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The 2019 NFL Draft is one month away and, if the following tweet is any indication, it seems like Brian Baldinger already has an idea about who the Philadelphia Eagles are targeting with their first-round selection.
.@Eagles & @colts pick #25 & #26 in this year’s draft. With 31 days til the draft kicks off, could they both be interested in the EXACT same player? I believe so, and if it’s true who makes the move to make sure they get him? #BaldysBreakdowns
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 25, 2019
Hmm. Assuming Baldy does really know something, who could he be referencing here?
Is it Christian Wilkins? The Clemson defensive tackle has obviously been discussed as a potential Eagles target. And Baldinger did reply to someone talking about why the Eagles might still draft an interior defensive lineman despite signing Malik Jackson:
Facts
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 25, 2019
The Colts have also been connected to Wilkins through the draft process. Mel Kiper Jr. previously mocked Wilkins to Indianapolis. Our friends over at Stampede Blue see Wilkins as “one of the best fits in this draft” for the Colts.
There’s an expectation that Wilkins could be picked in the teens so the Eagles could have to be aggressive to get him, especially if the Colts are lurking out there as well. The bad news for Philly is that Indy has more draft ammo. Here’s what Colts general manager Chris Ballard is working with:
1st round (26th overall)
2nd round (34th overall; from Jets)
2nd round (59th overall)
3rd round (89th overall)
4th round (129th overall)
4th round (135th overall; compensatory pick)
5th round (164th overall)
6th round (199th overall)
7th round (240th overall)
Compare that to Howie Roseman’s haul:
1st round (25th overall)
2nd round (53rd overall; from Ravens)
2nd round (57th overall)
4th round (127th overall)
4th round (138th overall; compensatory pick)
5th round (163th overall)
6th round (198th overall)
The key differences include the Colts having a very early second-round pick (from the Jets) in addition to a third-round selection. In other words, don’t be shocked if the Colts jump the Eagles on draft day and steal a player that Philly potentially coveted.
Maybe that prospect is Wilkins. Or maybe it’s Josh Jacobs. We know the Colts are interested in adding running back help given that they recently hosted Jay Ajayi on a free agent visit. We’ve also heard it rumored that the Eagles like Jacobs.
Or maybe it’s neither Wilkins or Jacobs. Maybe it’s a different player entirely. Or maybe the entire thing is a #smokescreen. You never know for sure during draft season.
In any case, this Eagles-Colts dynamic could be something to keep in mind for draft night.