Eagles news: Philadelphia forgoes A.J. Brown trade in 2022 NFL Draft re-do

In consecutive offseasons, the Philadelphia Eagles added a wide receiver to their nest that sent a bolt of electricity through the fan base and Philly media. With the tenth-overall selection of 2021’s NFL Draft, they added the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith. That worked out pretty well. All he did in year one was score a touchdown on the Eagles’ first offensive drive of the season en route to five on the season. He also set a franchise record for receiving yards gained by a rookie.

During the 2022 NFL Draft, vice president/general manager Howie Roseman added reinforcements. He traded first and third-round choices in the selection meeting to acquire A.J. Brown‘s services. He immediately signed him to a four-year, $100 million extension. Again, he hit a home run.

Together, Swole and Skinny Batman combined for 183 receptions, 2,692 yards receiving, and 18 touchdowns. DeVonta set a franchise record for receptions by a receiver (95). A.J. broke Mike Quick’s record for receiving yards in a season (1,496), but what if A.J. had never been added? That’s how things played out in a recent NFL Draft re-do.

Eagles news: Philadelphia forgoes an A.J. Brown trade and the selection of a young lineman but adds a star corner and EDGE star.

This one is pretty interesting. Recently, ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters reimagined the first two rounds of the most recent NFL Draft. This one sits behind ESPN Plus’ paywall, but here’s what we can tell you.

Brock Purdy goes from being Mr. Irrelevant to the fourth-overall selection. The Eagles apparently will not trade for A.J. Brown, nor will they trade up from the 15th-overall selection to the 13th. Here’s how the first 14 picks in this draft re-do.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Original Pick, DE  Travon Walker – New pick: CB Sauce Gardner
2. Detroit Lions: Original pick, DE Aidan Hutchinson – New pick: DE Aidan Hutchinson
3. Houston Texans: Original pick, CB Derek Stingley Jr – New pick: CB Tariq Woolen
4. New York Jets: Original pick, CB Sauce Gardner – New pick: QB Brock Purdy
5. New York Giants: Original pick, OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux – New pick: OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
6. Carolina Panthers: Original pick, OT Ikem Ekwonu – New pick: OT Tyler Smith
7. New York Giants: (via CHI) Original pick, OT Evan Neal – New pick: WR Garrett Wilson
8. Atlanta Falcons: Original pick, WR Drake London – New pick: WR Drake London
9. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Original pick, OT Charles Cross – New pick: OT Charles Cross
10. New York Jets (via SEA): Original pick, WR Garrett Wilson – New pick: WR Christian Watson
11. Washington Commanders DON’T TRADE UP: Original pick, WR Chris Olave (NO traded up) – New pick: OT Ikem Ekwonu
12. Minnesota Vikings: Original pick, WR Jameson Williams (DET traded up) – New pick: WR Jameson Williams
13. Houston Texans (via CLE): Original pick, DT Jordan Davis (PHI traded up) – New pick: WR Chris Olave
14. Baltimore Ravens: Original pick, S Kyle Hamilton – New pick: WR George Pickens

Here are the highlights of the first two rounds for the Eagles. Let’s just say that Tim McManus shook things up.

• As mentioned, Philly decides against trading up to the 13th overall selection.
• The Eagles apparently elect against trading for A.J. Brown.
• The Eagles select DE Travon Walker (Georgia) 2022’s top selection as he slides to the 15th overall selection.
• They wind up with Jordan Davis (also from Georgia) anyway as he slides to 18.
• The Ravens, who were reportedly also interested in Davis, elect instead to add WR George Pickens at 14.
• Philly adds a cornerback, Kyler Gordon (Washington) in Round 2 at 39 rather than selecting center Cam Jurgens.

That’s a solid draft, but we’d still rather have A.J. AND DeVonta on the roster. As a tandem, they have created a buzz at wide receiver that this franchise hasn’t seen since Terrell Owens. Both have an opportunity to be one of the best receivers that the Eagles have ever had (no disrespect is intended to Mike Qucik or Harold Carmichael).

ESPN’s draft re-do is interesting, but if we could jump in the hot-tub time machine and transport ourselves back to the final days of April armed with the knowledge that we currently possess, we wouldn’t change a thing.

We’d still trade for A.J. Brown. We’d still draft Jordan Davis and Cam Jurgens. Those guys are going to be studs, and from the outside looking in, we’re expecting a few Pro Bowls and for them to be great for a long time.