2023 Eagles Draft Preview

The Eagles are coming off a great year where they were dominant in the regular season and made it to the Super Bowl. They lost a lot of talent in the offseason so Howie Roseman and the personnel staff need to add young talent to replinish the roster.

Remember that the draft is about the future. There are times when need aligns with the pick. Lane Johnson started as a rookie. So did Miles Sanders and DeVonta Smith. We’ve also seen guys like Josh Sweat and Jordan Mailata take time to develop. Jordan Davis, Cam Jurgens and Nakobe Dean all showed good talent last year, but sat on the bench most of the time.

I always think it is important to look at what the Eagles already have in place. Here is my guess at the depth chart for now, focusing on projected starters and key backups.

WR  DeVonta Smith ..…
WR  AJ Brown ……
WR  Quez Watkins ….. Olamide Zaccheaus …. Britain Covey
QB  Jalen Hurts …….. Marcus Mariota ….. Ian Book
RB  Rashad Penny ..… Kenneth Gainwell ……. Boston Scott
TE  Dallas Goedert …… Jack Stoll ……..… Grant Calcaterra
LT  Jordan Mailata …….… Jack Driscoll
LG  Landon Dickerson….. Sua Opeta
OC  Jason Kelce ……….
RG   Cam Jurgens ….… Brett Toth
RT  Lane Johnson …….

DE Josh Sweat …… Brandon Graham …. Derek Barnett ….. Tarron Jackson
DL  Milton Williams …. Kentavius Street
NT  Jordan Davis  …… Noah Ellis ……………. Marvin Wilson
DL Fletcher Cox ………… Marlon Tuipulotu
SB  Haason Reddick ….. Patrick Johnson ….. Kyron Johnson
MB Nick Morrow  ……. Shaun Bradley …… Christian Elliss
WB Nakobe Dean  ……… Davion Taylor
SS  Terrell Edmunds ……. K’Von Wallace
FS  Reed Blankenship …… Justin Evans …….Andre Chachere
CB  Darius Slay ……… Greedy Williams ……. Josh Jobe
CB  James Bradberry ……Zech McPhearson ……
NB  Avonte Maddox …… Josiah Scott

P
K Jake Elliott
LS Rick Lovato

NEEDS

The Eagles lost multiple DL and have aging players in Cox and Graham. They need to add talent and depth. They could use a run stuffer and a pass rusher. They have to replace Javon Hargrave’s 11 sacks, but don’t forget the Super Bowl. KC ran for 158 yards. The Eagles need guys who can control the middle. Davis is one. They need at least one more to mix in, if not become a starter.

If you have questions about the DL and what the Eagles may be looking for, here is a piece I wrote recently.

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Safety is wide open. Blankenship was promising last year and is penciled in as a starter. Edmunds started 75 games for the Steelers so he’s likely to be the other starter. Evans is a wild card. He’s talented, but has had injury issues. The team could use a foundational player to add to the mix.

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Linebacker is a need as well. Dean has a chance to be the key LB for years to come. Morrow is here on a one-year deal at low money. The question is whether the Eagles see Dean as a MLB or WLB. If they want him in the middle, there are plenty of good WLB options. If they prefer him at WLB, the MLB options aren’t great. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles approach this position.

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Daris Slay and James Bradberry are terrific corners, but both are older. The Eagles could use a young player to develop. They’ve looked at CBs who could go early, middle or late.

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The OL should be set for 2023. There is a need to add a future starter at OG. They could also add the RT of the future if the right player is on the board. They don’t have to force that one. It would be about the right player being available. There is also a need for depth. Jack Driscoll will be a free agent at the end of the year.

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The Eagles do not have a compelling set of RBs. There is potential with Rashad Penny. Kenny Gainwell looked good in the playoffs, but nothing is certain. The team could take Bijan Robinson 10th overall, any number of guys in the middle of the draft or possibly wait to sign a UDFA. This will be all about value and fit. Do they want a physical back, speedy back or good receiver?

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It feels great to do into the draft with a pair of elite receivers. The team needs better depth. Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus can be good role players, but you wouldn’t want them starting for an extended amount of time. It would be good to add another receiver, especially someone who can contribute without being a workhorse.

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The Eagles could take an edge rusher. They have Reddick, Sweat and BG so this isn’t a need, but there is some wisdom in adding depth. BG could be in his final season.

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QB and TE are positions where the Eagles could take players if there is someone they like. They’ve checked around QBs who could go late, as well as a TE or two.

