Well, we wouldn't have believed it had we not seen it for ourselves. The Philadelphia Eagles are drafting off-ball linebackers in Round 1. They hadn't done that since 1979. Shout out to Jerry Robinson. And, yes, we know what you're thinking.
Yes, there's Nolan Smith selection in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, but we consider him to be more of an edge rusher, don't we? Oh well, regardless of where you stand on that, we'll stick with this theory of Philly ending a 46-year drought.
It appears most agree with us. Plus, it makes for a better story. Who are these Birds? They're paying running backs and linebackers now. Howie Roseman's story of evolution continues, and frankly, it's been fun to watch.
That begs the question. What's the game plan for Philly on Day 2 of the selection meeting with their second and third-round selections? Might we suggest a return to their typical business model? If they were to do so, that might help us key in on their next selection, but how about we make some guesses anyway?
Also read: Eagles swing the hammer and hit a home run with the selection of Jihaad Campbell
Expect the Eagles to target prospects satisfying their needs at edge rusher with their 2nd-round selection.
Amazingly, some of the draft's top edge rushers are still available as we turn the page from Round 1 to Round 2. Mike Green is still on the board. The same is true of Donovan Ezeiruaku and Nic Scourton. Some thought Green would be a top-15 draftee.
Philly hosted the latter two on pre-draft visits, demonstrating their interest. It seems impossible that they'd still be on the board when the Birds are on the clock at pick 64, but we'd still name them as the Eagles' top draft targets at this point.
Give the slight edge to Ezeiruaku. We'd rank him slightly higher, but both will look phenomenal in an Eagles jersey.
After solidifying the second level of their defense, it makes sense that the Birds would do what we expect of them, adding to the trenches, which is typically the business model. Keep in mind the fact that Brandon Graham retired, Josh Sweat left in free agency, and Bryce Huff so far has been a bit of a disappointment.