13. SF 49ers (from Indianapolis via trade for Deforest Buckner)
Another big player in the WR market here. Emmanuel Sanders may be leaving, and even if he isn’t, he is still 33 years old. Deebo Samuel was pick #36 a year ago, and speedster Marquise Goodwin is also still there.
They could be in play for a big-time CB here, or even try to replace Buckner, but after getting beat by the oh-so explosive Chiefs, I can see them grabbing a WR here.
Risk assessment: High
14. Tamba Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. They don’t need WRs. They need a lot of other things, maybe even a QB.
Risk assessment: Neglectable
15. Denver Broncos
Highlighted by Courtland Sutton, a 2nd round pick from 2018 and DaeSean Hamilton (which is not a good highlight), Broncos need a WR. Assuming they are fine with Drew Luck, that is.
Risk assessment: High
16. Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones is still one of the best WRs in the game, and they spent a 1st round pick on Calvin Ridley in 2018. Falcons are in play for an edge rusher or someone to replace Desmond Trufant at CB. Not a WR.
Risk assessment: Low
17. Dallas Cowboys
They just spent 100 million on Amari Cooper and a good amount on TE Blake Jarwin. Randall Cobb did leave in FA, but already have their WR2 in Michael Gallup. Cowboys likely won’t be contenders for a big-play WR.
Risk assessment: Low
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh via trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick)
“Guess who’s back!” Already covered at #5, of course, there is a potential for grabbing best available at this point – and it may be a WR – but they need so many other positions filled, that it still remains unlikely.
Risk assessment: Low
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago via trade for Khalil Mack)
“Back again!”. Covered in #12, Raiders will select a WR in the first round. If they don’t do it early, it will happen here. They might be too worried Eagles will jump them at this spot, which is why I believe they address pass-catchers first.
Risk assessment: High
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LA Rams via trade for Jalen Ramsey)
“Jags are back, tell a friend!”. Same with Raiders at #18, WR could be best available, but still shouldn’t be a pressing need here.
Risk assessment: Moderate
Trade up is likely a must for Eagles, and Hhre’s what they should do:
The big risk starts with the Jets at 11 and just skyrockets from there.
Picks number 11, 12, 13, and 15 are all in play for one of the three aforementioned “big heads” in Ruggs, Ceedee, and Jeudy, and considering their skill, they may be too intriguing to pass for those teams.
Add the risk of a team trading up past the Eagles, and it gets messy.
A strategy that could work is to monitor what happens from pick 10. If Jets, Raiders, or 49ers decide to pass on a WR at 11, 12, and 13, trading up with Bucs at 14 (who need a ton of draft picks to fill A LOT of needs) could secure a potential star WR.
Using the draft pick value chart from drafttek.com, moving from 21 to 14 cost 300+ points. That would require Eagles to sent #21 and #53 (value 370), or #21, both 3rd round picks, and a future 4th (value roughly 300).
Will Howie strike a deal or risk it all and stay put?
Mandatory photo credit: AP Photo/Vasha Hunt
