Eagles Wake-Up Call: ‘Four Good Drafts In a Row’

Howie Roseman was asked for a number.

The Eagles’ GM has said time and again that the organization is aiming for long-term success. The goal is to put together a product that can compete for a Super Bowl on an annual basis. It’s not about “going for it” one specific year. It’s about consistently having a shot and eventually bringing home the Lombardi trophy.

But how long might it take to build a roster that can get to that level?

“That’s a fair question,” Roseman said last week. “I don’t know if we look at it like that. We look at it we’ve got to increase the talent level on our football team, and ideally, if you have four good drafts in a row, I don’t see how you’re not going to be a really good and talented football team. We need to build on the last two drafts and continue to get good players and try to get as many guys who can make a difference as possible. I think we’ve increased the depth on our football team the last couple of years and have had some good players. If we have an opportunity to build on top of that, I think that would be really promising for our future.”

Jeffrey Lurie famously absolved Roseman from blame for the draft miscues in 2010 and 2011. Chip Kelly was not yet in the fold in 2012, but selections that year (Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks, Nick Foles, Brandon Boykin) played prominent roles on last year’s squad that won the NFC East.

The 2013 class still has plenty to prove, but there’s reason to believe Lane Johnson, Zach Ertz and Bennie Logan all have promising futures.

“If you look back at successful drafts, if you can come out of it with three starters, that is a really good draft,” Roseman said. “There are not a lot of drafts that you can come out and do that. So we still have enough picks to do that [this year].”

Four good drafts in a row would put the Eagles into the 2015 season. Of course, that’s not really how coaches, GMs (or fans) view things. And Kelly, particularly, doesn’t strike me as a patient man.

Before the Eagles think about stringing four together, they have to hit on No. 3. And selections made later this week will go a long way in determining whether the team is in position to take another step forward in the fall.

WHAT YOU MISSED

I take a stab at identifying outside linebacker targets for the Eagles.

T-Mac and I pick the three most likeliest targets for the Birds at No. 22.

The Eagles have signed a 6-foot-9 Army Ranger who served three tours in Afghanistan.

Peter King says the Eagles have talked to at least two teams about trading up in the first round.

McManus takes a look at how the QB market could affect trade options.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Tommy Lawlor of Iggles Blitz weighs in on the King rumor:

I don’t doubt that Howie has called teams in the 10-20 range and talked to them about trades. I don’t doubt that he’s mentioned interest in a WR. But Beckham might not be the real target. It could be OLB Anthony Barr, ILB C.J. Mosley or one of the CBs. Beckham might in fact be the target, but don’t take that idea to the bank.

In his latest mock draft, Todd McShay of ESPN.com projects Louisville safety Calvin Pryor to the Eagles:

Wide receiver and cornerback are two other possibilities here, but Pryor also would fill a need at strong safety next to free-agent pickup Malcolm Jenkins, and he’s a good value at this point in the draft. Pryor is an intimidating presence in the middle of the field with his willingness to deliver the big hit, and he also is capable of holding up in deep-half zone and deep-third coverage. He’s a tone-setter.

COMING UP

T-Mac and I will debate whether the Birds will end up with a QB in this year’s draft.