This week I was hoping to try and put together a rundown of rumors for each of the various picks in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been connected to quarterback Jameis Winston frequently, and that seemed like a good jumping off point.
Not so fast, my friends!
Philadelphia Eagles writer Jimmy Kempski (formerly of Bleeding Green Nation) dropped this little bomb indicating the Eagles might be making a strong push to leap up for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Becoming more and more convinced daily that the Eagles are trading up to #1 prior to the draft.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) February 26, 2015
Our friends at Bleeding Green Nation broke down the rumor in great detail, including what to make of the source. Kempski apparently had first word on the potential of DeSean Jackson getting released, and is not one to just throw crap out there. That does not mean this will happen, but it does mean we could have some serious intrigue leading up to the Bucs going on the clock.
The Eagles hold the 20th pick of the first round, so it would take some serious ammunition to make that move up. They hold all of their regular seven picks, and it appears they would get a fourth round pick based on some conditions with Bryce Brown. Whether they get it or not, it would clearly take a lot more than that to move up to No. 1 overall. It would require at least one future No. 1, along with other assorted trinkets.
BGN and others seem convinced any move would be for former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. The team has Nick Foles but does not appear to be remotely sold on him as a franchise quarterback (but others might in a trade). It remains to be seen how Mariota will pan out in the NFL, but if the Eagles did this deal for Mariota, it is clear they would be convinced he could be their guy.
It is also possible people are floating this to convince others to move, or to drive up the price to move up somewhere along the way. With two months remaining until the draft, it is all posturing and maneuvering at this point. Any trades are not going to happen until draft day, but for now, we can enjoy some chatter that could very well just end up being complete BS. Fun times!