Eagles' pre-draft moves show their real (and expected) early-round intentions

Which is the wiser NFL Draft strategy? Should the Philadelphia Eagles select players based on need? Should they acquire the 'best player available'? That debate is revisited every year. It has raged so long that we don't remember its origin, but it's always good for some healthy back and forth.

Here's what we have learned over time. There isn't a right or wrong answer. Both ideas work. We've even seen both employed during singular Birds drafts, and there's a chance that may happen again this time around.

Philly's business model is well-known. Based on what we've seen since the Super Bowl victory parade wrapped, we can guess what they hope to do during the early rounds of the selection meeting. Besides, if nothing is broken, there is no need for repairs, right?

The Eagles blueprint is familiar and one that has remained despite coaching changes

With another Lombardi Trophy added to the shelf, some of the pain of losing to the Kansas City Chiefs (and Andy Reid) in Super Bowl 57 subsided. Losing always hurts. Losing to Big Red on football's biggest stage made for a tough offseason. The 2023 collapse didn't help matters much either.

Philly owes Coach Reid some thanks though. He helped construct the blueprint for what has become a successful strategy.

During draft time, he typically selected an offensive or defensive lineman early in Round 1. There were exceptions (Lito Sheppard, Jeremy Maclin), but the formula was often pretty consistent. Build in the trenches and construct a roster capable of winning at the line of scrimmage.

Current Eagles vice president/general manager Howie Roseman learned as a member of Andy's school of business. Like Reid, he too typically exhausts early-round draft capital on trench warriors, and as long as he has been in charge of the draft process, he hasn't changed much despite who Philly hired as coaches.

Sometimes, it doesn't work (Andre Dillard). Often, it does (Jalen Carter, Landon Dickerson). There are also exceptions, like DeVonta Smith, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean. But, how can you ignore those types of talents?

Don't be shocked when the Eagles fortify the trenches during the early rounds of the NFL Draft.

We've been eyeing and keeping track of the Eagles' Top 30 visits. Typically, that won't reveal a plan of action, but that isn't the case with Philly. They take their pre-draft conversations seriously.

Guys like Carter, Mitchell, Cam Jurgens, Kelee Ringo, and Jalyx Hunt were all prospects the Birds spoke to before their respective drafts. All found homes here, so what might we make of the last few weeks?

Most of Philly's sit-downs have again been with trench warriors. They've sprinkled in a skill player (Jaydon Blue) and a few cornerbacks (Jacob Parrish, Korie Black, Maxwell Hairston), but mostly they've interviewed offensive lineman.

Josh Conerly Jr., Anthony Belton, Charles Grant, and Dylan Fairchild are among the highlights. They have also spoken with trench warriors on the defensive side of the ball. Shemar Turner, Nic Scourton, Oluwafemi Oladejo, and Donovan Ezeiruaku are among the stars on that list.

The draft grades of every prospect mentioned here vary. Some are mid to late-rounders. Some will hear their names called early. Poll everyone from casual fans to draft pundits, and ask them their theory on the most pressing needs. Most will agree it's wise to add edge rushers and depth along the offensive line.

That being said, no one should be shocked if Philly's plan of action during the selection meeting involves meeting both needs during Rounds 1 and 2.