Howie Roseman, Eagles know draft ‘deep’ on defensive line

The Eagles haven’t struck early or often in recent drafts, at least not on the defensive side. Names like Jerome McDougle, Brodrick Bunkley and Brandon Graham highlight their first-round boards since 2003.

But GM Howie Roseman is only responsible for Graham and, truth be told, the jury is still out on the oft-injured defensive end. Roseman will architect his third draft next week and rumors are flying that the Birds will once again go with a defensive lineman. Roseman offered little hints on strategy during a media session Thursday, but he did admit that this draft is very deep along the defensive line.

“We are looking for guys who can get off the ball,” Roseman said. “That’s defensive linemen in general, not just defensive tackle.”

Roseman maintained that no matter what, the Eagles will take the best available when they select at No. 15.

“We’re going to take the best player on our board as much as we can,” Roseman said. “If you have guys very closely graded, and you don’t have anyone at that specific spot, you’re going to take that position.”

Of course, Roseman has never been gun shy. He’s engineered 25 total trades in less than three years in charge, including 10 alone on draft day. In 2010, he leaped 11 spots (from No. 24 to No. 13) to take Graham in the first round.

“I think that’s what makes the draft fun,” Roseman said. “I think that’s what makes it exciting for the fans, it makes it exciting for us, and you’ve got to have some of that element of it.”