It’s officially 2024 NFL Draft week, meaning there’s just a handful of days before each team gets to pick new players to add to their squads.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, it means finalizing their big board and knowing who they hope to add and how they fit with the current roster’s development.
Philadelphia Eagles News Today
With a busy week ahead, the Eagles will first mourn the loss of a former Pro Bowl quarterback. Meanwhile, there’s talk of DeVonta Smith hitting the weight room and putting on some significant weight. Some new mock drafts are on the way, too.
All of that and more in today’s Eagles news!
Eagles Mourn Passing of Pro Bowl Quarterback, Philanthropist Roman Gabriel
The Eagles mourned the passing of former quarterback Roman Gabriel on Saturday, April 20, at the age of 83. His son, Roman Gabriel III, announced the peaceful passing in a post on X.
I am sad to announce my father Roman Gabriel @RGabriel4HOF passed away peacefully this morning of natural causes at his home . The entire family asked for your prayers , and to please respect our privacy 🙏🙏🙏- I love you dad
— Roman Gabriel 3 (@RomanGabriel3rd) April 20, 2024
Gabriel was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the second overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, becoming the first Filipino-American quarterback in league history. He spent the last five years of his career with the Eagles (1973-77), but his first 11 seasons with the Rams.
During his career, Gabriel was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time second-team All-Pro, first-team All-Pro, and 1969 AP NFL MVP. In 53 games with the Eagles, Gabriel threw for 7,221 yards and 47 touchdowns, made his fourth Pro Bowl, and won PFWA Comeback Player of the Year.
RELATED: Jalen Hurts Donates $200,000 to Philadelphia Schools
Chad Johnson Says DeVonta Smith Has Been Bulking Up This Offseason
Weighing in at 170 pounds coming into the NFL, Smith has always been known for being one of the thinnest receivers in the league. However, former star wideout Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson said that might not be the case anymore.
“I guarantee you when you see him this year, you gonna be like, ‘G*d damn boy, you been working!’ He’s about 190 [pounds], I kid you not,” said Johnson on “The Nightcap Show,” reacting to Smith’s new contract.
Smith recently signed a three-year, $75 million extension, keeping him in Philadelphia through what should be his prime years.
READ MORE: DeVonta Smith Contract Details
Ian Cummings’ 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Eagles Add to Pass Rush
With the draft just days away, Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings released his final seven-round mock draft, and when it comes to the Eagles, he didn’t disappoint.
In his draft, Philadelphia made eight picks, with five coming on offense and three on defense. Yet, the highlight of the Eagles’ class was UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu with the 22nd selection.
“EDGE isn’t Philadelphia’s top need, but Howie Roseman loves to upgrade the trenches, and he doesn’t have a player like Laiatu Latu yet,” Cummings said.
READ MORE: Ian Cummings’ 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
