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When the Philadelphia Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, the immediate reaction centered on losing one of the NFL's most productive wide receivers. The long-term story could be much different. As part of the deal, Philadelphia acquired New England's 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection, giving general manager Howie Roseman another premium asset to deploy as he continues building for both the present and future.
The 2028 NFL Draft is scheduled to be held in Minneapolis, and if the Eagles avoid making a major trade involving first-round selections during the 2026 season, 2027 off-season, and 2027 regular season, they could enter that draft two years from now with multiple first-round picks. The value of that Patriots selection remains impossible to predict. If quarterback Drake Maye develops into a star and New England maintains a Super Bowl-caliber roster, the pick could fall near the end of the first round. If the Patriots struggle, however, Philadelphia could find itself holding a premium selection in a class already generating significant buzz.
Several prospects are already drawing early first-round projections.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is widely viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick thanks to his elite arm talent and physical tools. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has emerged as another highly regarded passer, while Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is generating attention as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the country.
Outside the quarterback position, Miami receiver Malachi Toney has flashed the type of explosive playmaking ability that could eventually place him among the top skill-position prospects in the class. Oklahoma offensive tackle Michael Fasusi, Clemson tackle David Sanders Jr., and Notre Dame's Will Black are viewed as potential franchise offensive linemen. If Markel is the eventual answer at right tackle, Fasusi could replace an aging Jordan Mailata.
Georgia edge rusher Isaiah Gibson is another name attracting attention from evaluators. Of course, Roseman has rarely viewed first-round picks as merely opportunities to select players. Draft capital also serves as currency.
The pick acquired for Brown could become Philadelphia's next franchise cornerstone. It could help facilitate a trade for a superstar. Or it could be part of a larger package that allows the Eagles to move up the board. For now, the selection represents flexibility, and few NFL executives have leveraged flexibility better than Roseman throughout his tenure in Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles could land another star with Patriots first-rounder
Continue reading...
The 2028 NFL Draft is scheduled to be held in Minneapolis, and if the Eagles avoid making a major trade involving first-round selections during the 2026 season, 2027 off-season, and 2027 regular season, they could enter that draft two years from now with multiple first-round picks. The value of that Patriots selection remains impossible to predict. If quarterback Drake Maye develops into a star and New England maintains a Super Bowl-caliber roster, the pick could fall near the end of the first round. If the Patriots struggle, however, Philadelphia could find itself holding a premium selection in a class already generating significant buzz.
Several prospects are already drawing early first-round projections.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is widely viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick thanks to his elite arm talent and physical tools. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has emerged as another highly regarded passer, while Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is generating attention as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the country.
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Outside the quarterback position, Miami receiver Malachi Toney has flashed the type of explosive playmaking ability that could eventually place him among the top skill-position prospects in the class. Oklahoma offensive tackle Michael Fasusi, Clemson tackle David Sanders Jr., and Notre Dame's Will Black are viewed as potential franchise offensive linemen. If Markel is the eventual answer at right tackle, Fasusi could replace an aging Jordan Mailata.
Georgia edge rusher Isaiah Gibson is another name attracting attention from evaluators. Of course, Roseman has rarely viewed first-round picks as merely opportunities to select players. Draft capital also serves as currency.
The pick acquired for Brown could become Philadelphia's next franchise cornerstone. It could help facilitate a trade for a superstar. Or it could be part of a larger package that allows the Eagles to move up the board. For now, the selection represents flexibility, and few NFL executives have leveraged flexibility better than Roseman throughout his tenure in Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles could land another star with Patriots first-rounder
Continue reading...
