Coach Doug Pederson made the announcement two days after the Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Vikings for a 2017 first-round pick and a 2018 conditional fourth-round pick.
Advertisement
The Eagles traded up twice in the draft to select Wentz second overall.
Pederson broke the news to the team on Monday morning.
“I just knew ever since OTAs this summer”, Wentz said, referring to organized team activities. I know that for sure. Now, eventually he was going to get it, but he struggled with it. Even going into the first preseason game I felt very confident, felt like I’ve developed at a fast pace. “I’m excited for it”. He played at the FCS level (the old NCAA Division I-AA).
Jackson said he doesn’t look at it like the defense has to just prepare for Wentz and the limited amount of film on him from the preseason. It has happened only once before and it’s likely not many of you remember because it happened in 1939, when Davey O’Brien started the opener after being taken first overall in the draft.
The quality that stood about him more than anything else was his willingness to throw the ball downfield.
“It’s unfortunate for me personally, but that’s not what it’s about”, Daniel said, via CSN Philly. Would an ideal situation be later than sooner? I’m sure me and Ray will discuss what we need to do, but at the same time, I’m more anxious about our football team. “So all the pieces are here for him to be successful and for us to win some games”. Versatile returner Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner also will get carries. Paxton Lynch, the third quarterback taken in the first round, attempted 1,205.
This may only be an angle built up by the media, but competitive spirit alone should be enough for Wentz to want to prove something. Pederson spoke with Wentz’s teammates to take their temperature.
“I thanked him for everything he’s done in helping me and really being a mentor to me”, said Wentz. “It’s still football, still be the same guy”.
Jackson was asked what the thinking was in not drafting Wentz and trading the pick to Philadelphia. Wentz may not be ready, but theoretically, he’s going to develop into a star passer at some point (Howie Roseman’s job pretty much depends on it). After the Eagles traded Bradford, the immediate thought was that Chase Daniel would start.
“[Wentz] just said, ‘Let’s go, man”.
“I think he has (been honest)”, Daniel said. “And I spent the weekend with my offensive staff …” It’s not going to hinder me in any way moving forward. Carson’s ready for this and it’s about him now.
“They weren’t going to do it this early had they kept Bradford”. That includes veterans who were convinced that the Eagles planned to be competitive with Bradford at the helm while building for the future behind young players like Wentz.
Advertisement
Against that backdrop, Pederson – who previously spoke of sitting Wentz this season to allow the former North Dakota State star to grow and develop – outlined the decision to play Wentz after all, saying “it’s something that we believe in”. Pederson followed Andy Reid from Green Bay in 1999 and was given the chance to be a starter for the first time in his career.