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THE PICKS

1st round – pick 10
1st round – pick 30
2nd round – pick 62
3rd round – pick 94
7th round – pick 219
7th round – pick 248

— TARGETS AT 10 —

DT Jalen Carter – Georgia – 6-3, 314

The best player in the draft. At his best, is a dominant force. Powerful player who can overwhelm blockers and create chaos. Strong enough to 2-gap and stuff the run. Athletic enough to be disruptive as a pass rusher. Has a good motor, at times. Will chase QBs around. The only reason he could fall to pick 10 if off-field issues. The Eagles have the veteran leadership needed to keep Carter focused and headed in the right direction.

Carter could be a Fletcher Cox type of player in the middle of the defense. He would improve the team’s run defense, while still helping them get after the QB.

LB/DE Nolan Smith – Georgia – 6-2, 238

Arguably the most explosive pass rusher in the draft. Smith’s Combine performance was outstanding.

40-yard dash – 4.39
10-yard split – 1.52
Vertical jump – 41.5 inches

That is one fast, quick, explosive pass rusher. We know the Eagles are interested in Smith. They love pass rushers and brought him to Philly for a pre-draft visit. He is a high character prospect and that is another reason to like him. Nick Sirianni believes high character players are more likely to reach their ceiling.

Smith would give the Eagles great depth up front. Sean Desai would have the freedom to be creative with lineups, but still know that he’s got top talent on the field. Smith played in Georgia’s creative scheme and he is more than just a pass rusher. He can play the run. He’s got the speed to chase plays all over the field.

I mentioned recently that he might remind you of Micah Parsons, the kinda decent LB down south. Parsons was 6-3, 245 at the Combine.  Smith ran 4.39 in Indy. Parsons ran 4.37 at his Pro Day. Parsons gets moved around and the Eagles could do the same with Smith.

DE Lukas Van Ness – Iowa – 6-5, 272

People tend to focus on the fact that LVN never started at Iowa. That’s just a technicality. He played the most snaps and was the most productive. LVN is a gifted athlete. His agility test scores were basically identical to Reddick’s, but LVN was 35 pounds heavier. He has long arms and big hands. LVN is raw as a pass rusher. He’s at his best as a bull rusher and can just overwhelm OTs.

LVN played DE and DT. The Eagles could use him at 3-tech, 4I or as an edge. He’s young and very talented. More than a few fans don’t like him, but he’s the kind of player the Eagles like…athletic, versatile and lots of upside.

OL Peter Skoronski – Northwestern – 6-4, 313

I know several of you do not like the thought of taking Peter Skoronski at 10. I get the arguments. He’s only 6-4 and his arms are 32 1/4 inches. That’s not ideal for an OT. You would prefer 6-6 with 35-inch arms. Some people think Skoronski will move to OG in the NFL.

I think he will get a shot to play LT. Skoronski is the top OL prospect in the draft. That’s not a PR campaign by his agent. This isn’t just a media narrative. Skoronski is an outstanding player. He will be a high pick because of his talent and performance. You can dislike the thought of taking him at 10, but too many people act as if he’s some mediocre player that has no business going early. That’s just not the case.

His footwork, balance, hand usage, strength…just outstanding. That is a really talented play who has a bright future. He’s not my ideal choice at 10, but if the team does take him, I would certainly understand. He looks like someone who could start in the NFL for a decade. He’s not a project. He’s a stud. Wouldn’t shock me at all for the Bears to take him at 9.

OL Paris Johnson – Ohio State – 6-6, 313

Johnson was the LT of the high-powered Buckeyes offense.  He played RG prior to 2022. You get a prospect who has the footwork to be a shutdown LT and the run blocking and movement skills to excel at OG. Johnson looks really good on the move and blocks really well in space. We know the Eagles love to have their OL pull and move so he’d be a great fit in that sense.

Johnson would offer depth at OG and OT until a starting spot came available. Had 36-inch arms. That’s tremendous for an OT prospect. Has a lot of potential. Will be in the mix at pick 10.

— TARGETS AT 30 —

DT Mazi Smith – Michigan – 6-3, 323

The Eagles lost Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh. Jordan Davis will take over the NT spot. Milton Williams could take over for Hargrave. They brought in Kentavius Street to add depth. His specialty is rushing the passer. Smith would give them a bigger body who can play the run and get after the QB. The Eagles struggled with run defense in the Super Bowl. They like playing with a light box. Smith would give them another guy up front who can 2-gap and free up other players to get to the ball.

