How the 2020 NFL Draft impacted Eagles fan confidence

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We have a new FanPulse update now that the 2020 NFL Draft is over. Here’s a look at how things have changed since we last gauged Philadelphia Eagles fan confidence earlier this month:

The Eagles saw a slight bump following free agency but the aftermath of the 2020 NFL Draft has fans right back where they were at the end of the 2019 season. I have a feeling the Jalen Hurts pick might have something to do with the drop.

The upside to taking Hurts is that he could be a valuable backup to have if something happens to Carson Wentz. But there’s also considerable downside in undermining your franchise quarterback just a couple seasons after there were different Wentz and Nick Foles factions.

Here’s how Eagles fans graded the team’s entire 2020 draft class:

I thought the Eagles’ draft was “C+” or “C” quality. That’s also how I feel about their offseason as a whole.

Howie Roseman has added some real talent to this roster. Acquiring guys like Javon Hargrave, Darius Slay, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Will Parks could give Jim Schwartz’s defense a boost. Roseman emphasized adding speed in the 2020 NFL Draft, which is important! His volume drafting approach was smart.

But there are still a lot of questions remaining. To what extent can Jalen Reagor provide an instant impact? Is Andre Dillard really a sure bet at left tackle when there are rumors about the team dangling him in a trade one year after trading up to get him? Can one of Avonte Maddox or Sidney Jones step up and at least be an adequate starter at cornerback across from Slay? Can the Eagles truly get by with Nathan Gerry and T.J. Edwards as their starting linebackers? Is the pass rush good enough? Could losing Malcolm Jenkins be more devastating than people expect?

In fairness, it’s not like there’s a single perfect roster in the NFL. Every team has their warts, to varying degrees. There’s also obviously still time for signings and trades prior to the season starts.

I hardly think the Eagles are doomed to missing the playoffs, especially as the NFL added a seventh seed to the postseason format. I still feel relatively hopeful about this team’s outlook with Carson Wentz and Doug Pederson leading the way. I just wonder if Roseman has pulled the right strings to put the Eagles in the NFC’s elite tier or if they’re merely just a “good but not great” team. After his last couple offseasons, which were admittedly subpar, I don’t think Roseman deserves automatic benefit of the doubt.

How are you feeling about the Eagles on April 30?

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Elsewhere in the NFC East, it’s no surprise to see that Dallas Cowboys fans are feeling good about a draft class that’s been universally praised as one of the best in the league.

You would just hate to see this Cowboys hype amount to another season where Dallas misses the playoffs.

New York Giants fans are also feeling good about their draft. Did Dave Gettleman do something right for once?

Washington fans are understandably excited about adding Chase Young.

So, the Eagles actually have the lowest fan confidence rating in their division ... for whatever that’s worth.

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