The Philadelphia Eagles appear poised to make a strategic move ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft by trading up. General Manager Howie Roseman, known for his calculated approach to draft capital, has shown a willingness to trade up in recent drafts to secure key players. With aging cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay potentially facing cap issues next season, the Eagles could target a cornerback in this year’s draft.
While they have retained Avonte Maddox and have the flexibility of moving C.J. Gardner-Johnson into the slot if needed, bolstering their defensive backfield seems prudent, especially considering their defensive struggles in the latter part of last season.
Despite widespread speculation in mock drafts suggesting the Eagles might select Nate Wiggins, recent indications suggest otherwise. With only one first-round defensive back, DeJean, meeting with the team, and uncertainty about Wiggins’ availability by the 22nd pick, it’s plausible that the Eagles may shift their focus. Prospects like Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry have also received attention, with Graham Barton emerging as a potential target for offensive line reinforcement.
In a hypothetical trade scenario with the Seattle Seahawks, the Eagles would acquire the 16th overall pick along with the 81st pick, relinquishing the 22nd and 50th picks. This move aligns with Seattle’s tendency to trade back and their current lack of a second-round pick. The Eagles could target Terrion Arnold, a versatile cornerback from Alabama, who has showcased strong ball skills and tackling abilities, despite a somewhat underwhelming Combine performance. Arnold’s adaptability could make him an ideal fit initially in the slot and eventually as a successor to Darius Slay.
In other NFL news, discussions around contract negotiations suggest that CeeDee Lamb, potentially one of the league’s top wide receivers, might not participate in offseason activities until a new deal with the Dallas Cowboys is secured. Lamb’s performance warrants a lucrative contract extension, reflecting the trend of increasing salaries for top-tier players in their positions.
Meanwhile, in a mock draft scenario, the Washington Commanders made strategic moves during the draft, demonstrating a shift towards prudent roster management and responsible salary cap handling. This contrasts with previous years marked by haphazard spending and lack of coherent planning. The Commanders’ recent actions, coupled with strong leadership from the front office and coaching staff, have instilled optimism among fans regarding the team’s future prospects.
Overall, these developments underscore the strategic maneuvers and calculated decisions that teams are making as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
