Forget cornerback and wide receiver. The most recent Eagles draft rumor centers around a high caliber player in the trenches.
Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network knows the Eagles pull surprises on draft day and was told they might have a surprise up their sleeve this year.
"(12:55 PM ET) I'm told the team loves Kwity Paye, the edge rusher from Michigan, and view him as a clone to another former Wolverine — Brandon Graham — the Eagles' former first-round pick. Could they take him with the 12th overall selection? I'd say right now, it's possible."
Most mock drafts have the Eagles addressing their needs at defensive back or taking one of the top wide receivers available. It wouldn't be unlike the Eagles to settle on a lineman however considering their history drafting players in the trenches. Pauline, who used to work for the Eagles' official website, broke the news back in September of last year that Doug Pederson "may have reached his limit" with the Eagles.
Here is what Pauline has to say about Paye's game:
"Paye was a terrific football player for Michigan and is an outstanding story off the field. He's athletic with speed as well as solid playing strength, and Paye comes with a large upside. I envision him being used at defensive end in a four-man line as well as occasionally standing up over tackle to rush the passer. Paye will only improve as he physically matures and adds bulk to his frame."
Pauline also has intel on the Zach Ertz situation:
"Expectations are that Zach Ertz will be traded at some point over the weekend
(11:30 AM ET) I'm told there are six to seven teams in the running, including the Indianapolis Colts. Many tell me it's a situation where Howie Roseman will try and squeeze as much as possible from a team that wants Ertz considering the weakness of the tight end class. As we previously reported, the Eagles' initial third-round asking price was too much for teams initially interested."
