McNabb's trade value: high
What the Eagles really got for their quarterback.
McNabb's trade value: high
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
I think NFL teams over-value draft choices. Most people on the outside think they over-value draft choices. But the fact is, they do -- they all do, pretty much. And they all live their lives with one hand on a draft value chart, which assigns point values to every slot in the draft. There is some ongoing discussion about some of the numbers on the chart, but there is no disputing that everyone has a chart.
And based upon the chart, the Eagles did get the equivalent value of a first-round draft choice in exchange for McNabb.
People say they tried to drive too hard a bargain, that they insulted teams in the NFL by their stance and et cetera. I will say this: if the Eagles infuriated other teams it was because they did not make a demand. They are like that. They sit back with their arms folded and make you show your cards, and then they thank you for the peek at what you're thinking. In that way -- and it has happened time after time -- they determine the market for a player, and then they go about their business.
I think that's probably what happened here. And for everyone who said they were crazy to ask for a first-rounder, I repeat: they got one. When you take the draft value of the 37th pick and add it to either a mid-third or mid-fourth round pick, you come up with the combined draft value of a first-rounder. They could take those two picks right now and, if they could find an amenable partner, trade them for a first-rounder between about the 25th pick and the 30th pick. Both sides would see that as equivalent value on the charts that they all use.
Frankly, it's more than I thought they would get. And if I still have a hard time understanding why they would embrace the circus that will be Eagles-Redskins games for the forseeable future -- assuming McNabb signs an extension with the Redskins -- I can't argue with the value.
The 24 and 37th picks could get them an OL and DL. Then their 2nd round pick could get them a DB. So if they can fill those holes, so be it. #rd round could get a WR and the 4th round could get a project QB like Tebow or a small college sleeper to work on. I wish Donnie well but Kevin more good stuff of course. I just want Kevin to beat the Skins twice and have the fans happy at last.— KGKoons- Philth, you are right instead we may end up with a 6-10 record and a QB that throws 20 Int's this year. While we sit at home and watch the Cowboys and Giants go to the playoffs. Maybe not but if I was a betting man you might as well flush this season down the drain.— bobf876
- Reid might enjoy seeing the fans lament McNabb, but if this trade doesn't work out how much longer is he the coach of our team? I think he should be fired, and not for the McNabb trade I wanted him to go and I am glad that he's gone, now we just need Big Red out.— LukeSaw07
- mikeyhigs: Nice point, but why don't you look at the bigger picture. Recent 2nd rounders include LeSean McCoy, DeSeaan Jackson, Kevin Kolb and Winston Justice. 3rd round is a little sparser, but they picked up Stewart Bradley in '07. So would you trade Mcnabb for Jackson and Bradley?— flyigglesfly
- If the Eagles got those picks from a team not in our division I would say good trade, but to send it to a rival we should have been compensated more. Bad trade for the Eagles. I'm excited about Kolb, but I think Eagles should have traded him to an AFC team.— ChrisM
- Reid was the problem, not McNabb— Tom5576
- Remember what a stir it caused when they let TO walk to the Cowboys? Think about how much easier this transition is to deal with than that one. And that situation worked out fine for AR and the Eagles.— keepitsimple
- "Good riddance. No more balls thrown into the dirt, no more agonizing game/clock management, no more decidedly un-clutch performances." Philth, agreed, and hello more ints! It's gonna be 1999 all over again. Hope Kolb turns out to be good though and not another Bobby Hoying!— ctfarrow
- -mikechris- the jurty is still out on Justice, he will probably be starting opening game. Lito was a pro-bowler unless you have forgotten that already but for the most part the 1-2 rounds picked by Reid have been busts. He has done better in the latter rounds though. They do have enough picks stockpiled though to maybe trade up into the top 10 and get a stud (hence why they were looking at Eric Berry).— ESFjellin
- I guess I shouldn't be shocked that a guy who can't spell Buddha thinks we got "scrooed". I am still "laffing"!— Girth Brooks
- Rocketboy, you can't be serious. If you honestly think AR is willing to sacrifice wins (and job security) in order to "stick-it-to-the-fans" you may be the one smoking crack. The job of AR/FO is to do what's in the best interest of the team. Any GM who makes decisions based on popular opinion will quickly find him or herself working at Wawa— TonyMicelli
- For those who think we should have traded him to the AFC or at least somewhere outside the division, you need someone who wants him to make a trade. Anyone who thinks the FO turned down a better offer must have bumped their head. Plus, the FO obviously feels his best years are behind him, so who cares if we play him often. As for Mikeyhigs; Definitely see your point but would you trade Donovan for DJax and Celek, or McCoy and Stewart Bradley? I would make that trade all day and twice on Sunday! And finally, Haynesworth is a $100,000,000.00 dollar problem.— Girth Brooks
- Draft picks ARE NOT overvalued. At least they're not if you're talking about a team that knows what it is doing. Championship teams are built on the draft, not trades and free agency.— p-diddy
- Reid, Lurie = LOSERS. Eagles will NEVER win the ring— Nezhy
- BOO— robinlupe
