Evaluating Eagles Draft Day Options: Trade Up, Stay Put, Trade Back
We have known for a while that Roseman covets CeeDee Lamb and would likely select him if the Eagles did indeed move up in the first-round.
Trade Up
If the Eagles decide to trade up from pick No. 21, they will have to pay a hefty price.
Potential trade partners include the New York Jets (11) and Cleveland Browns (10). GM connections with Joe Douglas and Andrew Berry help make sense of these moves. Trade familiarity between franchises also lies with the Jacksonville Jaguars, as they hold the No.9 pick. Some suggest that the Carolina Panthers are open for business with No.7.
As mentioned before, the asking price will be steep. The Eagles are almost guaranteed to give up their second-round selection (No.53) if they want to make a move into the top ten. Forfeiting a future 2021 first-round pick is also likely to be a part of the deal.
Maybe Alshon Jeffery or Rasul Douglas could be included in this trade package… who knows?
The Eagles will have to at least get into the top ten to jump ahead of the receiver needy teams in the mid-tier of the first-round.
Regardless of the compensation, Philadelphia will have to give up a significant amount of assets in order to acquire Lamb in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Stay Put
If the Eagles decide to stay put at No. 21, wide receiver may not be the only option to consider.
The name Justin Jefferson has been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles in an abundance of mock drafts within the past few weeks. With less than a week away from draft day Jefferson’s stock continues to rise, causing concerns of him not being available by the time the Birds are on the clock…
With this year’s draft class being loaded at the receiver spot, the team may elect to address another need with their first pick.
Although it may not seem as obvious, Philly has a pressing need at Linebacker.
Both of these prospects had impressive senior seasons, and have been linked to the Eagles the past few days. Both of these backers are tackling machines, and are fit the athletic mold the league is transitioning into. The two also have experience playing in big-games, by participating in the College Football Playoff.
On paper, Philly’s linebacking core is not the best.
In a division like the NFC East, the Eagles must prepare to face some of the top running backs in the league. Plugging in one of these Linebackers should sure up the middle of this Eagles defense.
Philly had a confirmed pre-draft FaceTime meeting with Patrick Queen.
For more evaluation on these linebacker prospects, click here. There is a lot of good #LinebackerTalk going on in that article.
If the Eagles do not feel comfortable selecting someone at No. 21, they can exercise their options by doing the following…
Trade Back
If the Eagles decide to trade back from pick No. 21, this means the team is looking to add value.
Supposing that the organization’s draft board does not fall the way they would like…
Do not be surprised to see Philadelphia fall back in the first-round. Recent reports have suggested the latter.
If Philly trades back and adds another second-round selection to their arsenal, they should be in good shape. Roseman has repeatedly emphasized that the Birds are looking to get “younger and cheaper“, for a lack of better words.
Roseman will remain true to his intentions if he trades back in the draft by accumulating extra picks.
Daniel Jeremiah recently tweeted that he has 18 WR’s in his Top 100…the team can find value at receiver later along the line.
We have heard the Birds have done an extensive amount of research on receiver Denzel Mims, a raw receiver prospect from Baylor. The Eagles have been linked to other pass catchers that will be available in the latter part of the first-round, including the likes of Jalen Reagor. Second-round prospect K.J Hamler has been in contact with coaches and staff.
Another name to look out for is Cesar Ruiz, the 6’4 , 320 lbs Center.
If WR is still out of the question when the Eagles make their first choice after trading back, Ruiz could be the route the team goes.
In the past decade, Philly invested in the trenches with their first-pick eight out of ten times. The team has a track record of drafting offensive and defensive lineman early.
Departures in Vatai, and Peters have a diminished an Eagles Top-5 offensive line. The addition of Ruiz could help anchor unit, and adds versatility to play him left or right guard as well. Scouts predict that is will Ruiz will make the most impact as a day-one starter.
Kelce can eventually groom Ruiz into the starting center after 2020. Although Jason Kelce retired from arm wrestling within the past few days, it is uncertain when he will do the same playing Center.
With Kelce getting ready to hang his midnight green, Ruiz could be the latest Center to dawn the colors.
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