Shortly after the San Francisco 49ers traded up with the Miami Dolphins, The Philadelphia Eagles shortly after traded down with the Miami Dolphins. The trade down from sixth overall to 12th overall came as a bit of a surprise to some as the Eagles were primed to have just about anyone they wanted after quarterbacks go picks one through three at a minimum. It appears the Cincinnati Bengals may have had a hand in the trade.
By trading down with the Dolphins the Eagles were able to add an additional fourth rounder in the 2021 NFL Draft as well as a 2022 first round pick. The expectation thus far throughout the pre-draft process is that the Eagles will look to help second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts by drafting him a pass-catching weapon, most likely a wide receiver.
The wide receiver class is loaded especially at the top with guys like Ja’Marr Chase, Devonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle so the Eagles were in a position at six to likely choose any of the three guys. While that might have been the expectation since the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals who pick fourth and fifth overall have other major needs outside of wide receiver.
Did the Bengals play a hand in the trade?
As of Monday the 29th of March, Albert Breer has reported that the Eagles traded down because they have a strong belief that the Cincinnati Bengals will draft Joe Burrows former wideout in Ja’Marr Chase before the Eagles ultimately could select him. This news means a few things for both teams if it is indeed true.
"“The Eagles worked exclusively with the Dolphins, and Roseman had to keep the trade under wraps in the two-plus weeks in between to allow for the bang-bang nature of how it eventually would go down. And with the Eagles believing there is a pretty good chance the Bengals will take LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase at five…”"
In regards to the Philadelphia Eagles and them traded back after assuming Chase will be gone means they likely think they can still draft one of Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. If their target wide receiver isn’t available at the 12th pick the Eagles should be in a position to take the best talent on the board or trade down if need be.
Will the Bengals really pass on offensive line once again?
In regards to the Cincinnati Bengals this may come as a surprise that they would choose to possibly pass up on the left tackle prospect Penei Sewell out of The University of Oregon. Joe Burrow is in dire need of offensive line help but maybe the Bengals are comfortable enough with Jonah Williams at left tackle and newly-signed Riley Reiff at right tackle for the upcoming season.
If this is indeed the case for Cincy they will almost certainly draft a pass catcher whether that is Ja’Marr Chase who has a rapport with Joe Burrow or Kyle Pitts who’s a mismatch nightmare at tight end.
The Bengals currently have second year receiver Tee Higgins working on the outside and veteran slot guy Tyler Boyd both back for another season but the passing offense has been missing something ever since A.J. Green fell out of his prime. Chase gives Joe Burrow a familiar face to throw to and will give the offense an immediate boost.