Grading the Eagles' 2022 draft class

The 2022 season is over. As the Eagles get ready for a deep playoff run, the 2022 draft class has made their presence felt. 

After the draft was immediately over, the Eagles draft class received an A+ grade and was ranked as the third-best, Sporting News reported. Since then, the time has passed and we got to see the rookies in action. How did they do in their first year?

While the league and its fans want to see their team's draft picks contribute on day one, it just doesn't work out that way. The transition from college to the pros isn't easy. It takes time for players to develop. In this age of instant gratification, it's ridiculous to grade a draft class after just one season, but we'll evaluate the sample size we've been given in 2022. Of course, three years from now, these grades could change. 

We'd be sorely mistaken if we didn't mention that the Eagles used a first-round pick in last year's draft to trade for Titans star receiver A.J. Brown. The trade was a royal flush for the Eagles. Brown has turned into a lethal weapon in coach Sirianni's offense and is a fan favorite among the Philly faithful. Brown wasn't drafted by the Eagles, but the draft capital they used to get him worked out well.

DT Jordan Davis Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 13 Grade: A

Standing at 6-foot-6, 336 pounds, the monstrous defensive tackle showed flashes in his rookie year. He was primarily used as a run-stuffing tackle in first and second-down situations. He missed four games due to an ankle injury. His snap count decreased when he returned because the Eagles signed Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh as replacements during his recovery time. Overall, Davis had a solid rookie year and got to learn from seasoned vets like Suh, Joseph, Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. He was the best rookie on the Eagles this season, per Bleacher Report. 

C Cameron Jurgens Draft Selection: Round 2, Pick 51 Grade: C

Jurgens, the alleged heir apparent to Jason Kelce, was handpicked by Kelce himself as his replacement. It's too early to tell how Jurgens' career will play out. Kelce, 35, was the Eagles' starting center in all 17 games this season. He signed a one-year contract with the Eagles to play this season and has considered retirement. Jurgens could be put to the test as early as next season. When the day comes, Jurgens will have big shoes to fill--Kelce is a future Hall of Famer. 

LB Nakobe Dean Draft Selection: Round 3, Pick 83 Grade: C

Dean is in a similar situation to Jurgens. It's too early to tell. The undersized linebacker (5-foot-11, 231 pounds) was touted as a steal in the draft because of his football IQ and intangibles. Dean didn't start a single game and made 13 total tackles this season, per ESPN. He basically redshirted his rookie year under starting linebackers T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White and Hassan Reddick. Both Edwards and White are free agents after this season, USA Today reported. Dean could get his chance to start next season if the Eagles don't re-sign their starters. Hopefully, he can replicate his college success at Georgia.

LB Kyron Johnson Draft Selection: Round 6, Pick 181 Grade: B-

The Kansas product carved out a role for himself on special teams and played in 265 snaps on this unit. He racked up eight total tackles as well. This's good production from a sixth-round pick. Johnson will continue to grow with the Eagles.

TE Grant Calcaterra Draft Selection: Round 6, Pick 198  Grade: B

Calcaterra started the season as Dallas Goedert's backup. He filled in for Goedert when he went down with a shoulder injury and held his own. In total, he caught five catches for 81 yards and became a serviceable run-blocker for the Eagles' rushing attack. There were some rookie mistakes, but Calcaterra showed promise.