The Philadelphia Eagles will likely enter the 2024 NFL Draft with eight picks. They interestingly only occupy only two of their original spots in the natural draft order. The volume of trades and maneuvers only make things more interesting throughout the most impactful weekend of the NFL offseason in downtown Detroit at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
The 22nd-overall pick will dominate the chatter leading up to the big day on Thursday, April 25. However, the remainder of the draft on April 26 and 27th could be just as consequential for the future of the franchise.
An aggressive general manager like Howie Roseman will always make things exciting. Look no further than a trade to land A.J. Brown on draft night in 2022 or a maneuver to swipe DeVonta Smith from the New York Giants in 2021.
What does he have up his sleeve this year? The decision to trade Carson Wentz during the 2021 offseason enacted a trickle-down effect that’s helped the Eagles in three consecutive drafts. The loaded ammo finally runs out after the Eagles (presumably) use the 2nd-rounder from the New Orleans Saints in 2024.
2024 NFL Draft: Compensatory Picks
The Eagles received four compensatory picks after the NFL announces the final draft order in March 2024. The key elements of the formula include the losses of key free agents like Javon Hargrave, T.J. Edwards, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency after the loss in Super Bowl LVII. The league’s compensatory formula also factors in minority candidates who leave an organization to take a job as a head coach or a general manager.
The four compensatory picks will arm Roseman with some additional ammo to make moves early in the draft if he chooses to. The Eagles certainly have their fair share of needs after losing six of their final seven games.
How will Roseman choose to use his picks? If history has taught Philadelphia fans anything, be alert for some surprises before the Eagles are on the clock with the 22nd-overall pick on April 25.
1st Round (22nd-Overall)
Fans hoped the Eagles might pick a little bit later in the 1st round. The Eagles had the best record in the NFL when the calendar turned to November. The late-season slide and the early playoff exit has them in position to draft 22nd.
Their primary needs include offensive tackle, edge rusher, and cornerback. The Eagles selected Andre Dillard the last time they occupied the 22nd-overall spot in 2019.
2nd Round (50th-Overall)
Howie Roseman executed a blockbuster in 2022 with three 1st-round picks at his disposal. The mega-trade with the New Orleans Saints helped the Eagles get into position to acquire A.J. Brown and Jalen Carter. The last asset of the trade will materialize in 2024.
2nd Round (53th-Overall)
The Eagles still own their own 2nd-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their first two picks are the only two of their seven total picks that weren’t acquired by trade or the compensatory formula. Memorable 2nd-round picks include Brian Dawkins, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, and Zach Ertz.
4th-Round Pick (120th-Overall)
The Eagles acquired their 4th-round pick as part of the Kenny Pickett trade. They dealt a 3rd-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in what was essentially a trade back into a lower round. The deal also included a pair of 7th-round picks in 2025 that Howie Roseman sent to Western PA.
5th-Round Pick (161st-Overall)
The name Jalen Reagor doesn’t spark many positive memories for Eagles fans. Roseman did trade the botched 1st-rounder for a reasonable return, however.
The Eagles cut their losses and walked away with a 7th-rounder in 2023 and a 5th-rounder in 2024. Reagor did not meet the conditions that could’ve moved this year’s pick to the 4th round.
5th-Round Compensatory Pick (171st-Overall)
The 2022 Eagles faced an unusual situation. They didn’t even worry about extending impending free agents during the season because there were too many key contributors on expiring contracts.
Javon Hargrave, T.J. Edwards, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson were among the key players who signed free-agent contracts and added to the compensatory formula that impacted the Eagles at the 2024 NFL Draft.
5th-Round Compensatory Pick (172nd-Overall)
A pick in the 5th round of the NFL Draft might not look like much. Roseman has his fair share of good picks in the late rounds, however. He grabbed Kenny Gainwell and Halapoulivaati Vaitai to become solid contributors, and the franchise landed steals Trent Cole and Brent Celek out of Cincinnati in previous drafts.
6th-Round Compensatory Pick (210th-Overall)
NFL teams are happy if picks from the later rounds end up as contributors on special teams or short-term starters who give minimal contributions.
The occasional Hall of Famer doesn’t come along often, but remember that Jason Kelce came off the board in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft after the Eagles selected Danny Watkins in the 1st round. You just never know.
