Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for the 2024 NFL Draft, set to begin Thursday in Detroit. With eight picks, including three in the first two rounds, the team is well-positioned to enhance its roster. Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman and Head Coach Nick Sirianni recently shared their insights on the draft strategy during a media session.

Roseman emphasized the importance of entering the draft without major needs, allowing the team to focus on selecting top talent rather than filling specific positions. "It's a great success story for us to be able to draft guys and sign them to extensions," Roseman stated, highlighting recent multi-year contract extensions as a positive signal for both current and future players.

Balancing short-term success with long-term goals remains a priority for Roseman. He explained, "My only goal is to win as much as I possibly can... I'm not going to be here forever." The Eagles' approach involves preparing players like Cam Jurgens for future roles while maintaining competitiveness.

Roseman also discussed potential scenarios leading up to their 22nd pick in the draft. Reflecting on past experiences, he noted, "There's always going to be something different that happens in front of you or behind you that you didn't anticipate." He expressed confidence in being prepared for various outcomes.

The legacy of former players plays a role in decision-making, with Roseman acknowledging his bias towards local prospects with family ties to the franchise. "I'm biased towards our hometown players," he admitted while stressing the importance of making objective decisions.

Sirianni outlined key traits he seeks in players: toughness, passion for football, and high football IQ. "Those are the guys that you can't go to the game without," he said, emphasizing these qualities as crucial for success.

Looking beyond draft day, Roseman highlighted the importance of player development. "We believe strongly that we have to develop these players," he said, focusing on supporting rookies as they transition into professional football.

The Eagles' preparations reflect a strategic approach aimed at building a strong team culture and ensuring long-term success through careful selection and development of new talent.