2014 NFL Draft grades: Philadelphia Eagles select Marcus Smith

With the No. 26 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Marcus Smith after the Eagles moved down four spots in a trade with the Cleveland Browns that saw them take Johnny Manziel.

Wide receiver has been a popular pick in the majority of mock drafts for Chip Kelly’s team following the release of Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson in the offseason, but the Eagles pulled a mild surprise with the drafting of the edge rusher.

Smith was the 2013 AAC defensive rookie of the year and a first-team All-AAC selection. He had 14.5 sacks last season which was second in the FBS and 18.5 tackles for loss last season and is a perfect in the 3-4 scheme.

You can argue it was a bit of a reach, but it fits an area of need and the Eagles had to address the defense, even if Marqise Lee or Kelvin Benjamin would have been “sexier” picks.

The drafting of Lee would have been an embarrassment of riches for Kelly who would have given Nick Foles another weapon in the passing game to go along with Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Zach Ertz and running backs Darren Sproles and LeSean McCoy. Nevertheless, this offense is going to once again be scary for NFC East defenses to try and slow down and the Eagles have to be considered the overwhelming favorite to win the division in Kelly’s second year in the NFL.

Cornerback was also a position that the Eagles could address in the first round but after Darqueze Dennard went to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 24 and Jason Verrett went to the San Diego Chargers their decision to draft offense became a little easier to take Smith.

Grade: B