As the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia came to a close, fans all across the country sat down and studied their respective teams’ picks, searching for the good in all of them. While some teams may have made better decisions than others, expectations for those players remained high regardless. Throughout the draft, the Philadelphia Eagles chose the players that they felt best filled the positions that needed the most work. Below is a look at four of the biggest names chosen, and what they can bring to the table in the City of Brotherly Love.
Derek Barnett, DE Tennessee
Speculations were at an all time high before the draft, with many Eagles fans projecting the front office to take the best available wide receiver with the 14th overall pick. The two receivers most teams had their eyes on were Corey Davis and Mike Williams, who were both drafted before the Eagles even had a chance. Now, with a number of talented cornerbacks still available, fans expected the team to take any of those players, which is why Derek Barnett was an unexpected, but smart decision by the Eagles front office.
Barnett recorded 33 sacks in his three-year career at the University of Tennessee, breaking hall-of-famer Reggie White’s school record. In his three seasons in Knoxville, he recorded 10 sacks his first year, 10 the next, and 13 in his final year, displaying great consistency. Barnett was overlooked by many teams, seeing as Myles Garrett already had most of the league’s attention. However, compared side by side, Barnett’s numbers are as good, if not better than Garrett’s.
The Eagles’ decision to draft him with their first pick was a smart one, as he has the potential to become an impact player in just his first year. Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz has already been working closely with Barnett to develop his position within the team’s already formidable defensive line.
Sidney Jones, CB Washington
Philadelphia was lucky to grab Jones in the second round with the 43rd overall pick, seeing as he was one of the last few remaining cornerbacks that possessed a good amount of skill. What undoubtedly lowered his stock this past draft is the torn achilles Jones suffered during University of Washington’s pro day. However, the Eagles are confident that he as a player possesses a great amount of skill, and will be able to successfully overcome this injury.
Assuming Jones fully recovers, he is another defensive player that could possibly make a huge impact on the team’s less-than-impressive secondary as soon as he starts. The Eagles have had trouble with their pass defense in recent years, though they are beginning to make improvements. Pairing Jones alongside the recently signed Patrick Robinson and second-year player Jalen Mills could add a much needed punch to the team’s secondary, though there are still holes that need to be filled.
Rasul Douglas, CB West Virginia
Some might argue that college star running back Donnel Pumphrey is a slightly bigger name than Rasul Douglas, but in terms of the Eagles’ positional needs, Douglas fills his respective role much more. Taking Pumphrey was a good decision by the Philadelphia front office, as he lit up his division at San Diego State. However, his size has many fans concerned. Though we have yet to see what he can do at a professional level, his future with the team could be more impactful than most think. Douglas on the other hand, appears to be a hard-hitting ballhawk that has all the capabilities needed to start this upcoming season.
In his last season at West Virginia University, Rasul Douglas finished tied for first in most interceptions with a total of 8. Now taking part in the Eagles’ rookie camps, he has shown fellow players and coaches that he is willing to do whatever it takes to do his part. Douglas brings an enormous amount of effort and dedication to Philadelphia; something that can truly go a long way. If both he and Jones live up to their potential and become an intimidating tandem in the backfield, fans may begin to see a resemblance to the days of Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown.
Douglas will be joined by fellow WVU wide receiver Shelton Gibson in Philadelphia, which could prove extremely valuable, as they have trained together in the past. Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood, taken out of WVU in the 2016 draft, is yet another Mountaineer that could aid in the young players’ developments.
Mack Hollins, WR North Carolina
A name that surprisingly did not receive much attention before the draft, Mack Hollins is a tall, powerful receiver, standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 221 pounds. Perhaps it was the lack of snaps Hollins played at UNC, but there is no denying that his size and speed displayed in college is impressive. Hollins was a consistent deep threat for the Tar Heels, as well as a remarkable special teams player, both of which are areas that the Eagles could improve on.
With his skillset, Mack Hollins could become the red zone receiver Philadelphia so desperately needed this past season. Though he may lack experience, he has been turning heads with his performance at the Eagles’ rookie camps. If he lives up to the hype, Hollins could be Carson Wentz’s answer to the deep ball. Combine him with the recently signed Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, and the Eagles’ pass offense has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the league in the 2017-2018 season.