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The Philadelphia Eagles 2014 NFL Draft class started with the selection of Marcus Smith and ended with Beau Allen. The Eagles entered the draft with only six picks but made some trades and walked away with a total of seven selections. The final results can be found below.
First Round
The Eagles were scheduled to pick first at No. 22 but they traded down when they were on the clock. The Cleveland Browns traded up for quarterback Johnny Manziel and the Eagles moved down four spots to Pick No. 26. The Eagles received pick No. 83 in return.
With pick No. 26, the Eagles selected outside linebacker Marcus Smith from Louisville. Many were surprised by the pick. Smith's addition gives the Eagles' defense a versatile new pass rusher.
Eagles selected Marcus Smith for several reasons
Second Round
The Eagles made another trade in the second round in order to make their second selection. This time they traded picks No. 54 and No. 122 to the Tennessee Titans in order to move up and draft wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Matthews seems like an extremely hard-working and motivated wide receiver who possesses great size and speed. A prototypical Chip Kelly pass catcher if there ever was one.
Third Round
At No. 83, the Eagles made a trade with the Houston Texans. The Eagles acquired picks No. 101 (first on Day 3) and No. 141 in exchange for No. 83.
The Eagles double-dipped at wide receiver on Day 2 and added another wide receiver in round three. This time it was Josh Huff, a former Oregon Ducks player. Huff becomes the first Ducks player to be drafted under the Chip Kelly era Eagles.
Fourth Round
The Eagles started off Day 3 by selecting defensive back Jaylen Watkins from Florida. Watkins will work out at both safety and cornerback for the Eagles. Watkins noted he feels more comfortable at cornerback.
***TRADE****
During the fourth round Eagles running back Bryce Brown was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a future conditional mid-round pick. More details here. The Eagles and Bills also swapped 7th round picks in this draft.
Fifth Round
The Eagles owned two picks in the fifth round.
First up was Taylor Hart at No. 141. Hart is yet another former Oregon Ducks player. Hart will provide depth on the Eagles defensive line and could play in a rotational role.
Next was safety Ed Reynolds out of Standford at No. 162. Reynolds will likely compete for a backup job and contribute on special teams. He's a very smart player.
Sixth Round
The Eagles did not have a selection in the sixth round. Philadelphia traded their 2014 6th round pick, along with Isaac Sopoaga, to the New England Patriots shortly before the 2013 NFL trade deadline. The Eagles received a 5th round pick in return which they later traded to the Saints during 2014 NFL free agency in exchange for Darren Sproles.
Seventh Round
In the seven round the Eagles finally added a large nose tackle that many seemed to be clamoring for. Allen will be a depth defensive lineman and could play in rotation with projected starter Bennie Logan.
Here are your 2014 Eagles draft picks. Click on the link for more detailed write-ups on them.
1 (26) - Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville
2 (42) - Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
3 (86) - Josh Huff, WR, Oregon
4 (101) - Jaylen Watkins, CB, Florida
5 (141) - Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon
5 (162) - Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford
7 (224) - Beau Allen, NT, Wisconsin