Eagles Block Packers From Perfect Draft Pick With Last-Second Trade

Everyone knew the Philadelphia Eagles were a player to move in the NFL Draft with two second-round selections at their disposal. However, Howie Roseman held his ground in Round 1, and used the No. 22 pick to nab top cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

It didn't take much time for the Eagles to make some noise on Day 2, though.

Philadelphia executed an early trade up in the second round with the Washington Commanders to select Iowa standout defensive back Cooper DeJean.

DeJean is a great fit for a team in need of a boost in the secondary. He has the positional flexibility to play at either cornerback or safety, which means he could form a long-term starting duo with either Mitchell or Reed Blankenship.

There was plenty of pre-draft buzz connecting the Eagles and DeJean, but the athletic 6-foot-1 prospect was also heavily rumored to be a target of the Green Bay Packers. And notably enough, the Packers decided to trade back immediately after Philly's selection of the Hawkeyes alum.

Given this, it's obvious what happened. The Eagles knew DeJean wouldn't make it past Green Bay at No. 41, and Washington had no interest in the safety/corner at No. 40, so Philadelphia gave an offer too good to refuse and moved up.

With their obvious target now suddenly off of the board, the Packers chose to pick up a little extra draft capital in favor of reaching for someone they didn't love at 41.

This is just another example of Roseman being ahead of the curve to frustrate another fellow NFC contender.

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