NFL DRAFT: Wentz or Goff? Eagles will pick QB at No. 2

By foxsports
Published

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Choosing between Carson Wentz and Jared Goff is similar to picking a flavor of ice cream or pizza topping.

That's how the Philadelphia Eagles view the second pick in next week's NFL draft. The Eagles traded a slew of picks to Cleveland to get in position to land a potential franchise quarterback.

''It's like vanilla or chocolate, pepperoni pizza or sausage,'' Eagles personnel boss Howie Roseman said. ''What do you like better? And that's the best part about this. They're not the same guy. They're different. They're unique in so many ways and at the same time, they both have some really great traits.''

The choice is simple because the Eagles won't have to make it. The Los Angeles Rams have the No. 1 pick after a blockbuster trade with Tennessee. They've indicated they want Wentz or Goff, the two top quarterback prospects. So, the Eagles take whoever doesn't go first.

''We're very sure we're going to get the guy we want,'' Roseman said. ''You have to be very comfortable with both those quarterbacks and believe they have a shot to be great, to be Pro Bowl caliber.''

New coach Doug Pederson raved about both guys.

Wentz started two seasons at North Dakota State and led the Bison to the FCS national championship both years. He has all the measurables teams want, but didn't face big-time competition.

''I think he's got everything you want in a quarterback at this level,'' Pederson said of Wentz. ''I like his size, I like his arm strength and I like his mobility. He's a bigger kid. I think he has all the tools to be an NFL quarterback. This kid is pretty impressive.''

Goff was a three-year starter at California where he set Pac-12 records with 4,719 passing yards and 43 touchdowns last season.

''Goff is probably more undersized at 218 pounds, but I was 218 pounds as a quarterback, so I don't put a lot of merit into weight,'' Pederson said. ''Those guys are pretty even in my opinion. From all the physical tools, both of them are extremely gifted there. Good arm strength, mobility. Carson's a little bigger, maybe a little better athlete. There's not much separating those two.''

Here are some things to know about the Eagles going into the draft:

REMAINING PICKS: After No. 2, the Eagles have to wait until No. 79 in the third round. They don't have picks in the second or fourth rounds, but they have two fifths, one sixth and two sevenths.

QUARTERBACK OVERLOAD: The Eagles are paying Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel a lot of money to be 1-2 on the depth chart. Bradford, a former No. 1 overall pick, still could develop into an elite QB under Pederson's guidance. Bradford played well the second half of last season and appears fully recovered from two operations on the same knee. But Bradford, who signed a two-year, $35 million deal, could be trade bait after the season to help the Eagles recoup some draft picks.

BIGGEST NEEDS: Philadelphia is short on playmakers at the skill positions, a stud offensive lineman, help in the secondary, and linebackers. It's unlikely the Eagles could fill those needs on the third day of the draft.

FINAL SAY: The draft room will have a familiar look with Roseman back in charge a year after he lost a power struggle to Chip Kelly. Roseman, previously the team's general manager, regained control of personnel decisions when Kelly was fired. Pederson and his staff have plenty of input, but far less than Kelly and his crew.

''We still take our cues from the coaching staff and what they're looking for offensively and defensively, even from special teams,'' Roseman said.

PRIORITIZING THE PROTOTYPE: Kelly insisted on players who fit certain criteria for height, weight and speed. He eliminated players from the draft board if they didn't meet these standards. The Eagles will be more flexible this year, especially on defense.

Roseman said new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is ''more open to different body types'' and ''the most important things are explosiveness, athletic ability.''

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