Eagles must do better

As per Nick Korte from overthecap.com, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to acquire a third-round and three fifth-round compensatory picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, their track record with fifth-round selections has been less than stellar.

While the performance of the Eagles’ recent third-round picks (Sydney Brown, Nakobe Dean, Milton Williams) is still uncertain, the team has faced challenges in unearthing talent in later rounds, particularly the fifth round. Apart from DE Trent Cole in 2005 and OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai in 2016, the team has struggled to find impactful players in this round.

Examining the Eagles’ last five fifth-round picks provides insight into their mixed success:

1. Kenneth Gainwell (RB), 2021:
– Despite initial promise, Gainwell has served as a complementary back, accumulating 895 rushing yards over three years. His performance in the recent playoff game was modest, suggesting the Eagles may need additional support for their running game.

2. John Hightower (WR), 2020:
– Hightower showed early potential but eventually fell down the depth chart. His 2020 season ended with 10 catches for 167 yards and no scores. He struggled to secure a place with the team in subsequent years and was eventually released in 2023.

3. Clayton Thorson (QB), 2019:
– Drafted as a potential backup, Thorson spent his rookie season on the practice squad and later joined the Cowboys’ practice squad. Despite not playing in an NFL game, he had a brief stint in the USFL and remains unproven at the professional level.

4. Shelton Gibson (WR), 2017:
– Although Gibson won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in his rookie year, his on-field contributions were limited. With only a handful of receptions in subsequent years, he moved between practice squads and most recently played in the CFL with the BC Lions.

5. Nathan Gerry (LB), 2017:
– Gerry had a more productive tenure with 163 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions in four years. However, he was released after the 2020 season and had a brief stint with the Commanders in 2022.

With four fifth-round picks in the upcoming draft, general manager Howie Roseman faces the opportunity to make impactful selections and improve the team’s track record in this round.