What’s the Scenario?
What will the Eagles do draft weekend? That’s the million-dollar question fans want answered. With the acquisition of Jason Peters, the potential moves the Birds might make have been reduced. Gone are the 28th and 121st selections. However, as we all know, Andy Reid is fond of trading up, down and all around the draft board. With 10 total picks, the brain trust still has plenty of room to maneuver.
So, what will they do? Trade up into the first-round to land “their guy?” Drop out of the first round should their guy be gone? Or just stand pat in the first three rounds and choose the proverbial BPA (Best Player Available)? Let’s examine each scenario in order to surmise what they could end up with after three rounds.
Trade up from 21: They can move into the mid-teens by packaging their 21st and 85th picks. Why would they make this decision? Well, if the draft pundits are correct, Knowshon Moreno is the player they covet. It’s likely Moreno will be gone by 21, despite what numerous mock drafts suggest. Denver, San Diego and even the Jets could nab the Georgia runner before the Birds get the chance. If he is indeed their guy, a move up may be the only way to ensure he’s wearing midnight green come September.
Will it happen?: I say no. It’s too costly a move to make. The Eagles still need depth at tight end, cornerback, safety and linebacker. Sacrificing a first and third-round selection for a running back does not fit the Reid philosophy. If Moreno falls to 21, so be it. If he doesn’t, a quality back can still be had.
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Trade out of the first round: Fans and media alike will likely pull their hair out should Reid slide out of the opening round for a third consecutive year. But when you consider last year’s trade with the Panthers essentially netted DeSean Jackson, Quintin Demps and Jason Peters, it might behoove us all to reserve judgment should it happen again. Let’s assume the player they want isn’t there at 21 and no one else on their board warrants a first-round grade. A trade back could land them a 2010 first round selection and they could still get a top runner with the additional second-round pick.
Will it happen?: If they pull this off, it means they could miss out on both Moreno and Donald Brown. Since both backs fit their West Coast system better than the other prospects, I say they won’t trade out of the first. Now, they might trade back into the first round. For example, Tennessee may be in love with a player they fear won’t fall to them at pick 30. The Eagles could swap spots, gain additional ammo, and still get Brown at 30. As you can see, the possibilities are limitless.
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Stay put in the first three rounds: Andy Reid, not trade? It wouldn’t be unheard of for him to go this route. Although, a quick check of recent drafts revealed 2002 to be the last year Reid didn’t make a move of some sort in the opening three rounds. However, the Eagles’ needs are very specific, so sitting still and choosing the BPA makes sense. A running back, tight end and cornerback could all be claimed with the first three picks.
Will it happen?: The Birds don’t need 10 new players, so I think a deal will be struck early. But as I said before, not necessarily in the first round. Adding to the 2010 bounty seems about right. Reid is a proponent of acquiring future picks. This is also where we might see a current player on the roster get dealt as part of a package.
Geesh. These last few days are crawling. I’m ready to stop speculating and get drafting. Drama aside, it’s been an incredible offseason. A successful draft weekend will put a capper on what promises to be a new-look Eagles team in 2009.