Jason Kelce weighs in on the Eagles' 2024 NFL Draft class

Quinyon Mitchell Doesn't Come With a Lot of Negatives

But he knew the Eagles wanted to beef up their secondary and he liked the direction they went with their first-round pick in Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. 

"Right away, you saw him being praised by Nick Saban," Kelce said. "Nick Saban talking about he's trying to get him out of the portal to Alabama. A guy that, you know, doesn't have a lot of negatives outside of the fact that he played at Toledo. ... He's gonna be a bird. He's gonna be able to play in Philadelphia along with Darius slay, and some guys that have been around for a long time played for Vic Fangio, who's one of the best secondary defensive coordinators in the league. So excited about what this guy's gonna be able to bring to the defense, no doubt about it."

Cooper DeJean is a Football Player

Kelce was also a fan of the next guy the Eagles selected in the versatile defensive back from Iowa, Cooper DeJean. 

He doesn't see DeJean playing cornerback in Year 1 with Slay and Mitchell in the picture, but he sees the Eagles finding a spot for him somewhere. 

"I doubt he's playing over one of those two unless an injury happens, but you know, they're gonna find a spot for him if they drafted him that high," Kelce said. "The good thing is he's a ballplayer man. He's played everywhere, he can play inside, he can play outside, he's played a little bit offense. It sounds like he's been a returner. This dude has a lot of things he does well and it really comes down to he's just a football player."

Jalyx Hunt is Confident

Kelce didn't have a lot to say about the Eagles' third-round pick Jalyx Hunt, other than the fact that he liked the way he answered his draft call. 

"You answer the phone from Howie Roseman saying, 'What's up big pimpin?', you answer the phone from the GM that's drafting you with that. I'll tell you what, he's confident," Kelce said. 

Eagles get Risky with Will Shipley Pick

The Eagles took a white cornerback and then turned around and selected a white running back a few picks later. Kelce finds the Will Shipley pick to be a risky one given NFL backfield history, but he's rooting for him all the way. 

"We're starting to get dangerous with the white skill position players. We'll see. I mean, it's just not historically proven highly successful," Kelce said. "But man I'm rooting for him. He won rushing touchdowns since 2021. The Eagles just signed Saquon Barkley so he gets to learn from a guy who's been an unbelievable Pro from day one and it's a great room. I know all the guys in there and he's gonna love it. He'll fit right in. I'm sure of it." 

Another Punt Returner? 

Kelce also questioned the Eagles' fifth-round pick, Anias Smith. But he likes his background. 

"We got Anias Smith out of Texas A&M, who played wide receiver, running back and punt returner in college," Kelce said. "So we've got we got a lot of returners here. We're also returning, I think unless Covey signed someplace else, a really really good returner from last year. He forced 20 missed tackles last season. Seventh among all wide receivers in the country. That's good."

Hopefully, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Copy and Pastes His Dad's Skills

Kelce loves Jeremiah Trotter Sr. and hopes Trotter Jr. can be just like him for the Eagles. 

"The Axe Man was a legendary Philadelphia Eagle," Kelce said. "I think he is somebody who represents exactly what you think of when you think of the Philadelphia Eagles. Toughness and grit, and through hitting the s--- out of people. I mean, he laid people the f--- out. So, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., hopefully, bring that same mentality back to the birds."

Trevor Keegan Can Chug a Beer Shirtless, That Counts

Kelce doesn't know much about Trevor Keegan, but he sees potential in him with the beer chugging. 

"I know Stout, Kelce said. "He was probably chomping at the bit here. And he finally gets a guy in round five. Offensive guard Trevor Keegan out of Michigan. Six-five, big man from Michigan. Don't know much about I'm not gonna lie. I did not watch a lot of draft tape this year. But we know he can chug a beer at parades, which is a good start"

Johnny Wilson is a Big Boy

Kelce can't get over how big Johnny Wilson is. 

"That's a big body right there," he said. "Seems like he's staying at receiver. Nick Sirianni seemed to hint that he would not be moving to tight end. Goddamn 6-6, 231, that's a big boy. Big boy."

Of Course, Kelce is Excited About Dylan McMahon 

The Eagles drafted a center in the sixth round, which is very familiar to Kelce since he was also a sixth-round pick. 

"In 2023 he had 361 Pass blocking snaps, 12 quarterback pressures allowed, one sack allowed. Of course, I'm excited to see what this kid does," Kelce said. "And I'm sure Stout is excited about having some new guys in the room. And some fresh young guys trying to mold."