Eagles Executive V.P. of Football Operations Howie Roseman says the decision to trade up to the No. 2 overall pick in the draft was all about a belief that the way to win in the NFL is to get a long-term franchise quarterback.
“You have to have a winning franchise quarterback to compete over a long period of time,” Roseman said this morning on PFT Live. “One impact player at that position can change a team.”
So will that quarterback be Cal’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz? Roseman said the Eagles will be happy with taking whichever quarterback the Rams don’t take first overall.
“You have to be comfortable with both guys at one and two,” Roseman said. “You don’t have that control when you’re picking second. We’re very comfortable with both quarterbacks, and that was the reason we were able to make this trade.”
Although Roseman said he discussed the trade with owner Jeffrey Lurie, coach Doug Pederson and others in the organization, ultimately it was Roseman alone who had to make the call.
“This decision was mine,” Roseman said. “At the end of the day, this was my decision.”
Roseman said the Eagles had previously identified 10 players they liked a lot and were worried none would still be there at No. 13, so they traded up to the Dolphins’ first-round pick at No. 8. At that point they saw the opportunity to move up to No. 2.
“There are unique opportunities where you have to take chances to be great,” Roseman said. “One great player can change a team.”
With the Rams appearing poised to draft Goff, Eagles fans have to hope that one great player is Wentz.