Breaking down the Philadelphia Eagles' 2018 draft class.
Round 2, No. 49 overall: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
My take: The Eagles smartly jumped over the Dallas Cowboys, who announced the retirement of Jason Witten on Friday, and selected Goedert. The 6-foot-4, 260 pound South Dakota State product is arguably the most physically gifted tight end in the draft and has a penchant for spectacular one-handed grabs and explosive plays. He shares an FCS-Dakota connection with QB Carson Wentz, as well as the same agent. Now they’ll be paired on the NFL stage.
How he fits: The addition of Goedert will present a matchup headache for opposing defenses. Paired with Zach Ertz, the Eagles are going to be able to attack in a variety of ways and hit the opposition with looks that will be hard to deal with. A need was created with the departures of veterans Brent Celek and Trey Burton, and though they’re lacking a true in-line tight end at the moment, they addressed the position in a big way.
Round 4, No. 125 overall: Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh
My take: Avonte Maddox does not have ideal size (5-foot-9, 184 pounds) but ran a sub 4.4-second 40 yard dash at the combine and led Pitt with 11 pass breakups and two interceptions last season despite missing two games due to injury. He’s a quick-twitch athlete with the skillset to blanket receivers. The Eagles were interested in adding a nickel corner this weekend and appear to have done it.
How he fits: Patrick Robinson was one of the top slot corners in the NFL last year, but departed in free agency to the New Orleans Saints. One of the Eagles’ priorities this offseason is to identify his replacement. Coach Doug Pederson mentioned Jalen Mills as a possibility. Maddox could very well be part of that competition depending on how quickly he acclimates this spring and summer.
Despite health issues, former Florida State DE Josh Sweat has the potential to be a disruptive pass-rusher.
Round 4, No. 130 overall: Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State
My take: Sweat was a combine standout but didn't necessarily have the production to match at FSU, totaling 14.5 sacks over three seasons. His tape against Alabama stood out, as Sweat posted five tackles and a sack. He's got plenty of upside but may need time to develop. There were medical concerns surrounding his knee, but the Eagles' doctors cleared him. He tore his ACL and dislocated his knee in 2014.
How he fits: The defensive end rotation is stacked at the moment with Brandon Graham, Michael Bennett, Derek Barnett and Chris Long leading the way. Sweat might be able to make his mark on special teams to start while earning defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's trust.
Round 6, No. 206 overall: Matt Pryor, OL, TCU
My take: Pryor did not receive a combine invitation, but at 6-foot-7, 358 pounds, the Eagles get a big offensive line prospect with some upside. He played both right guard and right tackle at TCU. The Eagles’ core philosophy is to build the roster from the inside-out, so it’s no surprise they invested in the O-line here.
How he fits: The Eagles are in good shape along the offensive front at the moment. Pryor will compete for a spot on the depth chart this summer with the hope of developing into a starter down the road.
Round 7, No. 233 overall: Jordan Mailata, OT, Australia
My take: The Eagles made a deal with the Patriots to move up and select Mailata, a 6-foot-8, 346-pound former rugby player from Sydney, Australia. Watch some of his rugby tape, and you’ll see a big, fast, athletic dynamo trucking his competition. How his transition to the gridiron will go is yet to be determined, but the tools are obvious.
How he fits: Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland will have fun with this one. Mailata is going to be raw, clearly, so there won’t be any expectations of him contributing early, and the Eagles don’t need him to because of the talent they have along the offensive front. They’re taking a shot on an athlete with some pretty amazing upside, and doing so with minimal risk in the seventh round.