Philadelphia Eagles draft watch: Could nepotism play a role?

Have you stopped to think about what it would feel like if, by the end of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles had drafted the sons of two former Birds? It could happen!

Asante Samuel Sr. played for the Eagles for four seasons. He appeared in 61 games with 59 starts (that includes playoff appearances). He made three Pro Bowls during that time while earning Second-team All-Pro honors and leading the NFL in interceptions in 2009.

There isn’t an Eagles fan on the planet that doesn’t know who Doug Pederson is. He’s been a member of this Eagles team as both a player and head coach. Both have sons who are looking to have their NFL dreams come true in April.

Let’s talk about two potential Philadelphia Eagles prospects with familiar names.

On the final Tuesday of 2021’s second month, Josh Pederson, a six-foot-five and 235-pound tight end from the University of Louisiana Monroe appeared on 94 WIP-FM’s Morning Show with Angelo Cataldi and discussed the possibility of landing in the City of Brotherly Love, a possibility he described by stating the following:

"Would I get booed? Do you think I would get booed? It would make my day to be drafted by the Eagles or anybody, but going to Philadelphia would be super special. It would be like getting drafted by any other team. It would be great."

Florida State’s Asante Samuel Jr. is a five-foot-ten, 184-pound corner that earned a First-team All-ACC nod in 2020 after earning a Third-Team All-ACC nod in 2019. Who knows what Philly’s brass is thinking or what the draft strategy is, but if Philly doesn’t take someone like Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft and if Samuel is still available in Round 2, the Birds wouldn’t ignore a second potential game-changing cover guy, would they?

When JJ Watt hit the market, there wasn’t an NFL team whose antenna didn’t pick up the signal. Interestingly enough, there was some intrigue about whether or not he’d consider heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers to play with his brothers, Derek and T.J. It may not happen, but you understand why there would be interest right?

Okay Philadelphia Eagles fans, calm down.

Now, you understand that this is all satire right? Clearly, nepotism wouldn’t play any role in Philly’s decision-making process during the selection meeting. There’s no need for nasty responses in the comment section on social media or threatening emails. Philly obviously has to draft based on need and the best player available. It does make for an interesting story though.

Somewhere, there’s a writer in his or her creative space, and they’re wondering how they would spin a story on the fact that Birds fans would again be looking at the names Pederson and Samuel on the back of an Eagles jersey. It would make for a few interesting chats at the water cooler.