The 2022 NFL Draft took place from April 28 to 30. Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman stayed true to his persona of being an aggressive deal maker, while at the same time shedding the harsh criticism, he’s received in the past of being unable to evaluate incoming NFL talent. With glaring holes on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball that needed to be addressed, Roseman knew that bolstering the depth of the team by drafting immediate impact players would be key for the team’s short-term and future success.
After accruing ten total picks for the seven-round draft, with two picks (15 and 18) in the first round, it was no surprise to any NFL expert that when the opening night had concluded, Roseman had conducted two trades that accomplished the goal of enhancing the roster. Two impact playmakers, Jordan Davis and All-Pro A.J. Brown will now call Philadelphia their homes.
First, Roseman created a package of picks including the Eagles 15th overall pick that he dealt to the Houston Texans in exchange for their 13th overall pick. After moving up just two spots in the draft, Roseman selected defensive tackle Jordan Davis from Georgia University. Although experts thought there were more crucial needs on defense, taking a top talent like Davis solidifies the Eagles as having one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL. At 6’6, over 300 pounds, and only 22-years-old, Davis will now be teamed up with All-Pro and Eagles great Fletcher Cox. With an immediate impact expected against opponents’ rushing attacks, and expected improvement in his pass rushing abilities, the Eagles are hoping Davis will make an impact for years to come.
Right as the Eagles were about to go on the clock to make their second pick with the 18th overall pick, a second trade by the Eagles was announced – this time with the Tennessee Titans. In a move that sent the 18th pick and another later round pick (101 overall) to the Titans, 24-year-old A.J. Brown – one of the best wide receivers in the NFL – became the newest Eagle. A playmaker and proven pass catcher, Brown is a welcome addition to the Eagles receiving core, which now must be respected as one of the best in the NFL. It also helps that Brown and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts have developed a strong off-the-field relationship that Birds fans can only hope translates to record-breaking touchdown statistics. The Eagles believe this is possible since immediately after trading for Brown they signed the receiver to a 4-year $100 million contract extension. With $57 million guaranteed, like Davis, Brown will be a key part of the Eagles future.
During the last two days of the draft four more picks were made by the Eagles. Cam Jurgens, a center from Nebraska University, was picked with the 51st overall pick in the second round. After re-signing Eagles fan favorite and All-Pro Jason Kelce to a one-year contract, Roseman sought out advice from Kelce regarding who the Eagles should select as his replacement. Kelce settled on Jurgens due the similarities in athleticism and style of play. Linebacker Nakobe Dean, the former college teammate of Jordan Davis, was selected in the third round by the Eagles. Dean is considered a steal for the Eagles, since he was projected to be a first-round pick, but due to an injury fell into the third round. His familiarity of playing behind Davis should help both rookies make the transition to the NFL both on and off the field. With the final two picks of the draft, the Eagles selected Kyron Johnson, another linebacker out of Kansas University, and tight end Grant Calcaterra from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Eagles fans have much to look forward to in the fall.
