The Philadelphia Eagles entered the NFL Draft with 11 picks.
It has made the most of its moves so far, as the franchise is surrounding Jalen Hurts with talent.
Philadelphia traded with the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday to take DeVonta Smith at No. 10 overall in the first round. Smith and Hurts were teammates at the University of Alabama.
The two connected for a 26-yard, game-winning touchdown (31-24) in 2017 versus Mississippi State.
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DeVonta Smith was greeted by a familiar face when he arrived at the Eagles facility ♥️ @DeVontaSmith_6 @JalenHurts
(🎥 via @Eagles) pic.twitter.com/lhaGZcmLAw
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) April 30, 2021
They did not have many connections in college, but that will change in the pros. Smith gives the Eagles a wide receiver that can play inside or outside. He makes contested catches and is the best route runner in the class. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder will also provide Hurts with confidence to vertically stretch the field. Philadelphia continued its work in the second round, taking Landon Dickerson at No. 37 overall. Hurts will now have protection in the pocket from one of the most beloved Crimson Tide players.
The @Eagles got an absolute leader with Landon Dickerson.
When he went down in the SEC Championship, the ENTIRE @AlabamaFTBL team came out to show their support. pic.twitter.com/EheuMIR0BN
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 30, 2021
Landon Dickerson when the Eagles drafted him.. pic.twitter.com/o3eKIEXkiS
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) April 30, 2021
Dickerson assisted Mac Jones to a single-season school record for passing yards (4,500).
His protection allowed Jones to toss 41 touchdowns and lead the Tide to a national championship in 2020. The combination of Hurts, Smith, and Dickerson is a strong nucleus for Eagles to build on. According to Torrey Smith, a former NFL receiver, he is just happy to see Hurts get a real shot.
I’m just happy the Eagles didn’t draft a QB. I want to see Hurts get a real shot.
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) April 30, 2021
Philadelphia has eight draft picks remaining as we are on day three of the draft.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
