5 prospects the Eagles could target if they trade up in the NFL Draft

It’s NFL Draft week and heading into the selection process, the questions are always asked in regards to whether or not teams should attempt to trade up for a game-changing prospect, trade back and acquiring more draft picks, or just staying put at your spot and pick the best available player.

The Eagles have regularly been players in the draft, especially when it comes to maneuvering in or out of the first round for the good of the franchise. Last season, Howie Roseman didn’t see a game changer in the first round and chose to move back 20 spots from 32 to 52, allowing the Eagles to pick up a 2019 second-round pick. Roseman also maneuvered the Birds up seven spots in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft as part of the deal. Roseman then traded up from 52 to 49 with the Colts, to select talented tight end, Dallas Goedert.

The question for the 2019 NFL Draft is with so many talented edge rushers available in the 2019 NFL Draft, will Roseman try to get up into the teens from pick No. 25. The Eagles have a ton of picks over the next two NFL Drafts, and the stockpile will allow Roseman and the Eagles to be aggressive on Day 1 of the draft.

With that assessment, here are five prospects the Eagles could target if they choose to move up in the NFL Draft.

Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

Gary won’t be available for the Philadelphia Eagles at pick No. 25, but if the former Michigan star starts to plummet into the teens, Roseman might be inclined to use one or both of the second round picks (No. 53 and No. 57) or Nelson Agholor to make the deal happy. Jim Schwartz could utilize Gary as a three-technique defensive tackle that can be moved around, especially on passing downs.

Oct 27, 2018; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Brian Burns (99) during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Burns, edge rusher, Florida State

The former Seminoles star pass rusher is moving up the draft board because of his amazing speed and athleticism. Burns won’t be around at No. 25, but the Eagles could choose to move up to No. 19 or No. 20 to snag the pass rusher.

Dec 29, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Josh Jacobs (8) attempts to jump over Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Tre Brown (6) and linebacker Caleb Kelly (19) of the 2018 Orange Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Jacobs, running back, Alabama

Jacobs, the best running back in this draft will likely get picked somewhere in the twenties, and with several teams having interest in the former Crimson Tide star, Roseman may need to move up a few picks to grab the running back that the Eagles have had interest in this entire process.

Jan 7, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher (71) recovers a fumble against Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) during the first half during the 2019 College Football Playoff Championship game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Wilkins has consistently been mentioned as a player to watch for the Eagles at No. 25, but the (6-3, 315) defensive tackle could be a player of interest in the late teens or early twenties. Wilkins will be one of three Clemson defensive linemen drafted in the first round and with teams clamoring to snag the 10-13 top defensive line prospects.

Jan 7, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) runs the ball against Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the third quarter during the 2019 College Football Playoff Championship game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Ferrell should go in the teens, but the former Clemson star will be a must have if he starts to slide to No. 20 or No. 22.