Eagles 2021 draft class: Meet the 9 new rookies the Birds just selected

The Eagles added nine players through the NFL draft, starting with DeVonta Smith and ending with Patrick Johnson.

Here’s what you need to know about each of them:

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Pick: No. 10

Height: 6-feet

Weight: 166 pounds

Scheme fit: Smith has the quickness, route-running acumen, and catching ability to be an impactful Day 1 starter, so long as he doesn’t struggle with stronger defensive backs. He can play multiple receiver spots, but he’ll likely spend most of his time as the team’s “X” receiver and start right away.

Landon Dickerson, C/G, Alabama

Pick: No. 37

Height: 6-6

Weight: 333 pounds

Scheme fit: Dickerson has played center, guard, and tackle in college. He’s got the strength and nastiness to become a dominant interior lineman if he can stay on the field. Once he recovers from his ACL tear, he will likely serve as a backup at multiple positions while the Eagles decide whether he’s a center or a guard long-term.

» READ MORE: Eagles draft DT Marlon Tuipulotu, DE Tarron Jackson in sixth, LB JaCoby Stevens with first pick in seventh round

Milton Williams, DT/DE, Louisiana Tech

Pick: No. 73

Height: 6-3

Weight: 284

Scheme fit: Williams can be a rotational defensive tackle next season, but probably won’t be a starter if Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave stay healthy. Because he’s got a blend of elite athleticism and a smaller frame, he will likely be an early-down defensive end who can rush from defensive tackle on obvious passing downs.

Zech McPhearson, CB, Texas Tech

Pick: No. 123

Height: 5-11

Weight: 191

Scheme fit: McPhearson has the versatility to line up in the slot or on the outside, but he’s better suited for a role inside. He’s a solid athlete, but it might be a year or two before he’s truly ready to play significant snaps outside of special teams.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis

Pick: No. 150

Height: 5-8

Weight: 201

Scheme fit: Gainwell should come in and immediately contribute as a receiving threat out of the backfield and possibly even occasionally as a slot receiver. Nick Sirianni values running backs who run crisp routes and can line up in the slot. Gainwell fits that mold.

» READ MORE: Tom Donahoe & draft-room drama obscure the fact that Howie Roseman crushed NFL draft for Eagles | Marcus Hayes

Marlon Tuipulotu, DT, USC

Pick: No. 189

Height: 6-2

Weight: 307

Scheme fit: Tuipulotu’s best-case scenario as a rookie is probably earning a roster spot and possibly getting a few snaps on early downs in a defensive tackle rotation. It’s much more likely he’ll spend next season developing behind the scenes.

Tarron Jackson, DE, Coastal Carolina

Pick: No. 191

Height: 6-2

Weight: 254

Scheme fit: You should probably consider Jackson as a prototypical late-round flier at an impact position. If his college production translates at some point during his rookie contract, he’ll be a rotational end in a year or two. If not, he won’t stick around for long.

JaCoby Stevens, S, LSU

Pick: No. 224

Height: 6-1

Weight: 212

Scheme fit: Stevens was listed at 230 by LSU but weighed in around 216 at the Senior Bowl. This will be important, because it’s currently unclear whether he’ll be a linebacker convert or a strong safety. Either way, he’ll have to earn a roster spot in training camp.

Patrick Johnson, LB, Tulane

Pick: No. 234

Height: 6-2

Weight: 240

Scheme fit: The Eagles listed Johnson as a linebacker on their team website, meaning a switch to outside linebacker is likely in his future. We’ll see if he can stick there.