After an absolutely abysmal 4-11-1 season, the Philadelphia Eagles found themselves picking sixth overall in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft, putting the team in prime position to take a generational talent within the Top-10 picks. Instead, Howie Roseman elected to move back six spots in a trade with the Miami Dolphins and have the Eagles first pick of the draft at the 12th spot.
The Birds were able to gain an additional first-round pick in the process during next year’s Draft. At this point in time, Philadelphia has the potential to hold three first-round selections heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, including their own, Miami’s first-rounder and a possible first from the Indianapolis Colts if Carson Wentz plays 75% of regular season snaps or 70% of the Colts playoff snaps.
Despite the trade back, reports have surfaced that the Eagles are eyeing a return to the Top-10 come Draft night.
“It feels like there’s another shoe yet to drop” says ESPN’s Eagles Insider Tim McManus.
I don’t think Howie Roseman wants to be drafting behind Dallas and New York.
Roseman saw an opportunity to acquire future draft capital when trading back from #6 to #12.
It will not take much to trade back into the top-ten. No more than a third round pick (Eagles have two).
— Kendall Beck (@KBeckEagles) April 16, 2021
It is set in stone that the first three players picked will play the quarterback position, causing some of the playmaking prospects to fall. Don’t rule out the possibility of the Atlanta Falcons taking a signal caller fourth overall either.
If this scenario plays out, the first non-quarterback taken won’t be until the fifth pick when the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock. Draft intel indicates that Joe Burrow is lobbying for a reunion with his former wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and that the Dolphins traded into the Top-10 to acquire a playmaker such as Kyle Pitts.
If the board shapes out this way on draft day, what would the Eagles options look like to creep back into the Top-10?
A trade with the Detroit Lions or Carolina Panthers seems feasible in this scenario.
Detroit is certainly not in win now mode (neither are the Eagles) but a trade back to No. 12 would be deemed a success for a first-year head coach looking to establish a culture and acquire young talent.
Carolina was able to acquire their QB of the future after trading for Sam Darnold, so a scenario where the team trades back four spots and accumulates more assets to address other needs is not too far fetched.
The Eagles are likely going to have to give up at least one of their third-round picks to move up on draft day. A trade package would likely include the following:
Detroit
- No. 12
- No. 70
- No. 84
- No. 123
Eagles
- No. 7
Philadelphia has a reputation for being one of the most active teams during the NFL Draft. We all know Roseman and company are one of the most active front offices in ordnance with the NFL Draft. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles play their hand come draft day.
Bill Belichick has made a total of 82 draft day trades since becoming the Patriots head coach in 2000.
The next closest team is the Eagles, with 61 in that timeframe.
New England currently owns 10 picks in the draft, starting with 15th overall.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 12, 2021
Featured Image: Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports
