The Philadelphia Eagles had a good theme going during last year’s NFL draft. After taking Jordan Davis and then stealing his teammate, Nakobe Dean, in the third round; Philadelphia found a recipe for success. A recipe that could only be complete when they came into the Draft last night.
Somehow, some way, the Eagles managed to trade a 4th-round pick and the 10th overall to move up one spot with the Bears and they selected Defensive Tackle, Jalen Carter. Before the off the field issues, Carter was rated as the number one prospect in the draft. After losing a teammate in a fatal crash, it seemed as if things were going downhill for the former Bulldog.
Luckily he lands in Philadelphia where the brotherhood of his past Championship team is still thriving through Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. But the Eagles didn’t stop there. The front office managed to stay as patient as possible without sacrificing any picks to nab the second-best defensive player in the draft that just so happens to be from Georgia as well!
Nolan Smith was taken with the 30th pick in the draft and could be the steal of a lifetime. He’s the prototypical edge rusher that Philly will love for years to come. This was the final piece needed to recreate an incredible defensive line that was once part of a historical college football defense.
There’s no second-guessing that Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith will make immediate impacts alongside Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis. The true difference maker that can help this defense accomplish what last years couldn’t is the brotherhood that had already been established in college.
Jalen Carter has praised Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis for their leadership in Georgia on and off the field. This shows just how much Carter wants to succeed at this level. While many will express a distaste for a pro athlete having to be “chaperoned” by another athlete, it discredits the truth about the brotherhood that exists off the field. The Eagles have the perfect culture for Carter to thrive in as well as the best veteran leaders from Jalen Hurts, Fletcher Cox, Jason Kelce, Haason Reddick, and Brandon Graham.
A new Howie Roseman for the Eagles?
One has to wonder what has changed for Howie Roseman over the last several years. During the Pederson-Wentz era, the Eagles were drafting “could-be” players and signing players that were in the last years of their prime. Ever since Nick Sirianni came on, Philadelphia has invested in its youth and has gone for the sure thing in multiple drafts. From DeVonta Smith in the first round, to Jordan Davis and then trading from A.J. Brown before selecting Cam Jurgens and Nakobe Dean to this year’s incredible start.
Howie is seeing finished college products that are ready to boom in the NFL and he’s all-in. He’s replicated what Alabama had in DeVonta Smith and Jalen Hurts then has now gone on to replicate what Georgia between their four defensive stars. Philadelphia has turned over a new life and is welcoming sustainable success.
It seems like the Eagles are embracing a new meaning to the term Dawg mentality. After going all in on Georgia defenders in the first round, one has to wonder what else Howie has up his sleeve for days 2 and 3. From my understanding, there’s another Georgia Bulldog out there that could use a change of scenery on the offensive side of the football. Keep your eyes focused on what looks to be an incredible weekend for the Eagles and their fans.
AP Photo/Butch Dill
