The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2014 NFL Draft class is completely gone

For the first time since the Philadelphia Eagles selected seven players in the 2014 NFL Draft, none of the guys from that class will be on the team’s roster as a new season begins.

The Eagles cut their last vestige from that group by waiving converted lineman Taylor Hart on Saturday afternoon.

Here’s a look back at that entire class. Spoiler: it’s not pretty.

1 (26) - Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville

Smith was considered to be a “reach” by many. The Eagles panicked when their top six options at pick No. 22 went off the board. They traded down and wanted to trade down again but ended up settling for Smith because they reached for “need.” Smith lasted three years in Philadelphia before the Eagles cut him in 2017. He then signed with the Seahawks.

Smith is now reportedly considering retirement despite only turning 26 years old back in March. If he leaves the game, he’ll have logged just 20 tackles in 51 games played over five years. And zero starts.

2 (42) - Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

JMatt, whom the Eagles traded up to select, stuffed the stat sheet during his time with the Eagles. He had 250 receptions for 2,955 yards and 19 touchdowns in three seasons with Philly. The problem is that those stats were inflated to some extent. The Eagles ended up trading JMatt to the Bills, along with a third-round pick, in exchange for Ronald Darby. JMatt was really just a throw-in.

Matthews is now looking for his fourth NFL team after being cut by the Patriots earlier this offseason. Injury issues have derailed his career.

3 (86) - Josh Huff, WR, Oregon

The first Oregon player to be drafted by Chip Kelly, Huff was not as productive in the NFL as he was in college. He struggled to maintain consistency despite sporadically flashing some talent. The Eagles released Huff in 2016 after his gun arrest. After leaving the Eagles, Huff spent stints with the Buccaneers and Saints.

Now Huff is a free agent and looking for his fourth NFL team.

It’s frustrating to think the 2014 NFL Draft class was LOADED with wide receiver talent and the Eagles managed to only end up with JMatt and Huff.

4 (101) - Jaylen Watkins, CB, Florida

Watkins played in 36 games and made five starts for Philadelphia over four years. There was a brief stint where he spent time on the Bills’ practice squad in 2015 but the Eagles ended up bringing him back. Watkins ended up proving to be a serviceable backup defensive back who can play at both safety an corner, but he never really showed the ability to be trusted as a full-time starter.

Watkins signed with the Chargers this offseason. He’s on the injured reserve list after tearing his ACL.

5 (141) - Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon

Remember when Chip Kelly wanted to draft Taylor Hart in the third round but Howie Roseman made him hold off? Yikes. The former Duck has 13 career tackles to his name. He actually switched from defensive tackle to offensive tackle heading into the 2017 season.

Hart was cut by the Eagles on Saturday. The 27-year-old’s NFL career is likely over. Maybe he’ll end up on UCLA’s coaching staff.

5 (162) - Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford

Reynolds ended up playing in six games with the Eagles. He even had a memorable moment when he picked off Tyrod Taylor to clinch an Eagles win late in the 2015 season. Reynolds then landed with the Browns after getting cut in 2016. He was competing for a roster spot in Cleveland heading into 2017 but he got hurt and has been out of the league since.

Reynolds’ NFL career is likely over.

7 (224) - Beau Allen, NT, Wisconsin

The Eagles saved their best pick for last in 2014. Allen ended up being a valuable rotational defensive tackle to keep around. In four years with Philadelphia, he made eight starts in 63 games played. He logged 53 tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections during that span. Honey Beau Beau was a fan-favorite and a great locker room guy. Allen finished his Eagles career on top by going out with a Super Bowl ring.

Allen signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Buccaneers this offseason. Well deserved.

Undrafted free agents

Even the Eagles’ UDFAs from 2014 are gone!

Trey Burton, who shall forever be remembered as the thrower of the Philly Special, signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Bears in free agency. Burton was a real gem for the Eagles as a player who both gave the Eagles tight end depth and starred on special teams.

Josh Andrews somehow managed to stick around with the Eagles in various capacities (roster, practice squad) before signing with the Vikings earlier this offseason.

2014 was also the year the Eagles had Henry Josey in camp before waiving him in final cuts to much outrage. Never forget.

CONCLUSION

This sure wasn’t a good draft class.

Who’s to blame? Well, it’s impossible to ignore Chip Kelly’s influence. But Howie Roseman was still the general manager at the time.

I’d like to theorize that a big problem with this class is that those two guys couldn’t get on the same page. Kelly’s requirements may have really shrunk the board that Roseman had to work with.

At least the Eagles don’t have to deal with that setup anymore.