Less than one month after the Philadelphia Eagles traded their No. 6 draft pick for No. 12 overall, the team is now considering a move that would place them back in the top 10.
THE NO. 6 DRAFT PICK HISTORY
The Eagles’ last regular-season game against the Washington Football Team seems like a lifetime ago. A winnable game that ended 20-14 in favor of Washington, crowning the rival as the NFC East Champs.
Though the Eagles took the “L,” finishing the 2020 season with a 4-11-1 record, Philadelphia ultimately landed a No. 6 draft spot.
Once fans became familiar with the incoming draft prospects, the Eagles’ final loss became a distant memory. Standouts Ja’Marr Chase (wide receiver) and Kyle Pitts (tight end) were at the forefront of mock drafts across the league. Even better was the possibility of the Eagles obtaining one of them.
With the team shifting their focus on younger players as part of their “rebuild” phase, the No. 6 spot was a step in the right direction to obtain top talent.
That dream, however, was destroyed, and fans were not happy. On March 26, Philadelphia traded their No. 6 pick to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 12 pick and a 2022 first-round pick.
General manager Howie Roseman likely wanted to ensure success in 2022, but fans wanted an immediate return. Attention then shifted to wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith — both Alabama alums who could pair well with second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts.
A MOVE TO THE TOP 10
Just as Philadelphia was adjusting to No. 12, rumors regarding another exchange are now keeping Bird buffs on their toes. On Friday, according to The Athletic’s Ben Standig, the Eagles are now considering a move back into the top 10 as the 2021 NFL Draft approaches.
Standig stated, “As for the trade market, the Eagles are exploring a move into the top 10 despite having just dropped from No. 6 to No. 12. Having acquired a first-round pick in 2022 from the Dolphins, the Eagles could move up and still net more assets”.
He goes on to add that the Detroit Lions are looking for a deal that could move the Eagles up to No. 7. However, other options remain on the table.
Philadelphia could use their No. 12 and No. 70 or No. 84 (both in the third round) to move to No. 8 currently owned by the Carolina Panthers or No. 9 by the Denver Broncos.
Any of the three options would place the Eagles above their NFC East contenders, the Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants.
With 11 total picks, Philadelphia has the ability to trade up. It now comes down to whether or not drafting earlier [and giving up other picks] would produce a better-quality player.
Philadelphia’s current draft picks:
- 12 (first-round) – exchange from Miami Dolphins, via San Francisco 49ers
- 37 (second-round)
- 70 (third-round)
- 84 (third-round) — via Indianapolis Colts (Carson Wentz trade)
- 123 (fourth-round) — exchange from Miami Dolphins
- 150 (fifth-round)
- 189 (sixth-round)
- 224 (sixth-round) — compensatory pick
- 225 (sixth-round) — compensatory pick
- 234 (seventh-round)
- 240 (seventh-round) — via San Francisco 49ers
The Eagles now have 11 days as the 2021 NFL Draft closes in, beginning on April 29.
