As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the Philadelphia Eagles and their general manager Howie Roseman, who has a reputation for making bold moves. With the first round of the draft set to unfold on Thursday night, anticipation is building around what the Eagles might do with their eight picks, especially given Roseman’s track record of trading up to secure key players.
Since reclaiming personnel control in December 2015, Roseman has executed ten trades involving first-round picks, the most in the league. His aggressive approach has become a hallmark of his tenure, as he seeks to maximize the team's potential. "Maybe that's an example of being an outsider and looking at the league when I was studying it before I got into the league, and then coming into the league and understanding that there were opportunities to maybe get aggressive," Roseman said, reflecting on his strategy. "For me, I think that being aggressive has always been part of my DNA, and I feel fortunate that I have people around me who support that in Coach [Nick Sirianni] and [chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie], and it allows us to take chances and to try to be aggressive."
The Eagles are in a favorable position this year with eight picks in the draft and a total of 20 selections over the next two years. This wealth of resources not only allows them to move around the draft board but also positions them to potentially acquire veteran talent. Roseman noted that the Eagles never have 32 players with first-round grades on their board, indicating that if a highly rated prospect falls into their range, they could very well trade up to secure that player.
Historically, the Eagles have made significant moves in the draft, including their trades in 2016 to acquire quarterback Carson Wentz, in 2019 for offensive tackle Andre Dillard, and in 2021 to select wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Last year and the year before, they also moved up to draft Georgia defensive linemen Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. These successful acquisitions showcase Roseman's ability to identify talent and make strategic decisions that benefit the team.
However, the Eagles are not just looking to the draft for new talent; they may also be considering trades involving established players. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that the Eagles could be in the market for veterans such as edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Jaire Alexander. With key players like Josh Sweat and Darius Slay Jr. departing in free agency and Brandon Graham retiring, the Eagles could use reinforcements in those positions.
Moreover, tight end Dallas Goedert has been at the center of trade rumors, indicating that the Eagles might be open to moving some of their current roster to make room for new talent. This potential shake-up creates a scenario where established players could be leaving and new faces could be joining the team in the coming days.
The last time the Eagles held the 32nd pick in the draft was in 2018, when they orchestrated a deal that significantly impacted the NFL landscape. They traded the 32nd pick along with a fourth-rounder to the Baltimore Ravens, who selected two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. The Eagles, on the other hand, secured three contributors in Goedert, defensive back Avonte Maddox, and running back Miles Sanders. This history of impactful trades adds to the intrigue surrounding the Eagles' draft strategy.
As the clock ticks down to the draft, the Eagles are preparing to make decisions that could shape their roster for years to come. Roseman emphasized that all trade discussions are based on the specific circumstances at play, including what the team is willing to give up and what they hope to gain in return. "When you're in a situation where you're at your pick and there's a guy that you think is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, an unbelievable person, those guys are hard to pass on," Roseman explained. "If you have a group of players that are in the same range and that you'd be really excited about getting and you can get more value, you can get more currency, then you look at trading back; when your board starts to fall off and you have one guy that you feel really strong about, you look at moving up."
With so many variables at play, it’s difficult to predict exactly what the Eagles will do as the draft unfolds. However, one thing is certain: Roseman is known for his willingness to make moves, and this year should be no different. Fans are eagerly awaiting the decisions that will be made on Thursday night, as the Eagles look to bolster their roster and position themselves for success in the upcoming season.
The Eagles’ draft strategy, particularly their focus on 'Top 30' visits, has garnered significant attention in recent years. These visits have proven to be more predictive of the team's interest in players than in the past, when they were often used as a smokescreen. Now, the Eagles are genuinely invested in evaluating potential picks, making the draft an exciting time for both the franchise and its supporters.
As the Eagles gear up for the draft, the combination of their draft capital, aggressive history, and potential for trades creates a perfect storm for an unpredictable yet thrilling night. Fans are left to wonder: will the Eagles make the moves necessary to secure their future stars, or will they surprise everyone with a trade that shakes up the league? The clock is ticking, and the excitement is palpable as the NFL Draft approaches.
