The NFL draft is upon us and we’re inching closer to finding out who will be the next future stars/busts in Philadelphia. With two first-round picks, the Eagles are perfectly poised to move in either direction, but will they?
Everyone’s favorite former Eagles reporter, Mike Kaye, who has moved on to much bigger and better things for Pro Football Network, had this to say about the two picks:
Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman loves making deals, especially during draft weekend. He now has added flexibility with multiple first- and third-round picks. So, he can work the board in pretty much any way he sees fit.
The expectation going into the first round is that the Eagles won’t pick at their current slots (No. 15 and No. 18). At No. 15, they are likely to miss out on the blue-chip talent on defense, so there stands a strong possibility that Roseman looks to jump in the 10-13 range to nab an elite prospect at defensive tackle, defensive end, or defensive back. Having an extra third-round pick (No. 101) could help them accomplish said feat.
Also, with No. 18, the Eagles could then trade back into the 22-28 range to recoup a third-round pick from a team looking to jump the New Orleans Saints at No. 19. The Eagles want to have flexibility, quality, and quantity during draft weekend, and they are positioned to check all three boxes if they play their cards right.
It would be an absolute stunner if the Eagles picked at No. 15 and No. 18 on Day 1.
Mike is as tuned in to the Eagles as anyone, so take his opinion seriously.
With the expectation that Howie Roseman is still in “let’s make a deal” mode, what are his options to trade up and down? Take my hand and let’s go on this journey together.
Trade Up
Lions – #2
The Lions have reportedly taken calls on the #2 pick, but nothing is imminent. It would take some massive compensation to move up from 15 to 2 as Draft Tek has #2 valued at 2600 and #15 at 1050. In years past, maybe packaging 15 & 18 is worth it but, unless the Howie is enamored with either Aidan Hutchinson, Travon Walker, or Kayvon Thibodeaux, then this isn’t the year to make the massive jump.
Panthers – #6
The Panthers pick at #6 and then not again until round four at pick #137. They should be ready and willing to move down in the draft to recoup either the second round pick they lost in the Darnold trade or the third round pick they lost in the C.J. Henderson trade. The Panthers need help everywhere, but namely the offensive line. Could a package of Dillard, #15, & #101 for #6 get a deal done? With draft pick value of 1,146 going to Panthers and 1600 coming to the Eagles, a starter-worthy tackle in Dillard should get the deal done. This would allow the Panthers to get their QB at 15 and focus the rest of the picks elsewhere. This would also allow the Eagles to jump the Giants and draft Sauce Gardner.
Jets – #10
If either Sauce Gardner, Kyle Hamilton, or Derek Stingley make it to #10, Howie should tell Siri to call “Joey D” and get a deal done. With a potential run on OL (including Jets at #4) and DL in top ten, It’s likely one or two of the three land at 10. This would also be another scenario for the Eagles to jump a division rival to take their potential draftee.
Vikings – #12
If the Vikings’ targets at DB & WR are off the board, they could look to move down.
Texans – #13
It’s not a major jump, but if the Eagles want Jordan Davis and they fear the Ravens will take him, then the Texans match up perfectly.
Trade down
Steelers – #20
The Steelers signed Mitchell Trubisky to battle it out with Mason Rudolph to be QB1 for 2022. Real exciting. If one of the top QBs drops to 18, the Steelers could come calling to jump the Saints.
Patriots – #21
The Patriots need a CB to replace J.C. Jackson and a LB to replace Dont’a Hightower. If one of their top targets is there at 18, they could look to move up. With the Steelers potentially looking at secondary, this would ensure Bill gets his guy.
Packers – #22
Did you hear the Packers traded Davante Adams? Did you hear they replaced him with Sammy Watkins? Yeah.. Packers could look to move up to get their next star at WR.
Cardinals – #23
That Cardinals are reportedly very high on Jameson Williams (who isn’t) so if he slips to 18, they could come calling. Of course, many Eagles fans would rather the team sit tight and draft Williams, but I think there’s plenty of WR talent in the 2nd/3rd rounds to make up for it. If the Eagles land at 23, they could seemingly take an IOL target that the Cowboys could be targeting (Linderbaum?).
Chiefs – #29 or #30
Did you hear the Packers Chiefs traded Davante Adams Tyreek Hill? Did you hear they replaced him with Sammy Watkins Marquez Valdes-Scantling & JuJu Smith-Schuster? Yeah.. Packers Chiefs could look to move up to get their next star at WR.
Lions – #32
If the Lions shy away from the QB position at #2, they could target one later in the round to secure the fifth year option. If one falls to 18, don’t be surprised if they offer 32 & 34 to Philly to ensure they get their guy.
Seahawks – #40 & #41
Have you seen the Seahawks’ QB room after the Wilson trade? If Seattle goes non-QB at 9 (OL, probably), they could look to move back up to secure the fifth year option on a QB. #18 could be a little too rich for them unless they want to give up 40, 41, & a first in 2023.
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
