During our weekly Eagles chat on Wednesday, a question that kept popping up over and over was something to the effect of, "How many quarterbacks could be selected before the Eagles make their first-round selection at pick No. 14?"
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I did answer one of those queries, noting that I don't follow the other teams around the league closely enough to give a highly informed, insider'y kind of answer. The question is relevant to the Eagles, however, because the more quarterbacks that are taken before the Eagles' pick, the more players of interest that could slide to pick 14, as the Eagles are candidates to select literally any position other than quarterback (and kickers and stuff too, I guess).
There are four quarterbacks who have been mentioned as possibilities to be drafted before the Eagles' pick at 14. They are, in no particular order, Mitchell Trubisky of North Carolina, Deshaun Watson of Clemson, DeShone Kizer of Notre Dame, and Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech.
A look at all the teams drafting before the Eagles, and their needs at quarterback.
Browns' current quarterbacks: Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan, Brock Osweiler
Do they need one? God yes. The Browns own their own pick (first overall), and the Eagles' original first-round pick (12th overall). On Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Browns may select Mitchell Trubisky with the first-overall pick instead of widely-assumed Myles Garrett.
But, yes, clearly the Browns need a quarterback after passing on Carson Wentz a year ago.
49ers' current quarterbacks: Brian Hoyer, Matt Barkley
Do they need one? Again, God yes. There's really no analysis needed here. Just look at their current quarterbacks.
Bears' current quarterbacks: Mike Glennon, Mark Sanchez, Connor Shaw
Do they need one? Yes. Is Mike Glennon an "answer" in the Bears' eyes? He signed a three-year, $45 million deal with $18.5 million in guaranteed money, soooooo... maybe? But really, probably not. The Bears can easily get out of Glennon's contract after the 2017 season, as the bulk of his guaranteed money will be fully paid out in 2017. The Bears could very easily decide to draft a quarterback, allow him to sit and learn for a year, and then move forward with the young quarterback in 2018.
Jaguars' current quarterbacks: Blake Bortles, Chad Henne, Brandon Allen
Do they need one? . After a promising 2015, Bortles was terrible in 2016. Still, Bortles is still only 24, so giving up on him already would be a really quick hook.
Titans' current quarterbacks: Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel, Alex Tanney
Do they need one? Nope. All set.
Jets' current quarterbacks: Josh McCown, Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg
Do they need one? Uh, yes. It's hard to remember when the Jets didn't need a quarterback.
Chargers' current quarterbacks: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens, Mike Bercovici
Do they need one? Yes. Philip Rivers can still play, but he'll turn 36 during the 2017 season. If there's a quarterback the Chargers like just sitting there at pick No. 7, they might be wise to take him.
Panthers' current quarterbacks: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb
Do they need one? No. While Cam Newton is a threat to Western civilization because he dabs after touchdowns, the Panthers will not be drafting a quarterback here.
Bengals' current quarterbacks: Andy Dalton, A.J. McCarron, Jeff Driskel
Do they need one? Nah. Dalton is a legitimate starting quarterback, and McCarron is good backup with potential to be a starter at some point.
Bills' current quarterbacks: Tyrod Taylor, Cardale Jones, T.J. Yates
Do they need one? It would seem so. Taylor took a big pay cut this offseason, and if he hadn't, he likely would have been released. If you're willing to release your starting quarterback, you're probably willing to draft one at pick No. 10 if there's one you like.
Saints' current quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Chase Daniel, Garrett Grayson
Do they need one? No, Chase Daniel is Drew Brees' successor. Lol, just kidding. Yes, they do. Brees is 38, and there's a thinking that the Saints are in win-now mode with his career winding down. As such, it has been suggested that the Saints should just wait until their first-round pick acquired from the Pats (32nd overall) or later to draft a quarterback. That's crazy to me. One rookie draft pick (especially on defense) isn't typically going to make or break a season. If there's a quarterback they like at 11, take him.The Saints have won seven games each of the last three years. "Win now" talk, even with an aging Brees, seems nuts.
Cardinals' current quarterbacks: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Zac Dysert
Do they need one? Yep. Palmer was on fire during the 2015 season, but his play declined significantly in 2016. He'll turn 38 during the season. The Cards are a no-brainer candidate to draft a quarterback early.
Conclusion
Eight of the 12 teams drafting ahead of the Eagles could reasonably take a quarterback in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In the NFL, you either have a quarterback, or you don't. If you don't you have no shot at contending for a Super Bowl unless you have some kind of historic defense like the 2000 Ravens or the 2002 Buccaneers. That's why you see so many teams (rightfully) reach for quarterbacks in the draft.
Is there a good chance multiple quarterbacks come off the board before the Eagles pick at 14? My guess would be yes.
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