Something dawned on me while making a rogue comment on one of G’s posts today. Wouldn’t it be better if the Eagles just traded away most of their meaningful draft picks this year in order to win a championship? Here me out.
Anyone with an average football IQ knows that it’s better to build an NFL team from the draft up. I would agree. However, considering the year, and considering the circumstances surrounding the 2009 Philadelphia Eagles team, a responsible case can be made that a “players-for-picks” approach this year could work if we’re trying to win a Super Bowl.
Donovan McNabb’s window of opportunity is closing. Brian Westbrook’s legs are withering away. We have a championship caliber defense already. And it’s within these three points that I’ll make my case.
What if the Philadelphia Eagles, for the 2009 season, had this defense, a productive Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, a solid offensive line, a #1 wide receiver, a starting tight end, and depth at the running back position? It can be had, now.
1. Draft Knowshon Moreno at pick 21. In terms of the running back position, we need one, and the fresher the legs the better the upside at this position.
2. Trade the 28th pick for Jason Peters. If he can be had for a 1st round pick, we could instantly solidify our offensive line with our 2nd pick of the draft.
3. Trade the 2nd round pick for a quality wide receiver, such as Chad Ocho Cinco or Braylon Edwards. Both are on the last legs of their contracts on teams in need of draft picks for rebuilding, and if coupled with a 5th or an early round pick from 2010, these deals could be done.
4. Trade the 3rd round pick, and perhaps another, for Broncos TE Tony Scheffler to compliment Brent Celek.
If we follow this plan, worst case scenario is that we have a productive new TE, WR, Offensive Tackle, and RB for years to come. Best case? We win the Super Bowl.
