Philadelphia Eagles: Don’t rule out a “trench” pick at 12
By David Esser
Prior to the Philadelphia Eagles’ trade down from pick 6 to pick 12, pretty much every mock draft in the world had the team selecting a new primary pass-catcher (WR, TE) in the first round. However, following the trade with the Miami Dolphins that occurred on Friday afternoon, people have broadened their expectations just a bit to include cornerback in their pool of potential draftees.
Players like Jaylen Waddle, Devonta Smith, Patrick Surtain II, and Jaycee Horn have become the new favorites at pick 12 over the last 72 hours or so.
However, understanding Howie Roseman and what he typically prioritizes the most when it comes to building a roster from scratch, it’d be flat out foolish to ignore the possibility of a “trench” player being taken in the first round.
The “trenches” – what people commonly refer to as the offensive and defensive lines on a football field – have long been areas on a roster worthy of high levels of investment. It’s borderline impossible for an NFL offense to function if their quarterback has no time to operate, and it makes life extremely easy on a secondary if their respective pass-rush is consistently able to make an impact.
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While some may argue that the “skill positions” (WR, CB, RB, etc.) have begun to play a larger role in recent years, Howie Roseman and the Eagles continue to operate under the belief that offensive and defensive line > everything else.
Just look at their 2021 payroll, the Eagles have close to $100 million in salary dedicated to the offensive and defensive lines alone.
With all of that in mind, the possibility that Roseman targeted such a trade down (going from 6 all the way down to 12) could have been done with a certain offensive/defensive line prospect in mind feels fairly high. Names like Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater, Kwity Paye, Jaelan Phillips, Azeez Ojulari, and Alijah Vera-Tucker could all still be on the board when the Eagles are on the clock, and one can only assume that Philadelphia’s front office has been doing extensive research on each and every one of said prospects this offseason.
The Philadelphia Eagles could easily draft a lineman at pick 12.
Looking first at the offensive line, the need for further young talent at the position remains an underrated one. While the returns of Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, and Andre Dillard will give the team’s protection an immediate boost in 2021, the Eagles likely still need an overhaul of pass-blockers as they look to rebuild for the future. Johnson and Brooks are both over 30 and have battled multiple injuries recently, Jason Kelce is going to retire after this season, and Dillard is no sure thing at left tackle.
Drafting Darrisaw or Slater gives the Eagles an insurance plan at tackle should Johnson or Dillard go down due to injury once more, and Vera-Tucker has the positional flexibility to play all over the line.
On the defensive side of the ball, the immediate need for a new pass-rusher is far greater. While the returning trio of Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Derek Barnett is better than what most teams around the NFL have, all three of their futures are murky at best. Both Sweat and Barnett are looking for contract extensions, and Graham’s recent restructure/extension only takes him through the 2022 season.
It’s also worth mentioning that none of the Eagles current defensive ends are necessarily “elite.” Sweat and Barnett have flashed signs of dominance at times, but neither have been consistently healthy. Graham made his first career Pro Bowl last year, but also finished out the final eight games of the season with just one sack, compared to the seven that he recorded in Weeks 1-8.
Kwity Paye immediately jumps out as a prime candidate at pick 12 due to his natural 4-3 scheme size, whereas Jalen Phillips and Azeez Ojulari would both have to put on some weight. Even someone like Gregory Rousseau, who weighs in at 260+lbs, could be a surprise pick in the first round for Philadelphia.
Next. Philadelphia Eagles 7-round mock draft: Pick 12 is Jaycee Horn territory. dark
As unglamorous as a “trench” pick would be this spring, one can only assume that it’s a direction that Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles are undoubtedly going to consider come draft night. This regime has proven time and time again that they prefer linemen over skill position players – why would that magically change this offseason?