AJ Brown Part 2: Eagles Trade Options Growing as NFL Draft Nears?

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman hit a home run during the first round last year, acquiring A.J. Brown. Can the GM do it again?

Hit one home run by acquiring a player on draft night like Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman did last year when he landed receiver A.J. Brown as the first round unfolded, and everyone expects a grand slam in his next at-bat.

Roseman steps to the plate again on Thursday night with what is supposed to be two picks - Nos. 10 and 30.

Amid reports that Roseman is trying hard to find a path to trade up to take one of the three top defensive players, preferably Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, there are plenty of names that have been linked to the Eagles via a trade. So, let's analyze ... 

First, which team isn’t investigating trades up or back right now?

Second, the likelihood of the Eagles acquiring a player in a trade on draft night are probably slim to none.

The latest name to be floated out there came from ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, who Roseman should call the Cardinals and see if they can acquire three-time Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins. 

While Roseman is at it, why not ask about Budda Baker, too? The safety was mentioned as a trade possibility to Philadelphia not that long ago.

The Eagles have been linked to a slew of running backs, with Tennessee Titans bruiser Derrick Henry at the top of the list. The others are Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers Austin Ekeler and Kansas City Chiefs Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White was also mentioned, but the Bucs have no interest in trading him.

It’s probably unlikely they will be Eagles by the time the weekend ends and the three-day draft is in the books. Here’s the thing, though. Maybe one of them will be available at the trade deadline later in the fall, depending on how those teams are doing.

The Titans, for example, didn’t make the playoffs last year and collapsed down the stretch. If they struggle again, maybe Henry becomes available.

Roseman is fond of saying that improving the team runs all the way through the trade deadline. So, maybe a trade for one of these players doesn’t happen now, but in late October.

Ed Kracz covers the Philadelphia Eagles for SI's EaglesToday.

Please follow him and our Eagles coverage on Twitter at @kracze.

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