Mock draft season is always filled with creativity, projection, and sometimes assumptions that don't survive obvious business models. A recent projection from CBS Sports may fall into that last category, especially after what the Philadelphia Eagles' decision-makers said publicly about one of their most important players.
In the latest mock from Blake Brockermeyer, Philadelphia is connected to dynamic Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver prospect Zachariah Branch with the 23rd overall pick, and it appears that this isn't the first time that he has said such.
On paper, the logic can make some sense. The Eagles could face uncertainty with Jahan Dotson entering free agency, and Branch's explosive skill set would certainly add another weapon to the offense.
But do the Philadelphia Eagles need to find Dotson's replacement that early in a selection meeting?
Other needs seem more pressing, finding Lane Johnson's successor and adding tight ends and edge rushers, for instance, but what if Brockermeyer's theory stems from something else? The issue is that the pick feels rooted less in replacing Dotson and more in preparing for a hypothetical future without franchise receiver A.J. Brown.
That isn't mentioned in the analysis. Brockermeyer instead references explosive catches, elusivity, and the young man's ability as a returner, but we mention Brown for two reasons. One, why else would we theorize adding to the WR room so early unless the belief is he'll contribute immediately?
The third wide receiver on the depth chart isn't the focal point of the Eagles' offensive attack, so unless this is a pick made with Brown's departure in mind, it loses steam relatively quickly.
All of that has been said to state the following. It doesn't seem as though the Eagles plan to move off their three-time All-Pro receiver.
Howie Roseman hints at A.J. Brown's return.
Recent comments from head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman make that theory increasingly difficult to support. Speaking to select media members ahead of the NFL Combine, both leaders reiterated their expectation that Brown will remain in Philadelphia.
“I’d go back to what I said at the end of the season. It’s really hard to find great players. I think A.J. is a great player. I think that from my perspective, we’re looking to improve in all areas, and you don’t do that by subtracting.”
That last sentence is the key. Teams don't talk about cornerstone players that way if they're quietly preparing to move on.
Could Philadelphia still draft a receiver early? It's possible. Roseman has always believed in investing in premium positions. Still, if the Eagles target a wideout in Round 1, it would almost certainly be about adding firepower, not replacing, at best, the fifth option in the passing attack.
If the goal is finding a third receiver to compete with Dotson's role, history shows that type of contributor can be found on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft without using the 23rd pick. So, in the meantime, here's how we'll end the discussion for now.
Mock drafts thrive on possibilities. Front offices operate on intentions. Right now, the intentions coming out of Philadelphia suggest one thing clearly: the Eagles seem focused on building around A.J. Brown, and not planning for life after him.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Howie Roseman's recent statement slams door on a mock draft's theory