Eagles don’t have to worry about Colts draft pick with Carson Wentz out

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz has landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. However, it should not affect the Philadelphia Eagles’ first-round pick.

On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts placed starting quarterback Carson Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Wentz was acquired by the Colts in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The trade had an interesting structure, as Wentz’s total snap count will directly affect the Eagles’ draft compensation.

If Wentz either plays at least 75 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps or plays at 70 percent of the offensive snaps and the team makes the playoffs, the Eagles will receive a first-round pick. If neither of those conditions is met, the Eagles will receive a second-round pick.

With Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list, he could potentially miss a game or two, which would lower his snap percentage. However, that should not be a problem for the Eagles.

The Eagles should still receive a first-round pick as part of the Carson Wentz trade

Carson Wentz has played 98 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps this season. Even if Wentz were to miss the final two games of the regular season, he should still easily eclipse the 75 percent mark.

Let’s examine that scenario mathematically. Wentz has played a total of 976 offensive snaps this season. The Colts are averaging 66.5 offensive snaps per game this season. If we extrapolate that number and apply it over two games, we get 133 offensive plays.

As a team, the Colts have played a total of 998 offensive snaps this season. If we add 133 and 998, we get 1,131 offensive snaps. If we divide 976 by 1,131, Wentz is projected to still play approximately 86 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps this season, which is well above 75 percent.

The Eagles will be an intriguing team to watch on draft night as they will have three first-round picks to work with.