The Eagles have already traded back once in this year’s draft, so who’s to say that they won’t do it again? It took them two trades to move up to the second overall pick in 2016, maybe moving back twice is on the cards this time with a very different aim. With the first round being loaded with talent at the positions of need for the team, Howie Roseman may find a move back enticing if his guy isn’t there at 12. Here’s a list of players that may end up being great trade back picks:
TCU Safety Trevon Moehrig
The Eagles were infamous for finding Safeties that could be moved around within the defense during the Jim Schwartz era. Trevon fits that bill. He isn’t perfect as he does need a bit of polishing with run support and the infamous double move that has haunted all Eagles DB’s in the past. He is, however, the ball hawk that the team needs at the safety position.
Moehrig had 7 career interceptions at TCU and has racked up 124 total tackles with 4.5 going for tackles for loss. He also has 21 pass deflections throughout his time at Texas Christian with 9 of them coming from his senior year. Moehrig is the kind of safety that could flourish in Johnathan Gannon’s defense.
Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman
Could it be too early to take Bateman at 12? Quite possibly, but he’s the perfect trade-back candidate. Last year, the big three of wide receiver prospects went as planned then the Eagles passed on Jefferson for Reagor. Well, meet this year’s Justin Jefferson: Rashod Bateman.
Bateman may not be covered in glitter like the others but he’s more than just “another receiver.” He has a great release at the line of scrimmage and his ability to go up and get the ball is top-notch. Rashod may not be like Jaylen Waddle when it comes to breakaway speed but he packs enough to get separation when needed. He’d be the perfect outside receiver for the birds with his unique ability to track the ball and his burst off of the line of scrimmage.
Rashod finished his collegiate career with 147 receptions for 2,395 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. He averaged 16.2 receiving yards per reception in his three seasons at Minnesota. Like I mentioned before, you may feel like it’ll be early to pick him or that he is an underwhelming pick but Rashod Bateman will be a stud in the NFL, there’s no doubt about it.
Georgia CB Eric Stokes
Eric Stokes was one of the first cornerbacks to catch my eye this offseason. He has blazing speed, evidenced by a 4.25 on his pro day. Many felt that he lacked that speed on game day but that could be a unique weapon for him at the pro level. He has shown that he can play either man or zone without question but Stokes’ game still needs to be refined.
He may not be at the level of Surtain or Horn right now but he could be a big-time player down the road if the team that drafts him can develop him. The Eagles staff has made it a point to emphasize their focus on maximizing the talent of their players. Stokes could be the perfect candidate for Gannon to bring along. He played in nine games last season in Georgia and finished with 20 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 4 pass deflections.
Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley
Farley could be in a very unique situation in this year’s draft. Ahead of his pro day, Farley announced that he would be undergoing a microdiscectomy. He also stated that he would be ready for training camp and he’ll be in Cleveland on draft day. How this affects his draft stock is the biggest mystery right now which could align with the Eagles if they are indeed looking to trade back. It would take some intense monitoring by the team to ensure that they will land Farley.
I know most Eagles fans are fearful of this pick due to the Sidney Jones saga but Farley, in my opinion, is a far better talent. Let’s be honest, Caleb would be landing in a better situation than Jones did anyway. In his two seasons at Virginia Tech, Caleb Farley finished with 56 tackles, 1 sack, 6 interceptions, and 19 pass deflections. It would be hard for Roseman and company to pass up on this type of talent if Horn and Surtain are off the board.
Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore
Well, if you know the Eagles then you know the first round is never guaranteed to make you leave your seat but this player as a late first-round pick could be an exciting one. We remember what happened last time the Eagles passed on a receiver from Ole Miss, here’s to breaking the curse.
Elijah Moore could find his way up the draft as the result of his recent pro day. The former Ole Miss receiver has gotten better in each season that he’s played. He’s put together a total of 2,441 receiving yards in three seasons in the SEC. He averaged 13.9 yards per reception in his junior season while scoring 8 touchdowns.
Moore won’t have as much wear and tear on his body and could be a bit of a project at first but if Nick Sirianni is truly the master of maximizing abilities then he could score big with Moore’s RAC ability out of the slot. Moore has great quickness and agility that could help any offense moving forward. The one big downfall is his inability to block in the run game which has been a huge want from Sirianni during his time with the Colts.
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