Although time and patience are required to properly evaluate young players at the NFL level, the consensus among reputable analysts and scouts is that the Philadelphia Eagles were one of the biggest winners in this spring's NFL Draft. Despite entering the event with 10 total picks, they only made five selections, as general manager Howie Roseman utilized draft capital to address needs.
The Eagles' biggest move during the first-round didn't involve any prospects. In a mammoth trade that sent shockwaves across the league, they acquired star receiver A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans, in exchange for the 18th and 101st overall picks. And moments prior, Philadelphia traded up two spots to select Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis, at No. 13. Over three days, Roseman improved the roster, and CBS Sports HQ analyst Bryant McFadden believes the Eagles will fight with the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East title.
"On paper, I think Philly has a better team. And that's saying a lot," McFadden explained to The DA Show on Tuesday. "But, looking at what Philly wasn't able to do [last year], they addressed it in the first round. They got an experienced wide receiver -- a proven No. 1 to pair with all of the other skill guys they have on that offense. If they can stay healthy -- and I know a lot of pressure will be on Jalen Hurts' plate -- they have a great chance of winning that division."
Brown, who was selected 51st overall by Tennessee in 2019, has emerged as one of the league's best young pass-catchers. Over the past three seasons, he's amassed 2,995 receiving yards with 24 touchdowns, and produced two 1,000-yard campaigns. In 2021, he played in only 13 games, finishing with 63 receptions for 869 yards and five scores. Upon acquiring Brown, the Eagles signed him to a four-year, $100 million extension ($57 million guaranteed).
Philadelphia's monstrous deal pairs Brown alongside wideout DeVonta Smith, who was a first-round pick in the 2021 draft. Both players will catch balls from third-year signal-caller Jalen Hurts, who recorded 3,144 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 15 games last season. The 23-year-old also showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for a team-high 784 yards on 139 carries with 10 scores. The Eagles (9-8) earned a playoff spot last season and lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round.
The entire NFL conversation between McFadden and DA can be accessed in the audio player above.
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