2016 NFL Draft: Signs point to Eagles taking Carson Wentz with No. 2 pick

The Philadelphia Eagles now own the No. 2 overall pick in 2016 NFL Draft after completing a trade with the Cleveland Browns. So ... who are they going to pick? (Read the article title, dummy.)

According to executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman, the Birds are going to take a quarterback at No. 2 overall. (Duh.)

Roseman: The only way to make this trade is to be comfortable with both of the quarterbacks at the top of the draft.

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 20, 2016

Roseman: We're very sure we're going to get the player we want.

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 20, 2016

Carson Wentz and Jared Goff are thought to be the top two quarterbacks selected in this year's draft. After trading up to No. 1 overall, the Los Angeles Rams will have their choice of the two passers. There are conflicting reports about whether the Rams prefer Goff or Wentz, so we won't know for sure who will be left over at No. 2.

With that said, signs point to Goff being the guy in L.A, which means Wentz will be the guy for Philadelphia. The Eagles, among other NFL teams, reportedly believe the Rams covet Goff (per Tim McManus and Jimmy Kempski). Here's why this make sense:

Goff does seem like the logical pick in the sense he's considered to be the most pro ready. Los Angeles desperately needs an immediate starter or else they'll be forced to go with Case Keenum in the interim.

As for the Eagles, they're not seeking an immediate starter at quarterback. They have Sam Bradford. The Birds have the luxury of drafting and developing an inexperienced player like Wentz.

Prior to today's big trade, multiple reports indicated Philadelphia's high level of interest in Wentz. This report from late March pretty much nailed the trade:

"Don't be surprised if a team like the Eagles makes a really strong move up the board to get (Carson) Wentz. I don't think he's worth it, but I think they do. Everyone thinks you have to move ahead of Cleveland, but (Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta) will want to get as many picks as possible out of this draft. It wouldn't surprise me if a team moved directly to Cleveland's spot for Wentz." -- NFC executive

Lance Zierlein said Doug Pederson loves Wentz.

"Make no mistake about it, I still think the Eagles first and foremost are trying to find a way to get Carson Wentz. I know Doug Pederson loves him," he said. "I know that from people behind the scenes, in the know. That’s who he wants and that’s who he likes. It’s just going to be tough — to move up that far is going to be a challenge."

Pederson publicly praised Wentz earlier this week.

"You dive into him as a person, his work ethic, his off-the-field attitude … how he handles his teammates, puts him in kind of an elite status when it comes to quarterbacks."

"He’s got everything you want in a quarterback at this level. You never know. Quarterback is a unique position at the National Football League level. Guys come in here and there’s an expectation level that they have, there’s an expectation level that we have as a coaching staff. I like him, I like his arm strength, his mobility, he’s a bigger kid. I think he’s got all the tools to be an NFL quarterback."

The Eagles met with Wentz twice at the Senior Bowl, once at the NFL Combine, once for a private workout (plus dinner), and also hosted him on a pre-draft visit in Philadelphia.

If you're still not convinced, here are some tidbits that emerged right after the big Eagles-Browns trade today.

Like many, the Eagles believe the Rams are going Goff. So their deal to No. 2 is with Wentz in mind.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 20, 2016

Eagles must be confident Goff going to Rams. Was told Wentz has been Philly's target for some time. https://t.co/o8GKt5nMZa

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 20, 2016

(Note that Brandt was the one who knew Philadelphia would draft Nelson Agholor last year two months before it happened.)

So while nothing is official yet, it sure looks like Wentz will be the Eagles' next quarterback of the future.