Offensive tackle surge in top 15 could reshape Eagles draft strategy

· Yahoo Sports

The Eagles have the NFL's most explosive offense, with few holes and plenty of firepower to carry the organization back to the Super Bowl. Howie Roseman is always looking to add game-changing talent, and the NFL draft is the most efficient and cheapest place to start. Philadelphia could be facing a pivotal decision on draft night as momentum builds around an early run on offensive tackles. Tuesday's predraft buzz suggests as many as four tackles could come off the board within the first 15–17 picks, including Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano, along with fast-rising prospects Monroe Freeling and Kadyn Proctor. Freeling's late surge has turned heads across the league, while Proctor is widely viewed as a player who could be selected much earlier than expected due to his rare physical tools and SEC pedigree.

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For Philadelphia, that kind of movement could shrink the pool of elite prospects before they're on the clock at No. 23. If the Eagles have identified a specific offensive tackle — or another premium talent at risk of being taken during that early run — general manager Howie Roseman may be forced to consider an aggressive trade up the board. With extra Day 2 picks and a history of bold draft-night moves, the Eagles have the flexibility to climb into the teens if needed. In a draft where positional runs could dictate the flow, Philadelphia may have to act decisively rather than wait for value to fall.

Roseman is a huge supporter of trading up and down the draft boards, no matter the round or the assets at his disposal. Roseman, known for never sitting still, has always been an active draft-night trader and will likely make a move or two in rounds 1-3. Roseman has conducted over 60 draft-day trades over the past ten years, not including the 2015 draft when coach Chip Kelly snatched personnel control.

Since 2010, Roseman has traded up eight times, including multiple instances in which he initially traded down and then traded up, and vice versa. In the six times the Eagles have traded up, Philadelphia has landed Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Carson Wentz, Andre Dillard, Jordan Davis, and Jalen Carter.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Rising offensive tackles could push Eagles to trade up for top talent

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