The Philadelphia Eagles own three picks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Two of those came from trades, including the conditional second-rounder that they got from the Indianapolis Colts for Carson Wentz.
They want to put those picks into good use and they are doing their homework in determining the right choices with the 15th, 16th, and 19th selections.
There’s a consensus that the Eagles must fill a number of holes in their roster, especially on defense.
However, their approach in assessing the aspirants has been unconventional, as shared by Pro Football Focus writer Ari Meirov.
Last year it was rock paper scissors. This year the #Eagles have prospects shooting basketballs in their interviews. 🤷♂️ https://t.co/46CMNaAr8R
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 2, 2022
Meirov shared, “Last year it was rock paper scissors. This year the #Eagles have prospects shooting basketballs in their interviews.”
Meirov quoted a tweet by his colleague Trevor Sikkema which shows a video of University of North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell confirming what the Eagles asked him to do.
Sikkema’s tweet reads, “#UNC QB Sam Howell was asked if he’s had any strange questions from teams. No strange questions, but said the Eagles had him shoot a basketball on a mini hoop.”
Sikkema also shared Howell’s statement, saying, “I only made like 2 of 5, so I’m probably not high on their board right now.”
What’s The Eagles’ Reason Behind Those Tasks?
It’s puzzling how rock paper scissors contributes to the team’s draft decisions.
Having prospects shoot basketballs does not make sense either.
Is that their way of testing a quarterback’s accuracy, thinking that if they can aim a small hoop, they can hit a small throwing window?
Is the rock paper scissors exercise meant to assess decision-making?
Why not subject the prospects to real football drills to determine their readiness for the NFL?
Their ways are indeed odd, but whatever works for the team by any means necessary, I guess.
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