Smith would also give the Eagles insurance at the NT position, in case Jordan Davis got hurt or was struggling. The Eagles have shown interest in several big DL and Smith would make a lot of sense for them. He’s not just a big run-stuffer. Smith is a good athlete. He’s the kind of versatile, athletic player they like up front.

LB/Edge Will McDonald – Iowa State – 6-2, 245

More than a few people have compared McDonald to Haason Reddick. I’m sure that’s not lost on Eagles coaches and scouts. McDonald is a highly athletic pass rusher with good length. His arms are almost 35 inches long.

McDonald is versatile. He played DE in a 3-man line most of the time (5-tech). He’s got the skill set to be a LB/Edge rusher. McDonald has great agility and burst. He’s got a relentless motor. He’s also willing to do the dirty work and battle on run downs.

Age is an issue. McDonald will turn 24 soon. Still, he’s a really intruiging talent and would be an ideal backup for Reddick. We also know Nick Sirianni has plenty of connections with the ISU staff so if McDonald is a high character guy, they’d know all the details.

CB Emmanuel Forbes – Mississippi State – 6-1, 166

He is 6-1, but only 166 pounds. That is small for a CB. Really small. So why would the Eagles be interested? Forbes is the best playmaking corner in the draft.

• 14 career INTs
• 6 career pick-sixes (NCAA record)

Forbes isn’t just a ballhawk. He will hit and tackle. I think he would be a good fit in the Eagles scheme. And we know Nick Sirianni loves takeaways. Forbes has the potential to help in that area. He gets a great break on the ball and has terrific hands.

OG Steve Avila – TCU – 6-4, 332

Big, versatile blocker. He’s started at LG, C, RG and RT. Avila is a strong, nasty blocker. You might think of him as similar to Landon Dickerson. The Eagles took him at a similar spot a couple of years ago.

Avila makes sense because of his versatility and style. He’s not as athletic as the Eagles prefer, but they’ve taken similar guys to him in the past. He could be the RG of the future. Would also offer depth at C and possibly RT.

OT Anton Harrison – Oklahoma – 6-2, 199

Harrison is an athletic LT. Some people think he could go in the late 1st or early 2nd round. I don’t like him as much as others so I need to re-watch a couple of games to get a better feel for him. There is no question that he’s got good feet and knows how to pass block. Harrison ran 4.98 at the Combine (at 6-4, 315) so he is a good athlete. The Eagles value that in O-linemen. He’s been an OT since high school so he doesn’t have the versatility the Eagles normally prefer. Still, this is a really talented player.

The Eagles did pretty well the last time they took an athletic OT from Oklahoma. It would be wild if the Eagles drafted Harrison to be Lane Johnson’s replacement.

ON THE MOVE

There are rumors about the Eagles looking to move into the Top 10, hoping to secure Jalen Carter. I’m not a huge fan of that, unless the cost is reasonable. I love the player, but there is risk with him. I’d be nervous about making too much of an investment.

I’d be good with the Eagles moving back at 10 and 30 so they could add mid-round picks.

MY IDEAL SCENARIO

Speaking of which…I would trade back from pick 30 and 62 to add mid round picks.

1 – DT Jalen Carter – 6-3, 314 – Georgia
2 – OT Matthew Bergeron – 6-5, 328 – Syracuse
3 – RB Israel Abanikanda – 5-11, 216 – Pitt
3 – LB Dorian Williams – 6-1, 228 – Tulane
4 – SAF Daniel Scott – 6-1, 208 – Cal
5 – DT Brodric Martin – 6-5, 330 – Western Kentucky
7 – OL Jake Witt – 6-7, 302 – Northern Michigan
7 – DL Spencer Waege – 6-4, 296 – North Dakota State

We’ve talked plenty about Carter. Getting him at 10 would be ideal.

Bergeron played RT for two years at Syracuse before moving to LT for his final two seasons. He had a terrific senior season and then played well at the Senior Bowl. Bergeron fits the description of an Eagles O-lineman perfectly. He’s experienced, versatile and has an unusual background. Bergeron grew up in Canada and played hockey when he was younger. I don’t know if he can sing or not. We’ll have to wait to find that out. He could cross train at OG and OT, giving the Eagles the kind of versatility and depth they like up front. I think he’s got the skill set to play at both spots. Andre Dillard struggled with physicality early in his NFL career. I don’t see that as an issue for Bergeron. He is a good run blocker and physical player.

Nick Sirianni likes RBs who can deliver big plays. Abanikanda had runs of 67, 76 and 80 yards last year. He has big time speed and delivers big plays. Pitt has produced plenty of good RBs over the year. Abanikanda was a workhorse at Pitt last year, but a backup before that. With his speed and running style, he could deliver big plays without needing a ton of touches.

