Movin’ On Up?

Draft day is finally upon us and opening night is typically accompanied by its share of suspense and intrigue. The first round is never short on surprise, throwing wrenches in mock drafts and months-long projections, and trades are commonplace.

That especially rings true when it comes to the Eagles, with executive vice president/general manager Howie Roseman at the helm. History would suggest to expect movement — and perhaps a trade — at some point this weekend.

The Eagles are currently slated to pick 23rd overall, but I elected to list five worthy trade-up candidates at positions of need:

Trade up candidates

Vega Ioane, iOL, Penn State

While identifying a starter to play inside might not qualify as an immediate need, per se, left guard Landon Dickerson has battled through various injuries and right guard Tyler Steen was solid enough in his first year as a full-time starter, though that shouldn’t preclude the Eagles from pouncing on an opportunity to add one of the draft’s biggest talents. Ioane, who measures in at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, is likely hear his name called in the first half of the opening round. The 22-year-old is a powerful mauler with refined technique.

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Eagles are expected to utilize multiple tight ends under coordinator Sean Mannion, and haven’t yet identified a replacement for the post-Dallas Goedert era. Sadiq, 21, is an explosive athlete who would add a different dimension to the team’s passing attack. The conundrum, if you will, is that Sadiq is the only player at the position with a first-round grade and figures to garner consideration from several teams picking before the Eagles. No draft is without curveballs, however, so if Sadiq is still around at picks 18 or 19, it might be worth securing a long-term answer if there’s a wide enough gap between him and the Eagles’ next-rated player at the position.

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Right tackle Lane Johnson is on the back nine of a storied career, necessitating the need to emerge from the draft with his eventual successor. In a loaded class of offensive tackles, Freeling, 21, qualifies among those offering the highest upside. The Georgia product is considered raw, starting only 18 games for the Bulldogs, but his combination at length, athleticism and power is worthy of a move up. The draft is about the future, projecting what the player will ultimately become two, three years down the line. Freeling, with the proper development, Carrie’s immense upside.

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Keeping with the same theme, Proctor also qualifies as a long-term solution at right tackle, and could likely even kick inside and play guard for a season. The mountainous Alabama tackle (6-7, 352) started 40 games for the Crimson Tide at left tackle and moves well for his size. The blend of play strength, fluidity and experience could place Proctor somewhere in the teens, where several offensive line-needy teams could covet his services.

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Approaching draft weekend, it’s clear the Eagles are thinnest at edge rusher and safety. It would be a surprise if the Eagles elected to go with a safety in the first round, so the focus shifted to edge rusher. Third-year pro Jalyx Hunt is on the upswing and 2023 first-rounder Nolan Smith Jr. has strung together some nice moments, but the room could use of a top-of-the-rotation. That could come in the form of a veteran, which would be ideal, but Faulk would be a pick with the long-term outlook in mind.

At 6-foot-6, 276 pounds, Faulk, 21, boasts rare size and athleticism for the position, and comes with added appeal due to scheme versatility. His limited college production — in 37 games (32 starts), Faulk managed 10 sacks — renders the Auburn product as a bit of an unknown, but his value will be determined by projecting his impact down the road. Landing Faulk may not require a significant trade-up, and could result in the proverbial home run if the Eagles opt for a defensive reinforcement.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.