Peters trade shakes up NFL Draft

According to NFL.com and the Associated Press, Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters will be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 28th pick and a second-day selection in the 2009 NFL draft.

Now, what does this mean for the upcoming draft?

It seems to have several implications for both teams, starting with the Bills. They now have a humongous hole on the left side of their offensive line left by departures from LG Derrick Dockery and now LT Jason Peters.  The likelihood of the Bills finding a solid replacement for Peters via free agency is extremely thin. So why did they trade him in the first place?

Peters, who gave up 11.5 sacks last season, somehow managed to reach the Pro Bowl based on his good reputation from the last few seasons. This led to him demanding to be one of the highest, if not the highest paid LT in the league.

Therefore, Buffalo will most definitely be looking for a replacement with either the 11th selection or the 28th. Possible targets now become Andre Smith of Alabama, Michael Oher from Ole Miss, and William Beatty of UConn in the end of the first round. Prior to this trade, it seemed highly likely that the Bills would upgrade their pass rush by selecting a player like Robert  Ayers from Tennessee, but they may feel the only way to replace Peters is to get their OT with the 11th pick.

If I had to guess, the best possible scenario for Buffalo is to select Ayers first, then hope for Will Beatty at 28. Either way, the Bills just put themselves in a rather nasty situation that may haunt them for years to come.

Eagles get their big man

Tra Thomas’ departure now seems like an afterthought now that the perfect replacement just fell into Andy Reid’s lap. I mentioned before how much the Eagles loves massive XXXXL linemen: Shawn Andrews (6′4 335 lbs), Jamaal Jackson (6′4 330 lbs), Todd Herremans (6′6 321 lbs), Tra Thomas (6′7 335 lbs), Jon Runyan (6′7 330 lbs), and backup Winston Justice (6′6 320 lbs). This trade makes perfect sense from an Eagles perspective. They don’t have to gamble on a young, inexperienced lineman that may or may not fit the scheme, and they get a proven commodity at an essential position.

Further Draft Implications

If the Bills convince other teams of their desire to replace Peters in the first round, they become a prime trading partner for teams wanting to acquire Michael Oher. This could allow the Redskins to grab a pass rusher they have desired for so long (Robert Ayers). Or it might free up the Steelers, or any team picking in the end of the first to get Will Beatty.

There is no telling how much this trade will impact other teams.

It certainly sweetens the pot a little bit more though, doesn’t it?