The Eagles have gotten off to a sluggish 1-3 start this season, but a handful of rookies have earned significant playing time due to their performances during the first month of the campaign.
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All but one of their nine draft picks (linebacker JaCoby Stevens) made the team’s initial 53-man roster. Additionally, tight end Jack Stoll made it through final cuts as the only undrafted rookie to make the team.
Through the first month of the season, the majority of the group has earned roles on the game-day depth chart, and some of the rookies have been able to produce at a high level from the start.
Here’s how we’ve graded the Eagles’ nine draft picks -- and undrafted rookie Jack Stoll -- on the 53-man roster through four weeks:
The Pick: First round (10th overall)
The Numbers: 236 offensive snaps, 18 catches for 237 yards and a touchdown
Smith started off with a bang, producing a touchdown off of his first NFL catch. While his Week 1 performance against the Atlanta Falcons showed flashes of brilliance, the next two weeks saw Smith fade into the background. After his two-week disappearing act, Smith rebounded in a major way against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Smith caught seven passes for 122 yards, putting him back on pace to be the No. 1 wideout the Eagles dreamed of when they traded up for him in April. Smith’s route-running, blocking and attention to detail have been as good as advertised thus far.
Grade: B
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The Pick: Second round (37th overall)
The Numbers: 165 offensive snaps, 3 games (2 starts)
After making his abrupt debut in Week 2, Dickerson was thrust into the starting lineup in Week 3. Dickerson struggled mightily at right guard in his first start but found his footing after moving to left guard in Week 4. Less than a year removed from ACL surgery, Dickerson will need to continue to progress as the weeks go by, as he is likely to be the starting left guard for the rest of the season.
Grade: C
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The Pick: Third round (73rd overall)
The Numbers: 128 defensive snaps, 7 tackles
After a strong rookie summer, Williams has kind of faded out of the picture. While he’s been a regular in the defensive line rotation, his production has mostly come away from the ball. The athletic interior lineman is still learning to use his speed and power at the NFL level.
Grade: C
The Pick: Fourth round (123th overall)
The Numbers: 2 defensive snaps, 87 special teams snaps (83.6%)
While McPhearson has yet to get a chance on defense, he’s been a standout on special teams. He had one instance where he messed up downing a punt against the San Francisco 49ers, but has otherwise been a strong role player, especially as a gunner. If Steven Nelson struggles over the next few weeks, it wouldn’t be shocking to see McPhearson get thrust into the lineup.
Grade: C+
The Pick: Fifth round (150th overall)
The Numbers: 91 offensive snaps, 17 carries for 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns, 13 catches for 114 receiving yards
Gainwell has found a significant role in the Eagles’ offense right off the bat. He’s been the team’s third-down back in most situations, and he’s been regularly featured in the Eagles’ hurry-up offense. Gainwell has touched the ball on more than half of his snaps thus far. He’s a legitimate weapon, which is pretty impressive for a fifth-round rookie who missed all of last year’s college football season.
Grade: A
The Pick: Sixth round (189th overall)
The Numbers: 13 defensive snaps
Tuipulotu’s rookie training camp left a lot to be desired, but he made the team anyway. Through the first month, he has yet to find a role on defense with Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams and Hassan Ridgeway in front of him. Mr. T is probably more of an afterthought for the future than a legitimate roster player.
Grade: D
The Pick: Sixth round (191st overall)
The Numbers: 37 snaps, 2 tackles
Jackson has been used sparingly in the Eagles’ pass-rushing rotation, despite the two-game absence of defensive end Brandon Graham. When he’s been in the lineup, Jackson hasn’t played all that well. Jackson might need some time to develop on the sideline and in practice.
Grade: C-
The Pick: Seventh round (234th overall)
The Numbers: 48 snaps, 46 special teams snaps (44.2%), 6 tackles
Johnson was always going to be a project as a rookie. Making the transition from defensive end to linebacker isn’t easy, but the Eagles have shown a lot of trust in Johnson on defense. He’s also been a regular on special teams.
Grade: B-
TE Jack Stoll
The Pick: N/A
The Numbers: 28 snaps, 55 special teams snaps (52.9%), 76.6 pass-block rating from PFF
Stoll has played relatively well as a blocking tight end through the first month of the season. While he’s yet to catch a pass, his blocking has helped QB Jalen Hurts in the passing game. He’s also been a regular on kickoff and punt coverage. So far, so good for the undrafted tight end.
Grade: B
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Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com.
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