Eagles 2021 Draft Class Ranked Among the Best in NFL

The 2021 season is down to the final four, with the remaining 28 teams focusing on free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.

Before we take a look ahead at this years draft, lets see how Pro Football Focus ranked the 2021 draft classes. PFF used the Wins Above Replacement (WAR) metric, to rank the value of each teams rookie class against what was expect of that class back when they were selected in April of 2021.

So how did Howie Roseman and his front office team do in the 2021 draft? Apparently not too bad.

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The Eagles 2021 draft class had Top 10 production this season ranking as the ninth best draft class among the 32 teams.

DeVonta Smith showed that the ability to run routes and generate separation translates to the NFL level seamlessly, but his production was capped by the overall potency of the Eagles passing offense. Landon Dickerson ended up starting 13 games at guard once injuries struck the line, and Milton Williams played almost 500 snaps for the team on the defensive line. Kenneth Gainwell was also a contributor on offense but had just 107 total touches over the season including the wild-card loss.

Smith had a solid rookie season, while he wasn't Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase, he showed he belonged and should make big strides in 2022. Landon Dickerson should b a staple on the Eagles offensive line, as long as he can stay healthy, for years to come. Milton Williams has star potential and Kenneth Gainwell should be a bigger weapon in the offense next season ans was listed as the teams best value pick by PFF.

Gainwell might not have had a massive role as part of a timeshare in Philadelphia's backfield, but the fifth-round pick did make positive contributions to the Eagles' offense as a runner and receiver. 28% of Gainwell's carries went for first downs or touchdowns (sixth among running backs with at least 50 carries), and he was targeted on a quarter of his 182 receiving routes.

What could really make this class stand out is if they can get some solid production from fourth-round pick Zech McPhearson, giving the team five solid contributors from the 2021 draft class.

With three first-round picks this upcoming season, the team could have an infusion of young talent and take another step forward in 2022.