Philadelphia Eagles 2016 Draft: Results, Analysis, Grades
1st round (2nd overall): Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State
Measurables: 6’5// 237 lbs.
Analysis:
The biggest headliner of the draft for the Philadelphia Eagles and maybe the draft, Carson Wentz of North Dakota State became the future face of the Eagles franchise when he was selected with the second overall pick in the draft. This pick and how Wentz fares in Philadelphia will determine the future of Howie Roseman and head coach Doug Pederson in the Eagles’ organization. They made a huge gamble by moving up to select Wentz who will have every opportunity to succeed and grow under the amazing support staff the Philadelphia Eagles have put in place with Pederson, offensive coordinator Frank Reich and Quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, all considered “QB gurus”. The Philadelphia Eagles now have a logjam at the QB position with Sam Bradford, free agent signing Chase Daniel and now Wentz. That is a ton of money committed to one position and now with the Bradford drama circulating, with him requesting a trade and not wanting any part of a QB competition, it makes the scenario that much more of a headache.
Pros:
The first thing most people will notice about Wentz is his immense size. At 6’5, 237 lbs., Wentz presents a big physical upside to a future franchise quarterback. With that size comes with a cannon of an arm.
In this play against Jacksonville State, his first game back from a broken wrist earlier in the year, Wentz shows his strong arm and intermediate accuracy by perfectly placing a ball to a receiver on an out route.
Wentz also shows an innate ability to put touch on his passes, particularity his deep ball. Perhaps my favorite throw by Wentz, it shows his touch on this touchdown pass and his deep ball accuracy to put the ball right between two defenders where only his receiver can get it.
Cons:
What will be the most glaring weakness about Wentz is his completion. Playing in the FCS, it’s hard to see whether or not Wentz succeeded because of his skills or if he was the product of weak competition. Another small thing about Wentz is his age. Wentz will be a 23-year-old rookie. If he sits his rookie year, which is what I think will happen and is the best case scenario for Wentz, he won’t take a snap under center until he is 24.
Projection and Comparison:
I think Wentz at most, sits the first year behind Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel. This gives him ample time to learn behind two veterans while working on his own game and learning the West Coast offense of Pederson. I think the Eagles should follow the Brett Farve-Aaron Rodgers blueprint and have Wentz sit a year, grasp the offense and excel in his sophomore year. I can also see Wentz coming in towards the later half of this year, maybe week 10 or so if Bradford struggles early on.
For Carson Wentz, I see a lot of Andrew Luck physical attributes and intangibles. His play style is reminiscent of a Blake Bortles. I see his ceiling as a more athletic Ben Roethlisberger.
GRADE: A
I applaud Roseman and company for taking a huge gamble to move up and try to get a future franchise quarterback. There are only five to eight in the league, and a franchise QB is a must to hoist the Lombardi in February.
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