From my point of view, the biggest problem with the Eagles has been roster management. This is on Roseman. So if a 2022 pick has the possibility of being under a different GM, then that's a far better pick for the Eagles. He has managed the team in a way that has exacerbated their needs. The team has missed on far too many picks in the draft since 2017. It's exemplified by picks like taking Sidney Jones in the 2nd round in 2017. His failure to develop led to the need to trading multiple picks for Slay. They have also failed miserably to surround Wentz with adequate weapons. Roseman hit on Torrey Smith, sort of, in 2017 and then had this repeated pattern of trying to add cheap veterans as a deep threats rather than looking for speed at the WR position in the draft. He agreed to an inexplicable contract extension for Alshon and then drafted a receiver who's only possible role on the team was as an Alshon replacement. Oh and we picked him instead of DK Metcalf who was apparently higher on their scouts draft board. I could go on but yes a 2022 pick.
I am resigned to the fact that the Eagles put themselves in a situation where they had to trade Wentz. I hope he reverts to 2017 form as it will focus my hatred for Roseman.
That's definitely the most common narrative in Philly talk radio. They also don't understand how Roseman can last through all these regime changes. Some thinks he's a cockroach/snake that is almost immune to the failure and lately some feel Dough Pederson should have stayed and Howie should have gotten the boot.
For me I look at it a little differently. All team's fans dislike their GM to a certain extent. It's just too easy to see other teams do something right and want that for your own team. Here's my take on who Howie Roseman is:
- He's highly regarded when it comes to managing the salary cap and creating contracts.
- He works tirelessly when there's a deal that he thinks can help the team (getting Chip Kelly as a coach or trading up for Wentz are great examples of this).
- He's won a Superbowl - His fingerprints were all over the roster creation.
- He's not afraid to take risks - Some GMs avoid bold moves because they are worried about failure. Howie is always looking for ways to get better and isn't afraid of making a move.
The most common knock is his draft record. I'll agree that he's not good, but no team really is. Pick any team, look at their 10 year history then realize there are more failures than successes. I'd add, he's identified drafting as a weakness and hired people specifically to run that. Joe Douglas comes to mind where he was trying to get some of that Ozzy Newsome influence from Baltimore. His drafts were also bad, but like I said that's more common that you'd think. I'd add players don't progress for a variety of reasons. Some of that is on the team, but a lot of that is on the player. My final point is the team has been in 'win now' mode for the last 4-5 seasons. This has negatively impacted their draft capital. Sure they haven't been good at nailing the pick, but they have also had less picks than most teams, which lowers the overall chance of successful picks.
