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Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson addressed media on Monday for the first time since reports emerged of the Eagles being the runner-up in the Los Angeles Rams-Tennessee Titans trade involving the No. 1 pick. To no surprise, Roseman neither confirmed nor denied Philadelphia's interest in moving up.
There's obviously no good reason for Roseman to reveal his hand, especially when there are still rumors that the Eagles could be interested in trading up to the No. 2 pick. If Pederson's comments are any indication, however, a trade up still might be in play. Pederson says he doesn't seem to see a big difference in the top two quarterbacks from the 2016 NFL Draft.
Pederson says not much separation between Wentz and Goff, notes Wentz is the better athlete, bigger, thinks both can be franchise QBs
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) April 18, 2016
If we're to believe Pederson at his word, it would only make sense that the Eagles try to trade up again. The Birds might not be able to get their top choice since the Rams could take him at No. 1, but if there's not a big drop-off then they should still be able to get a quarterback they really like.
It's worth noting here how the Rams and Eagles have two different quarterback situations. Los Angeles needs an immediate starter, which is part of why they were so desperate to trade up. Goff, who is considered pro ready, could be their guy. It doesn't hurt that he's from the state the city is based in. Wentz, on the other hand, is a guy who might benefit from not being forced out onto the field right away. With Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel in place, the Eagles don't need to rush their rookie quarterback on the field. Rather, they can develop someone like Wentz over time. So it's possible the Eagles could trade up to No. 2 and still get the quarterback that best fits their agenda.
One quarterback who doesn't seem to be in play in the first round for the Eagles is Paxton Lynch. Some NFL talent evaluators rank Lynch as the best quarterback prospect, but Pederson made it clear he sees him behind Goff and Wentz.
"I don’t know if that would be the spot to take someone like him," Pederson says on taking Paxton Lynch at 8.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) April 18, 2016
It's virtually a guarantee the Eagles will pick a quarterback at some point in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Eagles have said as much and they've shown interest in all the top prospects. It's still unclear how things will play out with the draft a little over a week away. It'll be interesting to see how it all unfolds.