Surprise, Surprise! Philadelphia Eagles make Big Moves In First Round
The Philadelphia Eagles looked to build upon a decently successful year in 2021 that resulted in a playoff birth despite starting the first half of the season 3-6. Once the Eagles began to “tote the rock,” they reeled off six wins in the last eight games before falling to Tampa Bay in the Wild Card Round.
Much of the success of the Philadelphia Eagles was due in part to key players drafted in the 2021 draft. In fact, the picks from rounds one through five all played significant time throughout the season. On the offensive side of the ball, First-rounder, DeVonta Smith, amassed over 900 yards and five touchdowns through the air, while Kenneth Gainwell attributed 544 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns as a utility back. Landon Dickerson established himself on the offensive line playing over 850 snaps. Zech McPhearson and Milton Williams contributed on both the defensive side of the ball, and playing special teams.
It is no secret that Eagles’ General Manager, Howie Roseman, likes to have fun through out the draft process. As expected 2022 was no different. Roseman was wheeling and dealing and capitalized on the original two selections of this years draft at picks 15 and 18. Let’s take a look at this year’s masterpiece.
Shock and Awe for the Philadelphia Eagles
Howie Roseman phoned the Houston Texans to swap pick 15, 24, 162, and 166 for the Texans 13th pick. Roseman used the pick to draft the University of Georgia’s standout interior defensive lineman Jordan Davis. As a senior in 2021, he earned the Chuck Bednarik award as the nations best defensive player, the John Outland Trophy for most oustanding interior lineman, and was named a Consensus First-Team All-American. What might be more impressive was Davis’s combine numbers: running a 4.78 40-yd dash and jumping a 10′ 3″ in the broad jump at 6’6″ and 341 pounds.
Roseman has been linked to his love for defensive linemen since becoming the general manager in 2010. He had his hand in drafting Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Derek Barnett, and Fletcher Cox to name a few. With Cox most likely gone after this year, it was believed that Roseman may take Davis if given the opportunity. Howie took his shot jumping ahead of the Baltimore Ravens, who were sure to pick Davis if he was there at 14, and nabbed their next generational talent plugging up the middle on defense.
Addressing the defensive line was not a necessity, but the Philadelphia Eagles have been at their best when the front four dominated the line of scrimmage. Davis’s presence will be felt early and often, and Howie Roseman may have secured the next all-pro caliber type player for the next 10 years.
As mentioned earlier, Howie Roseman is not a shy general manager especially on draft day. Somehow Roseman was able to procure the likes of young talented wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans for picks 18 and 101.
This is a huge win for Roseman and company. Unlike talented wide receivers still waiting to be drafted, Brown is only going into his fourth season with almost 3000 yards, and 25 total touchdowns to his name. The one-time Pro-bowler is a proven star and will bring a much needed presence into an Eagles’ receiver room loaded with young talent.
If the first-round of the 2022 NFL Draft gives any inclination of how this season may play out, they should be excited for the future and potential of this team. Eagles fans may look back on this draft as the steal of the century.