Grading the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2020 NFL Draft

Philadephia Eagles 2020 NFL draft grade

It was quite the 2020 NFL draft weekend for the Philadelphia Eagles. After selecting TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor in the first round, the Eagles sent shockwaves through the league with their decision to draft Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts in Round 2.

With Carson Wentz firmly entrenched as the starter for both the short- and long-term, the decision to pick Hurts, naturally, raised eyebrows.

And while that selection didn’t do anything to help Philadelphia’s quest to get back to the Super Bowl in 2020, the rest of the Eagles’ draft was respectable.

2020 Draft Class

1.21: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
2.53: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
3.39: Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
4.127: K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
4.145: Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
5.168: John Hightower, WR, Boise State
6.196: Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple
6.200: Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Miss
6.210: Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
7.233: Casey Toohill, Edge, Stanford

Best Pick: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Jalen Reagor Philadelphia Eagles

Reagor wasn’t at the top of most analysts’ wide receiver rankings and there was a portion of the Eagles fanbase that preferred LSU’s Justin Jefferson instead. And while the argument for Jefferson is a valid one, Reagor will give Philadelphia the kind of playmaking weapon the offense was sorely lacking in 2019.

Reagor’s draft stock took a hit because of a sub-par performance at the NFL Combine, and it’s a shame. His 4.47 40-yard dash — while fast — was considered a disappointment for a player who flashed elite speed week in and week out. The good news? Reagor’s field speed is as fast or faster than his 40 time, which is something that can’t be said for every prospect.

Carson Wentz will quickly learn that targeting Reagor turns into hold-your-breath moments. He has a poor man’s Tyreek Hill quality. There’s no doubt he’ll become the Eagles’ most lethal offensive weapon sooner than later.

Worst Pick: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles

Let’s make something clear: Hurts is a very strong quarterback prospect who projects as an NFL starter. How successful he’ll be as a starter is up for debate, but he possesses enough arm talent to complement his ability as a runner to be excited about his likelihood for success.

The problem? He’ll never play in Philadelphia. At least, he won’t play as long as Carson Wentz is healthy. Sure, developing a quarterback on your bench can result in a nice trade asset down the road, but the NFL is a win-now league. A second-round pick is reserved for players that should at least compete for a starting job as a rookie. That won’t happen with Hurts.

The only way this pick pans out for the Eagles is if Wentz gets injured. And that’s a doomsday scenario. It’s a net-loss for Philadelphia.

Final Grade

Prince Tega Wanogho Philadelphia Eagles

Fortunately for the Eagles, they made up for their questionable decision in Round 2 with the selection of Auburn offensive tackle, Prince Tega Wanogho, in the sixth round. Injury concerns caused him to slide deep into Day 3, but if he can stay healthy as an NFL player, he’ll be a starter. That’s an incredible value.

Reagor is the headliner, Hurts is the head-scratcher, and Tega Wanogho is the late-round winner. Mixed in-between are seven picks that don’t move the needle all that much for an Eagles franchise that could’ve done much better with their 2020 NFL draft class.

GRADE: C

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL