While we watch the remainder of Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft go down, Howie Roseman continues to be an absolute fleece master for the rest of the league. After the draft, I will have a full draft recap and grades on all their picks. Before the Birds make the rest of their picks in the 6th and 7th rounds, Roseman called up the Lions, who drafted Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall, to make a deal for running back D'Andre Swift. That after he traded up into the fourth round to take another Bulldog defender in cornerback Kelee Ringo. Stay tuned for more on Ringo in the Eagles' draft recap.
While there was a possibility that the Eagles would draft a running back, they instead made a play at the former, you guessed it, Georgia Bulldog. Ian Rapoport was the first to report on the news that the Eagles were acquiring the running back.
The terms of the deal are the Eagles receiving Swift and a 2023 7th-round pick (249) for a 2023 7th-round pick (219) and a 2025 4th-round pick. Once again, Roseman pulled off another highway robbery, as he didn't even have to give up any 2024 draft capital. Swift gives the Eagles another tremendous playmaker on offense and will use his duel-threat abilities to head the Eagles' now loaded backfield.
The 2020 second-round pick by the Lions compiled 1,680 yards and 18 touchdowns on 364 carries in three years with the Lions, as well as 1,198 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 156 catches. The only concern is whether he can stay healthy, as he struggled to do so over his first three NFL seasons. But the Eagles have added some talented backs with high upside this offseason, as they look to replace Miles Sanders. Earlier in the offseason, they also added injury-plagued Rashaad Penny on a cheap one-year deal, who can also be a big hit if he's healthy.
Running the rock behind the dominant offensive line of the Eagles will certainly help the pair to realize their potential in 2023. Philadelphia also brought Giants' killer Boston Scott back, so perhaps even a running back by committee will help these guys stay healthy. At the end of the day, the upside alone for Swift is enough to give up the very little draft stock that Roseman surrendered to the Lions. Plus, he comes cheap as he is on the final year of his rookie contract. It is likely the Eagles won't extend him, but if he winds up having a fully healthy season and dominants they will probably offer him a new deal next offseason.
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