It’s officially Howie season. The NFL Draft is just under a week away which means it’s time to start anticipating what the Eagles GM will be have up his sleeve this weekend. Here are three first-round trades that the Eagles could well be looking to replicate.
Eagles fleece the Saints…again (kind of)
Saints trade: Pick 14
Eagles trade: Pick 22, Pick 53, 2025 5th rounder
The NFL Draft is almost becoming synonymous with the Eagles fleecing the Saints, so it would be rude not to do it again…although this trade is much fairer.
The New Orleans Saints need some offensive line help and the good news for them is that the first round is LOADED with future franchise tackles. They could get the cream of the crop at 14, but there isn’t really a huge drop-off between the likes of JC Latham and Troy Fautanu. This should give them some flexibility to move back, pick up a solid tackle, and gain some capital in the process.
Why would the Eagles move up? The options at 22 don’t exactly scream ‘franchise cornerstone‘, but with guys like J.C Latham, Byron Murphy, and Terrion Arnold all likely to go in the teens, it would make sense for Howie Roseman to once again push the pedal to the floor and go get the guy he believes will give his team the best chance of success. Any of the primary needs the Eagles have would be filled with a selection from this spot, so it’s completely logical to push up if Roseman sees something he likes.
Moving back down
Ravens trade: Pick 30, pick 93, 2025 5th rounder
Eagles trade: Pick 22
What about if the Eagles move the other way? Instead of being overly aggressive to land a franchise talent, they lay off the gas and head back to pick #30. This gives them an early edge when looking at those top second-rounders and potential first-rounders that have slipped into the fringes of it.
Whether it’s Cooper DeJean or a linebacker like Edgerrin Cooper who could easily shock the world by being picked in the upper echelons of round 2, adding a pick in this realm gives the Eagles more freedom with their pair of picks in the 50’s.
For the Ravens, they could use some EDGE, CB, and IOL help. They should have their pick of the litter at 22, with guys like Chop Robinson, Nate Wiggins, and Jackson Powers-Johnson all realistically available in this range.
The best of both worlds
Bengals trade: Pick 18
Eagles trade: Pick 22, pick 120, Marlon Tuipolotu
The Bengals could do with some DT help, but some offensive line reinforcements wouldn’t go amiss either. A move back for Cincy should still net them a solid offensive tackle and the Eagles could always throw in a guy like Marlon Tuipolotu, a proven depth piece, to sweeten the deal.
For Philly, this does give them the option of adding another DT if they want it, but it’s not overly likely. Adding an EDGE/OT/CB in this range feels like the play, and as we’ve seen from the other two trades, there really is an embarassment of riches to choose from should they push up a few spots.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
