My whole life I have been a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Growing up deep in Dallas Cowboys territory this lifestyle has not always been easy. Through thick and thin I have supported the Eagles and their decisions wholeheartedly. Well, until today…
Earlier today the Philadelphia Eagles announced this trade with the Cleveland Browns:
#Eagles have agreed to a trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire the second-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/SdJSegMy4m
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 20, 2016
My first reaction:
I was dumbfounded. For an organization with so many issues on both sides of the ball a fire sale of draft picks of this magnitude seemed like the last thing to do, especially since the team had already paid a hefty price to move up from the 13th to the 8th pick in the draft. Also the Eagles have already tied up a minimum of $22 million and $12 million, before considering any incentives, on two QBs in Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel respectively. Yet, the Eagles have made it very clear they plan on using this coveted second overall pick on a quarterback.
Roseman: The only way to make this trade is to be comfortable with both of the quarterbacks at the top of the draft.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 20, 2016
I completely agree having a star franchise quarterback like Donovan McNabb is very enticing. They can be the difference between a good team and a great team. A la Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. However, is this really the correct way to go about it? Philadelphia has just given up 5 draft picks including two first rounders over the next three years to acquire the second overall pick and a forth round pick next year. This year the Eagles will only have two picks within the first four rounds. With one in the first and one in the third. All you have to do is look back to the Redskins-Rams trade from 2012 to see how trading up for a QB can blow up in your face. While the quarterback you draft may develop into a fantastic player, it is extremely difficult to go out and win games when you do not have quality players at every other position. The quarterback cannot win games by himself.
The Eagles currently have needs at a plethora of positions. Our O-Line has been unable to set up running lanes, we don’t have a stud #1 receiver,and overall our defense has been declining over the past few years. The list goes on and on. While we have been able to go out and amend some issues through free agency, draft picks are instrumental for filling out a roster with NFL caliber players. By conducting this trade Philadelphia will not be able to do that. Carson Wentz or Jared Goff (whoever the Eagles pick) might end up being a once in a generation quarterback. And if that does happen I will gladly admit I was dead wrong. Although, in my opinion, it will be extremely difficult for this player to develop enough to consider what the Eagles have given up. Without an O-Line to protect them, receivers to catch the ball, and a defense that can prevent the other team from scoring, this quarterback will not have the pieces to support his development.
While this trade is a tough pill to swallow I will remain loyal to the Eagles. While I may not agree with this decision I am extremely interested in seeing how this situation will pan out. Though, for the sake of my health I hope that this trade ends up working out for the Eagles. And in five years I hope to look back at this trade with a MVP quarterback and a Superbowl championship thinking how stupid I was to even worry about this in the first place.
Fly Eagles Fly
Feature image provided by: Chris Vaccaro, www.flickr.com/photos/chrisvaccaro/5670062168