Adrian Fedkiw
Another day, another Carson Wentz rumor.
NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com said during a 97.5 The Fanatic interview Monday that Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson “loves” Carson Wentz and the team will try and find a way to land him. This is nothing new from Zierlein, who had previously reported a few weeks ago that an NFC Executive said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles traded up for Wentz.
“Don’t be surprised if a team like the Eagles make a really strong move up the board to get (Carson Wentz). I don’t think he’s worth it, but I think they do. Everyone thinks you have to move ahead of Cleveland, but (Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta) will want to get as many picks as possible out of this draft. It wouldn’t surprise me if a team moved directly to Cleveland’s spot for Wentz.”
The Eagles have invested $34 million guaranteed to Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel this offseason but neither has proved that they can be a franchise quarterback. Who knows when Philadelphia will get a top-10 pick again. Why not explore the options at quarterback, it’s just a shame it’s a weak class.
Let’s fast forward to Monday’s comments.
“Make no mistake about it, I still think the Eagles first and foremost are trying to find a way to get Carson Wentz. I know Doug Pederson loves him,” he said. “I know that from people behind the scenes, in the know. That’s who he wants and that’s who he likes. It’s just going to be tough. To move up that far is going to be a challenge.”
Robert Klemko of MMQB previously stated that the Eagles are rumored to be in the running with three other teams of trading up for the Titans’ No. 1 pick and Peter King reported Monday that the Titans are “50-50” about moving out of the top spot. None of these reports appear to be smokescreens. The Eagles worked Wentz out last Wednesday and were spotted having dinner with him later that night.
Pederson has used the word “smart” a lot when asked about the traits he looks for in a quarterback. He wants one that wins, has the work ethic, intangibles and toughness. These are all characteristics Mike Mayock said Wentz had when attending his Pro Day. These are also traits that Alex Smith in Kansas City had. Smith is also sneaky athletic and ran for 498 yards in 2015, the fourth highest among quarterbacks. Pederson can take advantage of Wentz’s wheels just as he did Smith’s.
He fits what Pederson likes to do on offense.
Wentz does have his detractors, however.
Beware of Carson Wentz. #HerdHere https://t.co/eYxB0xK7Tq
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/RichardRodawalt/status/717402203280056320
Grossi: I think Carson Wentz's 15 minutes of fame is ending. Jared Goff is starting to seperate himself as the better prospect #Browns
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) April 5, 2016
And there’s this.
Carson Wentz completion % last season when not under pressure: 70.1
When pressured: 42.6— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) April 4, 2016
Is this really going to happen?