With The First Pick
Fansided

Carson Wentz Starts Career off on the Right Track

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Nelson Agholor (not pictured) in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia defeated Cleveland 29-10. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Nelson Agholor (not pictured) in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia defeated Cleveland 29-10. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carson Wentz ended up ready to play as a rookie after all, right?

When the Philadelphia Eagles picked quarterback Carson Wentz at No. 2 overall, the plan was to sit him. At the time, they had Sam Bradford, who played well down the stretch last year. They also brought in Chase Daniel to be the backup  so Wentz could redshirt.

Then the Minnesota Vikings became desperate for a quarterback after Teddy Bridgewater tore his ACL. So they gave the Eagles a 2017 first-round pick plus a conditional pick for Bradford. That put the Eagles in better position to build around Wentz in the future.

The move meant the Eagles were rebuilding as Wentz did nothing this preseason to show he’s ready now. But with his play in Week 1, Wentz showed that the rebuild won’t take as long as many thought. He went 22-37 for 278 yards and two TDs in a 29-10 win, the first of his career.

I have to admit I was surprised given the way he used to freak out when pressure came in college. It was against the Cleveland Browns but they are an NFL team and the success builds confidence. This isn’t to say the Eagles are ready to compete, they are still a rebuilding team.

But it appears the Eagles got their No. 2 overall pick right as Wentz is more ready than many believed. No. 1 overall Jared Goff is starting his rookie season on the bench. So he’s already ahead in the race for best first-round quarterback in 2016.

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