Saints, Eagles swap draft picks
Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints trade draft picks ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
As the draft is getting closer this month, there has been a trade for draft compensations between the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints.
The Eagles would get two first-round picks in this year’s draft (18 and 101), a 2022 third-round pick (101), a 2022 seventh-round pick (237), a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick.
The Saints would get two 2022 first-round picks (16 and 19) and a sixth-round pick (149).
Both NFL teams have needs in positions that are needed to be addressed with the 2022 NFL Draft approaching in three weeks. It becomes a constant trend for NFL teams to either want to move up to acquire one of the top prospects in the draft or stock up on draft capital.
Each pick that the Saints and Eagles now have from the trade would be important for both NFL teams to build their roster for next season as well as fill the holes for the needed positions.
The Saints and Eagles aren’t strangers to trading up or down in the draft to get a player in the draft. An example of this occurred with the Eagles when they trade up from their No. 13 pick to No. 8 where quarterback Carson Wentz was selected while the Saints would trade eight picks to Washington Redskins in the 1999 NFL Draft to acquire former running back Ricky Williams.
When looking at the trade, the Saints are aggressive in wanting to move two spots up from No. 18 to No. 16 to get a wide receiver alongside a returning Michael Thomas as well as having another pick in the top 20 (No. 19) to get a left tackle after losing Terron Armstead to the Miami Dolphins. Furthermore, the Saints’ sixth-round pick would likely be focusing on the defense which is a defensive back or a linebacker.
Following the trade on the Eagles’ side, the team has more draft compensation to trade away for more picks or possibly draft players in multiple rounds.
The Eagles would need to bolster the defense as well as draft a wide receiver to be another option with Devonta Smith.
Here are NFL prospects that the Saints and Eagles could draft post-trade.
New Orleans Saints
No. 16 pick: Jameson Williams, Alabama
Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) catch and accumulate yards after the catch at the 2022 championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Jameson Williams impacts a game with how he route run while creating separation against defenders.
He also has excellent timing with catching footballs on the run and can contribute to special teams by kick returning.
Drafting Williams could help the Saints have another receiving threat alongside Thomas as well as disrupt man coverage if he stays healthy.
No. 19 pick: Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
Northern Iowa left tackle Trevor Penning’s (70) blocking against Sothern Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Trevor Penning can athletically run block against edge rushers with his size, length, and frame. Furthermore, Penning is quick for his size and efficient when as a run blocker.
He is not a better offensive tackle than the top o-linemen in the draft, but he can put it together with the right coaching.
If the Saints want to draft Penning, then he could be an exceptional replacement for Armstead to protect Jameis Winston’s blindside.
No. 194 pick: Jalen Pitre, Baylor
Baylor defensive back/safety Jalen Pitre (8) taunting at an away game.
Jalen Pitre has a linear pursuit that isn’t great, but could be can be proactive in stopping the run.
Despite Pitre’s being undersized in the secondary, he could hustle from the backfield to support linebackers in tackling as well as help the edge at the line of scrimmage.
The Saints could use Pitre on the opposite side of the field alongside Marshon Lattimore or as a free safety with Marcus Maye.
Philadelphia Eagles
No. 18: Derek Stingley Jr.
LSU defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (7) with his teammates on the field at home against Central Michigan Chippewas, Sep. 19, 2021.
Derek Stingley Jr. is a perfect prototype of what a coaching dream of a corner with how he is suited in zone coverage as well as anticipating any 50/50 balls.
If Stingley could be the same player during his breakthrough 2019 college season, then the Eagles could have a great defensive back alongside Darius Slay Jr.
No. 101: Boye Mafe, Minnesota
Minnesota edge rusher Boye Mafe (34) taunting that they forced a fourth down against Auburn, Jan. 1, 2020.
Boye Mafe shows the capability of being an explosive athlete with his power, jab steps, and leverage during his time as a Minnesota Gopher.
He also flashes the ability to deconstruct blocking tight ends with the combination of Mafe’s range and can finish his tackles strong.
Mafe lacks hand coordination as well as not being a proficient pass rusher with his footwork. Despite Mafe’s weaknesses, he is still a potential quality defensive end, especially in a 4-3 defense.
The Eagles would have a young pass rusher if they draft Mafe with Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham getting older at the defensive line.
No. 237: Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore (24) running up the field against the Pittsburgh Panthers, Sep. 18, 2021, at Pittsburgh.
Skyy Moore has good ball skills and decent athleticism despite not having the ability to have average acceleration and burst down the field.
It won’t be an ideal selection for the Eagles but would be an option that the team could consider if Moore is possibly available in the seventh round of the draft.
Conclusion
Both teams have won the trade before the 2022 NFL Draft and have a chance to keep building their team moving forward.
The fans of the Eagles and Saints are anticipating which prospects they are going to draft as the NFL offseason continues.
