Eagles 2021 draft class: Meet the 9 new rookies the Birds just selected
What you need to know about the Eagles' 2021 NFL draft class.
![Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith leaves the field after their win against Ohio State in an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Alabama won 52-24. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)](https://www.inquirer.com/resizer/Ey-lzalWa1jMHIVV6vBtzzeCrMM=/760x507/smart/filters:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/LZPWOPDOSFAMDHYNJEGSKXGML4.jpg)
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.