The 2020 NFL Draft was an opportunity for general manager Howie Roseman to show that he is truly the right man for rebuilding the Eagles back into a legitimate contender.
After seven rounds and 10 picks, the reviews were mixed as the Eagles addressed some needs, but made some questionable picks in the process — including the decision to not go after a cornerback.
Amongst their moves, the Eagles picked up a second wide receiver during the draft — albeit via trade — as they sent a sixth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for speedy receiver Marquise Goodwin.
But Metro will be breaking down just the picks made by Roseman and the Eagles on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday — where you can learn more about the newest members to enter the fray of Philadelphia’s football landscape:
Round 1, Pick 21: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: With LSU’s Justin Jefferson still on the board, the Eagles opted to go with Reagor, who was expected to be a second-round pick by most draft experts. The TCU product is a burner on the outside who can make the big play, providing Carson Wentz with a young talent to grow with for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 53: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma: Arguably one the most confusing selection of the draft level with the Packers’ decision to take QB Jordan Love out of Utah State in the first round, the Eagles took Hurts shortly after signing Wentz to a hefty contract extension. The former Alabama product who transferred to Oklahoma, Hurts has had inconsistent bouts of success at the collegiate level, but the early consensus is that the Eagles will use him in varying roles like the Saints do with Taysom Hill. It’s nothing more than an assumption at this point, but the pick suggests that the Eagles want a high-upside passer in case something goes wrong with Wentz.
Round 3, Pick 103: Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado: Taylor didn’t start playing organized ball until college because of his religious beliefs, but his intangibles are undeniable. With explosive speed and athleticism, he has the makings of becoming a very good linebacker, but it could take a few years.
Round 4, Pick 127: K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson: Wallace is best known for his blitzing ability and effective play against the run game. He’s a hard hitter that can turn momentum with just one hit, but his pass coverage has been suspect.
Round 4, Pick 145: Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn: Driscoll was a four-year starter at a major SEC program, which is usually good enough to see him taken in the first two rounds or so. But concern about his size and arm length have scouts limiting his potential in the NFL. However, solid athleticism and a high football IQ could make him a depth asset in Philadelphia.
Round 5, Pick 168: John Hightower, WR, Boise State: The Eagles added further outside possibilities by taking Hightower, who developed from a community college track star to a solid Division I pass-catching prospect. He averaged 16.3 yards per reception last season and was an All-Mountain West second-team member in 2019. He also holds kick-returning prowess, which will inject more speed into the Eagles’ ranks.
Round 6, Pick 196: Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple: Bradley continued to star for the Owls in 2019, earning second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors behind 87 tackles, eight for loss, and three pass breakups. He’s a patient linebacker that properly waits for plays to develop and his open-field tackling is a plus. But he’s small for an inside linebacker (6-foot-1, 235 pounds) and could run into issues trying to shed NFL blocking.
Round 6, Pick 200: Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Mississippi: While no one should expect Jerry Rice-type production from Watkins, who shares an alma mater with the legendary pass-catcher, the Eagles added another speedster to the mix. He has the stature of a big-play receiver on the outside and can make the big catch in traffic, but he struggled against bigger programs.
Round 6, Pick 210: Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn: Wanogho is as close to a blank canvas as you’ll find from an NFL Draft pick. The Nigeria native began playing football late, which means there is plenty of development needed. But an ability to move well on the line with decent footwork ensures that he has the basics down. Now it’s up to the Eagles to make him a bona fide draft steal.
Round 7, Pick 233: Casey Toohill, EDGE, Stanford: If put in the correct situations, Toohill could be a specialty star for the Eagles. Against the pass rush, he’s a menace, posting 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season. But he struggles mightily against the run, which limited his draft-day potential.
