Eagles general manager Howie Roseman acknowledged passing on A.J. Brown in the 2019 draft was a mistake, revealing in a podcast interview Thursday that the team had extensively scouted the wide receiver before selecting offensive lineman Andre Dillard instead.
In an episode of “Bussin with the Boys” released Thursday, Roseman was asked about how the trade with the Tennessee Titans happened the night of the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Roseman said the team had been interested in Brown for a long time.
“I think A.J. is one incredible player, and he was a guy that really we had spent so much time on going into the draft and I really (expletive) it up by not taking him in the first round,” Roseman said. “We should have and then we got an opportunity to bring him here.”
Since joining the Eagles, Brown has caught 261 passes for 4,031 yards and 25 touchdowns, helping the team reach the Super Bowl twice, including last year’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Roseman praised Brown for his ability to force missed tackles and how he makes it tough for defensive backs to cover him. The general manager also highlighted how Brown has become a leader on the team, which led to him becoming a captain last season. Beyond his individual impact, Roseman noted how Brown works with wide receiver DeVonta Smith, saying their combined presence creates what he calls “freak show city” when they both are on the field.
“Obviously, he had a relationship with (quarterback) Jalen (Hurts) before that, but having him and DeVonta and their relationship, you see two guys who are selfless and they just want to win,” Roseman said. “I think you see that when A.J. has a great game, DeVonta is the first one congratulating him. When DeVonta has a big game, A.J. is the first one congratulating him. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Brown was selected by the Titans in the second round of the 2019 draft. The Eagles held the 19th overall selection and instead selected Dillard, who spent four seasons with Philadelphia before the team moved on from him after the 2022 season. Dillard has since played with the Titans and Green Bay Packers, and signed with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason before being placed on season-ending injured reserve Thursday due to ankle surgery.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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