3 Players the Eagles Should Draft if Haason Reddick is Traded
By Jovan Alford
The Philadelphia Eagles could look to add an impact defensive end/pass rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft in April if they trade star outside linebacker Haason Reddick this offseason.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Reddick received permission from the Eagles to seek a trade. Reddick is one of the more underrated pass rushers in the NFL, as he’s recorded double-digit sacks in four straight seasons.
Sources: #Eagles All-Pro edge rusher Haason Reddick has received permission to seek a trade following another disruptive season featuring double digit sacks. The 29-year old with 27 sacks over two seasons in Philly could land elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/WxIGTac24M
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2024
However, Reddick said on Twitter/X this week that he never requested a trade, but understands that its a business.
Never asked for a trade. However, I do understand it’s a business. Preparing for whatever is next! https://t.co/KwNaAUl7HO
— Haason 7 Reddick (blue check) (@Haason7Reddick) February 13, 2024
If the Eagles do part ways with Reddick, they’ll have an immediate need at defensive end that must be addressed in the first couple of rounds in the NFL draft. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman doesn’t have any issues using any draft capital on the offensive and defensive lines.
Below, we’ll highlight three players that the Eagles should draft this spring to fill the potential void by Reddick.
1. Jared Verse, Florida State
Verse could have declared for the 2023 NFL Draft last year and would have been a top-15 pick. Instead, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound EDGE stayed at Florida State for another year and put up solid numbers on a top-10 scoring defense (15.9 points per game allowed, sixth-fewest in the country).
The former Albany standout had 41 total tackles,12.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. In his first year at FSU in 2022, Verse produced 48 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. When you watched a Florida State game over the last two seasons, Verse popped off the screen with his explosiveness off the edge.
If the 6-foot-4 EDGE has an outstanding combine, there’s a shot that Verse could be selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Therefore, the Eagles might have to move up for the former Florida State standout. An NFC executive told NFL.com’s Lance Zierlen that he believes Verse will be one of the best defensive players to come out of this draft.