transition to safety may be difficult.
Jalyx Hunt (third round) is a developmental prospect who played at Cornell and Houston Christian in college. He was able to overwhelm lesser competition with his combination of strength and athleticism, so he’ll need time to refine his technique as he transitions to the pros. Expect Hunt to be buried on the depth chart in 2024, but Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham are in the final years of their contract.
Will Shipley (fourth round) was the fourth-ranked running back recruit in the class of 2021 but failed to fully meet lofty expectations at Clemson. He’s capable of contributing in all phases of the offense but doesn’t stand out in any one area. When accounting for defenders in the box and the inside/outside direction of the run, Shipley gained 5.8% fewer yards than expected last year, ranked 57th out of 78 Power Five ball carriers.
Ainias Smith (fifth round) could push Parris Campbell for snaps in the slot immediately and will likely see some action as a rookie given Campbell’s extensive injury history. Smith turns into a running back with the ball in his hands 一 he forced a broken tackle once every 4.1 catches last year 一 and his production after the catch could immediately provide value to the Eagles offense.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (fifth round) has a chance to compete for a role immediately, as the Eagles completely revamped the depth chart at linebacker. Trotter’s 8.7% missed tackle rate is a red flag which could be what holds him back from a substantial role in the league.
Trevor Keegan (fifth round) and Dylan McMahon (sixth round) add some depth to the interior offensive line. There’s a small chance Keegan competes for a starting job with 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen. McMahon has played extensively at both guard and center, and that versatility should guarantee him a spot on the roster.
Johnny Wilson (sixth round) is the Eagles’ attempt at a do-over of the ill-fated J.J. Arcega-Whiteside project a few years ago. At 6-foot-6, Wilson is even bigger than Arcega-Whiteside but plays with a similar style as a receiver/tight end hybrid. Unfortunately, Wilson struggled to use his size to his advantage and his route-adjusted catch rate was below expected in each year of his career. He’s also a stiff athlete and generated 13% fewer yards after the catch than expected.
This was another solid class for Howie Roseman, who overhauled the secondary. The Eagles also deserve credit for finding multiple players on Day 3 who have the tools to at least compete for meaningful roles in the short term while also adding some developmental projects like Hunt and Wilson.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
Order Warren Sharp’s 2024 Football Preview to get draft class analysis for all 32 NFL teams.
Warren Sharp’s 500+ page full-color PDF, the 2024 Football Preview, is unlike anything you have previously read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought process abounds in every team chapter and article.
Get Warren’s Book for $34.99
Warren Sharp’s book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2024 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data driven & full of actionable info
- Fantasy Football player profiles, predictions, and ranks
- Vegas Odds forecast team wins, division rankings, lines for all 2024 games
- Coaching strategic advice for teams, play calling analysis & team tendencies
- Front Office Analysis positional spending, roster construction & cap analysis
- Reasons to bet over/under win totals & analysis of futures betting market
- Rookie draft class deep dive into impact for every team
- Rankings for every positional unit on every team with analysis
