Philadelphia Eagles strategy could be impacted by Panthers decision

Well, if you thought those NFL appetites for quarterback drama would be fed only by Carson Wentz trades and all of the unfortunate news that’s been going on with Deshaun Watson, think again. Yes, Philadelphia Eagles fans, as if Jalen Hurts decision to change his jersey number taking on a life of its own and Joe Flacco’s homecoming weren’t big enough news, there’s a new wrinkle in the ever-changing quarterback carousel.

On the fifth day of April, the NFL gave us all another talking point as news broke of the New York Jets trading Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for three draft picks. On the surface, it would seem that there’s no reason for Birds fans to fret too much, but what’s that Lee Corso phrase? Oh yes. Not so fast my friend!

The Philadelphia Eagles will be very interested in that Panthers selection at 8.

As it stands right now, here are the 11 teams that pick ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2021 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants.

The belief is the first four teams might go with quarterbacks. Prior to April’s first Monday, there were quite a few draft pundits that believed the Panthers might do the same thing, and even though none of us truly know what any of these teams are thinking, it kind of seems like that one’s a no go now. Remember, at the time of this story being published, Carolina also has Teddy Bridgewater on the roster as well.

Now, with that eighth selection still in hand, what might the Panthers be thinking? Some could argue they need offense.

That could be a wide receiver, and depending on what the Bengals, Dolphins, Lions, and Broncos do (we’re just assuming the Giants and Cowboys address defensive needs), the argument can be made that Philly’s chances of landing one of the top two receivers in this draft have diminished, especially if Carolina goes with a receiver now at eight instead of a quarterback like so many of us thought they would do about a week ago (possibly Mac Jones).

Again, all of this is conjecture at this point, but we already knew the direction that the Bengals, Dolphins, Lions, and Broncos went in would influence what the Birds do greatly. Now, if you’re an Eagles fan, you have to throw in the dynamic of wondering what direction the Panthers will go in at 8 and what that will mean for the Birds and what their strategy then becomes at 12.