It’s finally here, the week of the 2024 NFL Draft and many fans are eagerly waiting for their team’s plans. The Eagles 2024 NFL draft plans will be interesting, as rumors have speculated that they are trying to make another major move on draft day. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Eagles have been gauging a potential move up draft boards. Jordan Reid of ESPN has echoed those sentiments, believing the Eagles are looking to trade up for a cornerback. General Manager Howie Roseman has traded up four times in the first round of the last five drafts. But it’s not clear for whom exactly Roseman is looking to draft, or where they could move up too.
Eagles 2024 NFL Draft Could Include Major Move
Eagles 2024 NFL Draft Trade-Up Targets
If the Eagles move up for a cornerback, there are likely only two potential targets. Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo and Terrion Arnold from Alabama are widely considered the two best cornerback prospects. Michell has flown up draft boards since the start of the last college football season. With a stellar performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, he cemented himself as a top-20 pick. Arnold is a little more all over the place. With him not running as well at the NFL Combine, some analysts believe he’s a non-scheme fit for some teams.
While Arnold is not as athletically gifted as Mitchell, he brings other qualities. He has great instincts and is a very smart player with great production in his last year at Alabama. He also believes in his work ethic and effect on the locker room, comparing himself to a quarterback. As for Mitchell, he has all the tools to be a superstar corner in the NFL. While he was only ever asked to play off-zone coverage in college, the senior bowl proved he has the skills to succeed in any scheme. He has the confidence as well to back up those traits. Both corners would become instant improvements in the Eagles’ defensive backs room.
What Would a Trade-Up Look Like?
If the Eagles are only interested in cornerback, there are few teams they will need to jump. First, the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick 17 are reportedly set on taking a corner with that pick. If they want a shot at one of Mitchell or Arnold, they likely need to start at pick 16. However, the Indianapolis Colts have also been mocked a cornerback by experts at pick 15 in the past few months. While they may have other interests than cornerback, moving up ahead of them would be beneficial as well.
If the Eagles want a chance at the top corner selection, picks 12-16 seem like the range. The Broncos, Raiders, and Saints at picks 12, 13, and 14 seem like obvious trade partners. The Broncos and Raiders may want to move back to take a quarterback and might be interested in a little bit more capital the Eagles can offer. The Saints as well may be interested in moving back and being able to acquire more capital to fill more than one need.
Betting on Howie Roseman
Judging off Roseman’s past, when he sees an opportunity in the draft, he’s not hesitant and often gets what he wants. With the potential for quarterbacks and offensive tackles to flood the beginning of the first round, there may be an opportunity for the Eagles to snag another premium player. There’s a chance the Eagles guy may go earlier than the Eagles hope, but there’s still potential that the Eagles will have the opportunity to make their move. If one were to bet, the traits of Quinyon Mitchell are probably what has caught Roseman’s eye. Expect the Eagles to be aggressive in trading up with either the Broncos, Saints or Seahawks if their guy is still available.
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