The Eagles’ decision to trade a 2020 third-day pick for

Bears running back Jordan Howard is another example of the value Philadelphia places on compensatory picks.That’s because Howard is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. At first blush Youth Chris Long Jerseys , it might seem like trading for a player in the final year of his contract is unwise, as he could just leave in free agency next year. But if he does, that would help the Eagles acquire compensatory picks.The NFL’s compensatory pick formula gives teams additional draft picks when they lose more free agents than they acquire. That has been a key part of the Eagles’ strategy, and in 2020 they’re poised to lead the way in compensatory picks, as they should get a third-round compensatory pick for losing Nick Foles, and two fourth-rounders for losing Golden Tate and Jordan Hicks.The Eagles traded a third-round pick for Tate last year even though he was in the final season of his contract and has now left in free agency. Some questioned the wisdom of that, but Tate was a valuable player for the Eagles last season — he scored the winning touchdown in their playoff victory over the Bears — and he’ll produce a fourth-round pick for them next year.Howard may end up doing the same: He could play a valuable role on the Eagles in 2019 Chris Long Jerseys Stitched , and if that convinces some other team to out-bid the Eagles for him in free agency next year, the Eagles would get a compensatory pick for his departure. The Eagles aren’t just planning for what Howard can bring to the team this season, they’re planning for several seasons down the road. That’s what smart teams do. The Eagles added a lot of offensive talent in the first two rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Eagles StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Eagles NewsYahoo Eagles Team PageYahoo Eagles ReportYahoo Eagles Depth ChartYahoo Eagles TransactionsYahoo Eagles PhotosOdds About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕NFL DraftEagles 2019 NFL DraftEagles explain why they drafted Miles Sanders and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside on Day 2New,165commentsThe Eagles added a lot of offensive talent in the first two rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft.EDTShareTweetShareShareEagles explain why they drafted Miles Sanders and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside on Day 2The Eagles didn’t end up participating in the trade-fest that was Round 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft, but they didn’t need to, getting Miles Sanders at No. 53 and JJ Arcega-Whiteside at No. 57. Howie Roseman, Joe Douglas Jason Peters Jerseys 2019 , and Doug Pederson (who was ALL smiles) spoke to the media as Round 3 was underway about their excitement to get some offensive weapons.Howie opened by saying that they were really excited that Miles Sanders and JJ Arcega-Whiteside ended up falling to them, and they were able to get guys they had really high grades on.Miles Sanders was a favorite of the coaching staff and front office. He was “that guy.” They noted Sanders has great lateral quickness and, after spending time behind Saquon Barkley, was able to make his one year as a starter really count. Howie said that several personnel members have tracked Sanders since high school, so despite him not having much time as a starter, they feel comfortable that they know he’s a quality pick.Douglas did acknowledge that they addressed some of Sanders’ fumble and ball security issues last season when he came to visit to Philly, but they were similar concerns that the team had with Brian Westbrook and even LeSean McCoy Miles Sanders Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys , and those guys worked out okay. Plus, they’ve got a great RB coach in Duce Staley and he’s super excited about the pick.Howie talked about how Sanders is a guy who can play all three downs, and Jordan Howard is a guy who has better hands than maybe has been advertised, so they’ve got different skills and will all contribute to give Pederson a lot of options in playcalling.The GM said they were joking early in the day that they were hoping that Miles would end up falling to them at No. 53, and they ended up being patient and it worked out. Same goes for JJ Arcega-Whiteside, who Howie said was a bit under-the-radar — especially as a west coast player, but he’s a guy they are really excited about.Douglas followed that up saying both Miles and JJ are both high-character guys Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys 2019 , which is one of the ways they stood apart from some of the other prospects at their positions. JJ specifically is really good in coverage and making contested catches was something that matters to the Eagles in their evaluations. Howie added that he’s a crafty guy in his ability to create separation.Pederson said — which he does every year — that there is no depth chart in the offseason, and everyone is competing for a role. He’s excited to get them on the field, see them practice hard and fast, and see where they’re at and build the foundation that will carry on to the preseason.The head coach also said it was a great opportunity to add depth and talent to the roster and to look forward to the future. He said they are getting guys who are versatile and flexible. He specially noted JJ can be used on the inside and outside.Howie said that it might be odd that the Eagles didn’t take any defensive players in the first two days, but that the draft moves quickly and they were happy with who was available for them. He noted that they considered moving down, but they weren’t willing to give up any picks to move up since they are already down two picks this year from Thursday’s trade.Roseman also said that Nelson Agholor is not up for trade and that he’s someone who is important for what the team is doing and planning to do. He said that what Nelly does is something they are really going to need this season.