As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, the pressure is on for general manager Howie Roseman. Eagles fans are cautiously hoping for success, but Roseman’s history creates a great deal of reluctance.
Though Philadelphia has been hyper-focused on their No. 12 overall draft pick, ten other moves remain that the team can make, ensuring that the Eagles no longer fall to the bottom of the NFC East.
Out of 32 teams across the league, the Philadelphia Eagles have the ninth most capital, according to NFL Mock Draft Database, to help them generate a comeback in the upcoming season.
EAGLES DRAFT CAPITAL HISTORY
Throughout Roseman’s career with the Eagles, he has participated in more than 33 draft-day trades. Excluding 2015 when head coach Chip Kelly held control, Roseman’s history has proved to be sub-par (or less depending on which fan you ask).
Despite Philadelphia’s draft capital, Roseman has only selected one Pro Bowler — former quarterback Carson Wentz. However, this year, the Eagles have the most draft capital they’ve owned since 2010 (when they ranked third).
Draft capital by year since Howie Roseman’s return:
- 2016 — not specified
- 2017 — Rank: 14
- 2018 — Rank: 31
- 2019 — Rank: 24
- 2020 — Rank: 21
- 2021 — Rank: 9
- 2022 — Projected Rank: 1
With the team directing their energy towards a “rebuild,” the draft capital available for 2021 presents Roseman and the Eagles with enough ammunition to put their money where their mouth is.
DRAFT CAPITAL BY POSITION
When the Eagles held the No. 6 overall pick, all eyes were on wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and tight end Kyle Pitts. Following Philadelphia’s exchange with the Miami Dolphins for the No. 12 spot, mock drafts have now placed significant attention on wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith.
The theme here: wide receiver.
Historically speaking, the Eagles have spent the fourth-most capital in the NFL on the wide receiver position over the last ten years.
As the 2021 season advances, there’s no doubt that the team needs help in this position again, but the question remains, will Roseman draft the correct player this time?
Wide receiver drafted since Howie Roseman’s return:
- 2017 — Mack Hollins (round four) and Shelton Gibson (round five)
- 2019 — J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (round two)
- 2020 — Jalen Reagor (round one), John Hightower (round five), and Quez Watkins (round six)
Unfortunately, there’s not much to see, as the Eagles have failed to select a top-notch player.
In last year’s Super Bowl alone, both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs had five total wide receivers who all held a rating of 84 and above. The Eagles’ two-top receivers in 2020, DeSean Jackson (81 rating) and Alshon Jeffery (78 rating), are no longer with the team.
ONWARD TOWARDS A REBUILD
Though rumor has it that the Eagles could trade back up over the next week, this would only be wise if the draft capital used to obtain a higher pick would result in a guaranteed selection.
It remains to be seen whether or not 2021 will break Howie Roseman’s pattern. The NFL Draft begins next Thursday, April 29.
