Many outlets are reporting that Eagles have made a HUGE move today, as in 6′4” 340 lb huge, agreeing to their second 1st round pick (#28), a 4th round pick and an undisclosed 2010 pick to the Bills for OT Jason Peters.
Peters, 27, has made the Pro Bowl each of the last 2 seasons and is widely considered one of the best offensive tackles in football. Prior to last season, Scouts Inc. rated him as the 3rd best OT in all of football, behind only Joe Thomas and Walter Jones. He graded out higher than any player on the Eagles roster, at any position, except for Brian Westbrook.
Presumably, the Eagles will sign him to a long-term deal to be our LT for years to come. His acquisition, along with Stacy Andrews, will give the Eagles one of the most talented and athletic lines in the NFL next year. If Shawn Andrews is healthy, you could argue that we have the best Guard and Tackle in football. The line defending McNabb next year will probably look like this:
LT: Jason Peters
LG: Todd Herremens
C: Jamaal Jackson
RG: Shawn Andrews
RT: Stacy Andrews
With Max Jean-Giles and Nick Cole subbing in along the way.
So all that is the good news. The bad news? Well, while this is a fantastic get, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the skill position talent everyone has been clamoring for. The Eagles still have a first rounder, but will they really trade that and a 3rd to get Anquan Boldin? That would leave them with only a 2nd and several 5ths (which they could use to move up), and I don’t see the Eagles sacrificing an entire draft. Furthermore, could they handle 2 big contracts? Maybe, I don’t really know.
My opinion? Trade the other 1st and 3rd, get Boldin. Take the best available TE in the 2nd and use your 5th rounders to move up and take a RB in the 3rd or 4th. That should make up for all the years you didn’t get McNabb weapons while the Colts were drafting WR’s and RB’s for Peyton. Go for it now, because once McNabb and Westbrook are gone, it’s back to square one.
Well – what do you guys think? Do you like this move? What’s the next step for the Birds?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this move. Makes the first round pick very interesting. Seems like positions we’ve not normally selected early(rb, te & wide receiver) could be very strong possibilities; However, based on their history, I expect the eagles to pick up a DB.
I love this pick. This is way better then moving up in the draft to get an unproven player or drafting any O-linemen in the 1st round. And at least we know its one thing we wont be drafting in the first round and can focus on other needs. Pete, I agree, trade 1st and 3rd for Boldin and then trade up with the rest of the picks to get what else we need. I’d rather over pay for proven players then take a guess in the draft. I usually do not agree with the front office but this was a great move.
I am extremely happy with this pick. Keeping McNabb on his feet is much more important than getting another receiver. While I think Boldin would be a great fit, I don’t want to get rid of our other first round pick for him. I certainly wouldn’t be angry with it but I would rather a running back. With a suitable running back behind Westbrook we could split Wetbrook out wide anyway. I like our receivers. But we could still get Braylon Edwards hypothetically since the price is significantly lower (2nd, 5th, and a WR). Our starting line is set for years to come now. You can’t argue with that.
I doubt that they will trade a 1st and a 3rd now for Boldin. But here’s my question: is that what it will take to get Boldin? On the trade value chart, a 27 year old All Pro tackle has to be worth more than a 29 year old oft-injured WR. I know the Cowboys paid a high-price for Roy Williams, but no one thought that was worth it. Do you think Boldin could be had for say, a 1st, a 5th, and Reggie Brown?
I personally would rather see the Birds select Moreno with their 1st rounder, or trade back and nab either Brown or McCoy. If there is anyway to do that and trade what I mentioned above for either Boldin or Edwards than I would be ecstatic.
But back to the Peters move. This is an unbelieveable move if they can get it done. The guy may have dogged it last year, but at least we know why. Solidifying the line makes McNabb and our running game much better (and I say running game assuming we pick up a rookie back and a vet – Deuce McCallister, D. Rhodes?).
Not sure how people rationalize that Bouldin is not worth a 1st round pick. Is the guy the Eagles get in the 1st round going to have the same impact as Bouldin would? Most likely not. And with this team, the time is now, so is the Eagles 1st round pick going to have the same impact within the next 2-3 years as Bouldin would? Definitely not. A 1st round pick is a gamble and Bouldin is a proven ProBowl receiver. I just don’t get the argument people make against trading 1st round picks.
As much as I would love for the Eagles to go with your plan Pete I just don’t think Andy Reid values wide receivers enough to do that…I think they will go running back at 21, best TE available in the 2nd, and WR in the 3rd….
I like this move a lot. The Boldin move would offer more hype because nobody watches lineman. This is a position that they needed – should keep McNabb protected and improve the running game. I heard a lot of football analysts say that Tra was subpar in run blocking last year. Now we get a stud and have depth.
Looking back, trading the pick to Carolina worked out well. We got Peters and DeSean Jackson out of it. Even tho Jackson was picked with our other 2nd round pick, we all know Reid would have picked Laws over Jackson with the later pick. I like to criticize this front office from time to time, but you gotta give ‘em props when they do well.
Now we just have to wait for the draft so they can surprise us by taking another OT, DL or a DB. My bet is on a DE because it would be too easy for them to take a RB like everyone wants.
I’m pumped. I looove this move. Of course I’m a little sad we aren’t getting Boudlin but let’s all be honest…Reids past indicates we never were. I don’t think there is any way the Birds will give up their other first rounder now. However, a Braylon trade for the 2nd and 5th would be awesome. The guy is only 26 and seeping with potential.
Big big deal he got. Most for an offensive lineman ever. That’s some pretty big expectations. I wonder if that will affect whether or not they want to pay a 1st rounder 1st round money. Trade down (again) much?
I think getting bouldin couldn’t hurt, but I don’t think it’s worth the draft picks or the money hassle’e. This is gonna sound crazy but I like the recieving core we have. Jackson is a star waiting to happen and curtis is great. I have been screaming for a true fullback and we got one. A tightend would be nice but I think Celec is gonna shine, now that he can play every down instead of sharing time with L J Smith. Brian Westbrook with a Fullback and a good blocking tight end in front of him will make a huge difference and will open things up for our recievers. In closing, Bouldin would be a plus, but he’s not neccesary