Last year the Eagles took the instinctive LB with okay athleticism. This time around I have them going for an explosive athlete with good speed. Williams has big hands, long arms and is physical. He could play MLB or WLB. He ran 4.49 and that speed shows up on tape. Good showing at the Senior Bowl.

Scott is a player I’m high on. He has size, speed and skill. He can cover and play the run. He’s productive. Scott had a good showing at the Senior Bowl. I think he would be an excellent fit for Sean Desai’s scheme. The biggest knock on him is that he’ll turn 25 this year. I’m okay with that at this point in the draft and with the Eagles needing help at safety. Scott isn’t a project. He could come in and challenge for time right away.

The Eagles have shown interest in Martin. He would give them depth at NT. He’s huge and powerful and can 2-gap. Martin played well at the Shrine Game.

Witt is an athletic prospect who must be developed. The Eagles have time because of the quality of their line. They also have the coach to develop him.

Waege played DE and DT. Tore his ACL in 2021 but came back to have his best season in 2022. Had 17.5 TFLs, 9 sacks and 2 FF. Finished his career with 20.5 sacks. Disruptive player off the edge or up the middle. Quick off the ball. Good agility for such a big man.

*****

VISITS & SPECIAL INTEREST

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson – UCLA
QB Sean Clifford – Penn State
RB Bijan Robinson – Texas
OT Peter Skoronski – Northwestern
OT Dawand Jones – Ohio State
OT Paris Johnson – Ohio State
OT Darnell Wright – Tennessee
OT Anton Harrison – Oklahoma
OT Braeden Daniels – Utah

DT Jalen Carter – Georgia
DT Bryan Bresee – Clemson
DT Mazi Smith – Michigan
DT Gervon Dexter – Florida
DT Jaquelin Roy – LSU
DT Brodric Martin – Western Kentucky
DL Lukas Van Ness – Iowa
Edge Nolan Smith – Georgia
Edge B.J. Ojulari – LSU
Edge Will McDonald – Iowa State
SAF Jason Taylor II – Oklahoma State
SAF Brian Branch – Alabama
CB Kelee Ringo – Georgia
CB Julius Brents – Kansas State
CB Joey Porter Jr – Penn State
CB Emmanuel Forbes – Mississippi State
CB Deonte Banks – Maryland
CB Kahlef Hailassie – Western Kentucky

Special Interest

WR A.T. Perry – Wake Forest
OT Jake Witt – Northern Michigan
OG Anthony Bradford – LSU
C John Michael Schmitz – Minnesota
TE Zach Kuntz – Old Dominion
WR Braxton Westfield – Carson-Newman
RB Zach Evans – Ole Miss
QB Jake Haener – Fresno State
QB Todd Centeio – James Madison

Edge Jose Ramirez – Eastern Michigan
Edge David Perales – Fresno State
DT Siaki Ika – Baylor
DL Viliami Fehoko – San Jose State
DT Desjuan Johnson – Toledo
DT Spencer Waege – North Dakota State
LB Amari Burney – Florida
LB Ivan Pace – Cincinnati
S Daniel Scott – Cal
S Christian Izien – Rutgers
CB Anthony Kendall – Baldwin Wallace
CB Starling Thomas – UAB
CB Myles Brooks – LA Tech

Local Pro Day

RB Aidan Borguet – Harvard
CB Christian Braswell – Rutgers
DB Jaquan Amoms – Ball State
WR Sean Ryan – Rutgers
LB Johnny Buchanan – Delaware
LB Johnny Sutherland – Penn State
DL Jayson Ademilola – Notre Dame

*****

DRAFT BOARD

I left some good players off this for a few reasons…fit, character or medical. This is all a guess on my part.

-1st Round Board for the Eagles-

RB: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs

WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jordan Addison, Zay Flowers

TE: Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid, Darnell Washington, Luke Musgrave

OL: Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson, Broderick Jones, Darnell Wright, O’Cyrus Torrence

Edge:  Will Anderson, Tyree Wilson, Nolan Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Myles Murphy

DT: Jalen Carter, Calijah Kancey, Bryan Bresee

S:  Brian Branch

CB:  Devon Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter

-2nd Round Board for the Eagles-

RB:  Zach Charbonnet

WR:  Cedric Tillman, Josh Downs, Jalin Hyatt

TE:  Tucker Kraft

OL:  Matthew Bergeron, Anton Harrison, Dawand Jones, Steve Avila, Cody Mauch, John Michael Schmitz, Joe Tippmann

