Former LSU standout receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is on the radar of numerous teams, especially those of the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets, all picking the middle of the first round.
The Philadelphia Eagles, holding the 22nd overall pick, know they would need to trade up in order to nab the speedy Beckham and are contemplating a move up to do just that, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reported.
According to King, Beckham is very much on the Eagles’ radar, and is an enticing commodity for Chip Kelly because of his versatility to line up in multiple positions as well as return kicks. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman acknowledged the team would have to trade up to have a shot at landing Beckham, and is speaking with at least two teams about making a swap.
Per The Monday Morning Quarterback:
Keep hearing they want in on the prime receiver action, and the receiver they want could be LSU’s Odell Beckham, who can play outside, inside in the slot and as a returner. But the Eagles would have to trade up, and GM Howie Roseman is doing his due diligence, talking to at least two teams in the mid-round neighborhood, when Beckham would likely go.
Drafting Beckham would help Philadelphia replace the void left by DeSean Jackson, who boasts a very similar set of skills. Jackson also had the ability to line up in different spots as well as return kicks and punts, but will now do that for the rival Washington Redskins.
Trading up to nab Beckham could prove to be too costly for the Eagles, and instead, King suggests the team will target another wide receiver: Marqise Lee of USC.
Per King:
But the cost could be too rich for the Eagles’ blood. They may have to settle for Marqise Lee, who would be some consolation prize.
The XN Sports Mock Draft 3.0 has Beckham falling 18th to the Jets, Kelvin Benjamin to the Eagles, and Lee to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 23. In theory, of course, the Chiefs and Eagles could very easily reverse their picks, with the Eagles instead landing Lee.
Over the weekend, the Dallas Cowboys were also mentioned as suitors for both Beckham and Lee to pair up with Pro Bowler Dez Bryant. The Cowboys, who pick 16th, would have the edge on both the Jets and Eagles in their pursuit of Beckham.
