The Philadelphia Eagles' draft strategy has been a topic of intrigue for fans and analysts alike, and with the 2026 draft approaching, the question on everyone's mind is: will Howie Roseman, the team's general manager, trade up, trade back, or stick to their original pick? Let's dive into this fascinating dilemma.
The Eagles' Draft History
Since 2010, the Eagles have shown a penchant for trading, with a notable preference for trading up. In fact, they've traded up seven times, stayed put six times, and traded back just once. This strategy has yielded some interesting results, with a mix of successful picks and a few notable misses.
Trading Up
Trading up has been a common move for the Eagles, and it's produced some key players. Brandon Graham, for instance, was a highly criticized pick initially but went on to become a Super Bowl hero and a fan favorite. Fletcher Cox, another trade-up pick, has been a long-term star defensive tackle. However, not all trade-ups have been successful; Andre Dillard, for example, had a disappointing tenure with the team.
Staying Put
When the Eagles have stayed put, they've had some great picks, like Lane Johnson, an offensive lineman who's considered one of the best in NFL history. However, there have also been some questionable choices, such as Danny Watkins, who was an unusual pick given his age at the time.
Trading Back
The Eagles' sole trade-back move resulted in the selection of Marcus Smith, who became a legendary bust. This move also led to the drafting of Jaylen Watkins and Taylor Hart, neither of whom made a significant impact.
The 2026 Draft Dilemma
With the 23rd overall pick in 2026, the Eagles have a decision to make. Their roster isn't as strong as it was during their Super Bowl run, but they don't have many immediate needs compared to other teams. This puts them in a unique position to be aggressive in the draft.
Trading Up
Trading up is an attractive option, especially with the Eagles' draft picks in 2026 and the potential for compensatory picks in 2027. They could target premium positions like offensive line, wide receiver, or edge rusher. However, the available players at their original pick might not be as exciting as they'd like.
Trading Back
Given their already ample draft picks, trading back isn't a priority. The Eagles might consider this move only if they can't trade up for a preferred player and don't love any of the available players at pick 23, a scenario reminiscent of the Marcus Smith pick.
Staying Put
Staying put allows the Eagles to take the best available player, which could be a wise move given their long-term needs. While this draft might be perceived as weaker in the first round, it's strong in positions the Eagles need.
Trading for a Veteran
Trading the pick for a veteran player is an option, but it's less likely due to the Eagles' cap conservation mode. They might have more flexibility to pursue such trades if they part ways with A.J. Brown post-June 1.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Eagles should prioritize trading up. With the right player, they could address their long-term needs and potentially find the next star for their team. However, they must be cautious to avoid another Marcus Smith scenario. Ultimately, the 2026 draft will be a crucial moment in the Eagles' rebuilding process, and Howie Roseman's decision will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.