Edge: Will McDonald, Keion White, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, BJ Ojulari

DT: Mazi Smith, Keeanu Benton, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Gervon Dexter

LB:  Trenton Simpson, Drew Sanders

IB: Jack Campbell

S:  Antonio Johnson

CB: Emmanuel Forbes, Deonte Banks, DJ Turner, Kelee Ringo, Cam Smith, Darius Rush

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-3rd Round Board for the Eagles-

QB:

RB:  Roschon Johnson, Devon Achane, Israel Abanikanda, Kendre Miller, Zach Evans, Tyjae Spears, Tank Bigsby, Eric Gray

WR:  Jonathan Mingo, Marvin Mims, Tyler Scott, Jayden Reed, Tank Dell

TE:  Sam LaPorta, Brenton Strange

OL:  Tyler Steen, Braeden Daniels, Blake Freeland, Anthony Bradford, Chandler Zavala, Luke Wypler

Edge:  Derick Hall, Zach Harrison, Yaya Diaby, Isaiah Foskey

DT: Siaki Ika

LB:  Nick Herbig, Daiyan Henley, Dorian Williams.

S:  Jordan Battle, Ji’Ayir Brown, Jartavius Martin, Sydney Brown, Christopher Smith, JL Skinner

CB:  Julius Brents, Cameron Mitchell, Tyrique Stevenson, Clark Phillips, Jakorian Bennett, Cory Trice

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-4th Round Board for the Eagles-

QB:

RB:  Chase Brown, Evan Hull, Dewayne McBride

WR:  Michael Wilson, Rashee Rice, Trey Palmer, AT Perry, Charlie Jones

TE:  Luke Schoonmaker, Davis Allen, Zach Kuntz

OL:  Jaelyn Duncan, Jon Gaines, Emil Ekiyor, Jordan McFadden, Juice Scruggs, Alex Forsyth, Ricky Stromberg

Edge: Tuli Tuipulotu, Nick Hampton, Byron Young, Yasir Abdullah

DT:  Jaquelin Roy, Zacch Pickens, Jalen Redmond, Karl Brooks

LB: DeMarvion Overshown

IB:  Henry To’o To’o, Ivan Pace

S: Daniel Scott, Chamarri Conner, Anthony Johnson, Jammie Robinson

CB:  Riley Moss, Kyu Blu Kelly, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Terell Smith

*****

ALL TOMMY TEAM 

(my favorite non-1st round players)

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson – UCLA
RB Evan Hull – Northwestern
WR Jonathan Mingo – Ole Miss
WR  Xavier Hutchinson – Iowa State
WR  Puka Nacua – BYU
TE  Luke Schoonmaker – Michigan
OT  Matthew Bergeron – Syracuse
OG  Chandler Zavala – NC State
OC  Luke Wypler – Ohio State
OG  Sidy Sow – Eastern Michigan
OT   Braeden Daniels – Utah

DE Tuli Tupilotu – USC
DT  Desjuan Johnson – Toledo
DT  Siaki Ika – Baylor
DE Lonnie Phelps – Kansas
LB  Dorian Williams – Tulane
IB  Ivan Pace – Cincinnati
LB  Shaka Heyward – Duke
S  Daniel Scott – Cal
S  Christopher Smith – Georgia
CB Julius Brents – Kansas State
CB  Cameron Mitchell – Northwestern

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Please draft a couple of these players

RB Zach Charbonnet- UCLA
RB Roschon Johnson – Texas
RB Evan Hull – NW
TE Luke Schoonmaker – Michigan
TE Brenton Strange – Penn State
OL Matt Bergeron – Syracuse
OL Braeden Daniels – Utah
OL McClendon Curtis – Tennessee-Chattanooga
OL Anthony Bradford – LSU

DE Nolan Smith – Georgia
DL Jalen Carter – Georgia
DL Mazi Smith – Michigan
DL Keeanu Benton- Wisconsin
DL Desjuan Johnson – Toledo
S Jordan Battle – Alabama
S Daniel Scott – Cal
CB Devon Witherspoon – Illinois
CB Emmanuel Forbes – Miss State

Please avoid these players

WR Trey Palmer – Nebraska – Talented player, but I don’t know that he’s got the mental makeup to handle the pressure of playing in Philly.
CB Joey Porter – Penn State – Love his size and phsyicality, but only has 1 career pick. Can’t take a CB early who can’t catch the ball.
DT Bryan Bresee – Clemson – Tons of potential, but he was an underachiever at Clemson. Makes me nervous as a pro prospect.

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