Opinion: Eagles should avoid trading back in Round 1 of NFL draft

Questions continue to swirl about what the Philadelphia Eagles should do with the 23rd overall selection. That's expected. This is one of the more flexible spots in the first round. If the board breaks the right way, a premium player at a premium position could fall directly into Howie Roseman's lap. It happens every year. Prospects once viewed as top-10 or top-15 talents slide for reasons no one fully anticipates. That's where the opportunity lies.

Naturally, conversations have expanded beyond simply staying put. Could the Eagles move up? It wouldn't surprise anyone. Could they trade down? That possibility exists too, but it feels like the least appealing option of the three.

And honestly, it's hard to make a strong case for it. Philadelphia isn't desperate for additional draft capital. They're already positioned to add compensatory picks in the future, thanks in part to departures like Jaelan Phillips. They could also potentially land more if other roster moves unfold. An A.J. Brown trade perhaps? If you missed the more recent updates, he is expected to skip workouts as his future remains uncertain.

Stockpiling picks is always valuable, but it's not a necessity here. More importantly, this draft sets up well for the Eagles, especially in Round 1.

The Eagles are in a prime position to make a headline-grabbing acquisition.

At No. 23, the Eagles should have access to real difference-makers. Whether it’s a long-term successor to Lane Johnson, a dynamic playmaker like Kenyon Sadiq or Jordyn Tyson, or help in the secondary, there will be options worth serious consideration. Passing on that opportunity simply to slide back a few spots feels like overthinking the moment. That doesn't align with how Roseman typically operates. He's aggressive. He reads the board as well as anyone and isn't afraid to act when value presents itself.