With less than half an hour to go before the draft, let’s check in on the latest buzz happening with both the Birds and the rest of the league.
Matt Miller: Eagles Trying To “Fly Up The Board”
According to ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, the Eagles are reportedly attempting to climb up the draft order. This isn’t much of a surprise – Philadelphia has been repeatedly among the teams presumed to trade up into the top-10.
Sounds like the #Eagles are trying to fly up the board. #NFLdraft
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 28, 2022
If anything, this report cements that a trade up might be the likest move the team makes. After all, most of the players they’re being tied to — Jameson Williams, Jordan Davis — are being predicated to go well before the Birds pick at 15.
Just like with De’Vonta Smith last year, the team might be forced to make a move for a player they love. Philadelphia currently has 10 total picks in the draft, which is tied for the fourth-most among all teams.
Green Bay Could Be On The Move Up Too
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Green Bay Packers have also been discussing a possible trade up with teams. The Packers, like the Eagles, will probably be in the hunt for offense. They traded away All-Pro receiver Devante Adams, leaving a sizable hole in the receiving core.
At 22 and 28, the Packers have enough ammunition to climb up the board a considerable amount. They’ve shown interest in Chris Olave — a potential grab for the Eagles in the mid-first — so the team could be facing competition for certain players.
Ohio State WR Chris Olave confirmed he had Zoom meetings with the Packers, and he said he’d love to play with Aaron Rodgers. https://t.co/ko9tgezUEf
— The Packers Wire (@ThePackersWire) April 28, 2022
Could A Deebo Samuel Blockbuster Tonight Be In The Works?
ESPN NFL Nation’s Rich Cimini reported earlier today that a trade by the New York Jets for disgruntled San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel isn’t out of the question just yet. Instead, both teams might be waiting for the draft — particularly the top-10 — to play out before making any moves.
What I’m hearing: Deebo Samuel/Jets ain’t dead yet. This sets up the possibility of the ultimate draft-night drama. Quite possible both teams waiting to see what’s available at 10 before pulling trigger. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 28, 2022
It’d be a huge get for former Eagles front office member Joe Douglas and the Jets, who are making attempts to continue getting more offensive ammunition for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson. The Jets currently own 4 and 10, meaning they have plenty of flexibility to pick early and potential grab Samuel as well.
Wilson clearly didn’t shy away from the idea of Samuel joining, saying he trusts Douglas and they decisions they do (or don’t make).
“Deebo is a great player. There would be no hesitation there [to bringing him in]. What we’d have to give up isn’t up to me.”
As for the Niners, it certainly appears they’re content with bringing back Samuel — who put up 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns in 2021 — for another season, though that clearly hasn’t stopped other teams from trying to acquire him.
According to Pelissero, the 49ers have at least one offer on the table and multiple teams have tried to engage in talks, though San Francisco doesn’t seem “inclined to engage.”
The draft kicks off tonight at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time/5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
