It seems as if since the Eagles were able to make the move from the 13th to the 8th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, it has been speculated that they will try to continue to climb in order to attain one of the top quarterback prospects in the class. Several media talking heads have reported their interest in both Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, and their private visits with the two have only fueled the fire. Given the draft order and how many expect the picks to shake out, the Eagles would likely have to make a considerable move to assure themselves the prospect they desire. As of late, Wentz has been the player most have attached to Philadelphia as far as a potential player that would give up considerable assets for.
Considering the fact that the Browns would seemingly target Wentz with the 2nd overall pick, a team would have to acquire the first pick in order to land the North Dakota State product. According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net, the Eagles happen to be an organization that is attempting to do just that.
The Cowboys are one of four teams that have inquired on moving up to the top spot of the draft. The other three teams are the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets, who are the dark horse. The overall belief around the league is the Jets don’t have the ammunition to move up. The question is would they be willing to move up a half dozen spots is Paxton Lynch falls to the middle of round one?
Of the four reported teams interested in attaining the first overall pick, the Cowboys are likely the only one who would be assured of landing either Wentz or Goff with their slotted pick (4th overall). Pauline indicated that Dallas prefers Wentz between the two and see him as a potential heir apparent to Tony Romo. Dallas is one of the more unique teams in terms of their draft strategy, considering the fact that many see them in a position where they can 'win now' with Romo. The class is littered with playmakers that appear ready to help a potential playoff team, and the Cowboys could benefit from selecting one. On the other hand, Romo is not getting any younger and Dallas does not figure to pick this high in the draft for the remainder of his career.
The other three spots, including the Eagles, have less stability at the quarterback position. The Eagles appear to have solidified the spot in the short-term, but also do not figure to be within striking distance of selecting a franchise option going forward. Doug Pederson could land his quarterback of the future in his first year and field a relatively competitive team at the same time. Being in a bidding war with three other teams will likely mean whichever team does, if any, land the pick will pay a hefty ransom to do so. To solidify the most important position on the field for the next decade might make that price a bit more palatable.
Somers Price is a contributor for Eagledelphia.com and can be followed on Twitter @somersprice
