Eagles Draft Will Hinge On McNabb

Donovan McNabb's future in Philadelphia could play a huge role in the team's 2010 draft plans, as it looks like team's draft plans should hinge on moving one of its quarterbacks.

While everyone is seemingly denying that teams are asking about McNabb's rights via a trade, the truth remains that the Philadelphia Eagles need some more draft picks to move up in the draft.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo told Fox 29's Anthony Gargano that he hasn't talked to the Eagles about McNabb. But when was the last time an NFL team confirmed trade talks with another team in advance?

A look at the current draft board will tell you why most NFL teams think the Philadelphia Eagles will trade McNabb, Kevin Kolb or Michael Vick for draft picks.

The Eagles currently pick at number 24 in the first round. There is a sharp dropoff in talent after the first 20 players.

One player widely looked at by the Eagles and a lot of teams as a steal in the end of the first round was Taylor Mays, the USC safety. Mays moved way up on the draft board after his combine workout.

So what is left for the Eagles at number 24 are not the players they need. The Eagles will pick a lineman, either a defensive end or an offensive tackle or guard.

The best NFL-ready prospects, like Idaho guard Mike Iupati, Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham, Maryland tackle Bruce Campbell and Iowa tackle Brian Bulaga won't be available at number 24.

But one of those guys will be at number 20.

The price to move up would be the Eagles' second pick in the third round at number 98.

That is probably too steep a price for the Eagles. But throw in at least two extra picks the Eagles would get in a McNabb or Kolb trade. Figure the team would get a pick in the second round for McNabb or Kolb.

That pick combined with the Eagles' first round pick could be packaged to put the Eagles in the number 9 position in the first round, if you follow the traditional NFL draft pick value guide.

Given that contracts for McNabb and Kolb expire after this season, look for the Eagles to move one of the two players if they can get a high second-round pick.

The quarterbacks at the top of the second round are Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow and Tony Pike.

Three teams at the top of the second round are St. Louis, Cleveland and Miami.

McNabb to the Rams or Kolb to the Browns makes sense, especially with Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert in Cleveland.

We will know more after this Friday, when the free agent period opens and the Eagles likely sign a defensive end or offensive lineman by this time next week.