Adding another 1st-rounder in 2023 means the Eagles could pursue a quarterback.
There were rumors that the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn’t stay put, wait on the 2022 NFL Draft, and make three selections in Round 1 at 15,16, and 19. Heading into April’s first full week, they struck a deal with the New Orleans Saints. Eight picks were involved, and one of the more intriguing areas of the fallout, the one that everyone can’t stop discussing, is Philly now has two first-round draft choices in 2023.
Just about everyone has fixated on that, and the immediate question is obvious. Might the Eagles take a quarterback next year during the draft if Jalen Hurts doesn’t work out?
The fanbase remains split on whether or not this trade was beneficial. Everyone seems to understand that this is further evidence of what we already knew. Jalen Hurts will, indeed, be the starter at QB for the Birds in 2022. What happens after this year though?
Hurts appears to be safe for now. Still, acquiring the additional first-rounder in 2023 and the second-rounder in 2024 gives Philadelphia the tools to package multiple draft picks to allow themselves the opportunity to trade up in Round 1 next year if that’s what they choose to… maybe.
If they are eyeing a quarterback at that time, there will be options. Here’s a preliminary look at what might be the top five signal-callers in NCAA football next season. We’ll see if any of them distance themselves from the pack and emerge as one of the belles of the ball for this Eagles organization.