There was quite a lot of strain on me main as much as my choice for the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 10 decide within the annual SB Nation NFL writers mock draft.
In 2021, I made the case for DeVonta Smith. The Eagles traded as much as get him.
In 2022, I made the case for Jordan Davis. The Eagles traded as much as get him.
Howie Roseman is clearly studying Bleeding Inexperienced Nation and heeding my recommendation. So, who ought to I steer him in direction of within the 2023 NFL Draft?
The reply to that query ties into what I feel the Birds will do with their first choice. I may very well be fallacious … however I feel the Eagles are going to take one of many following three Georgia gamers with their first decide:
DT Jalen Carter
OT Broderick Jones
EDGE Nolan Smith
It’s onerous to know precisely what to make of Carter’s draft inventory given his off-field issues. However even when the Eagles are comfy with drafting him, the considering right here is that he gained’t actually be accessible to them. He might conceivably go excessive as No. 5 to the Seattle Seahawks. The Detroit Lions chosen him at No. 6 on this mock train.
So, assuming Carter doesn’t fall to Philly’s vary, that leaves Jones and Smith. The previous could be a extra doubtless decide than some understand. As mentioned at size in BGN Radio podcast Episode 316, there was buzz on the NFL house owners conferences concerning the Eagles going offensive line with their first choice.
Until the Birds are uncomfortable with Cam Jurgens taking up for Isaac Seumalo at proper guard (possibly not unattainable?), they don’t have a direct want for a starter. However the crew is at present thinner than they’d wish to be with regards to depth. Who’s the backup left deal with with Andre Dillard leaving? Jack Driscoll has performed there however they may love to do higher and he’s a free agent after 2023. In any other case they’re taking a look at … Brett Toth, who missed your entire 2022 season?
Whereas Jordan Mailata is entrenched as a long-term starter on the left aspect, Lane Johnson has brazenly mentioned seeking to play “possibly two extra seasons” after 2022. He beforehand thought of retirement in 2021 when he wanted to step away from the crew throughout the season.
And even placing ‘want’ apart, the Eagles merely believing in drafting offensive linemen. They’re properly conscious that two of their worst seasons throughout the Roseman tenure got here when their line cratered. Additionally they don’t wish to depend on with the ability to pay OL expertise large cash in free company.
Jones, who doesn’t flip 22 till Might, could be very athletic and boasts intriguing upside. He lacks expertise with 15 of his whole 19 begins coming final yr. However that gained’t matter as a lot to the Eagles, who will be extra affected person in growing him, because it might to groups that need him to have the ability to play straight away.
However Jones shouldn’t be the decide on this exercise. I as a substitute went with Smith.
For as a lot because the Eagles worth offensive linemen, they’re additionally wont to take a position premium assets of their move rush.
There are some questions on how Smith tasks to the NFL contemplating his dimension. However he’s solely an inch shorter and eight kilos lighter than Micah Parsons’ listed measurements from the NFL Mix. Smith’s truly an inch taller than Haason Reddick and simply two kilos lighter. There’s cause to consider he can comply with of their footsteps and make the most of his elite athleticism to wreak havoc as each a move rusher and run defender.
There’s additionally cause to consider in his character. The Eagles have made good bets on prospects like this lately. Jalen Hurts is a canine. DeVonta is a canine. These are simply two examples of dudes you don’t want to wager towards. They ooze Huge Winner Power. By all accounts, Smith checks all of the bins in that regard. Simply have a look at the depth and fervour he performs with. He’s fearless. That’s a man you need in your crew.
This decide would instantly slot in as a part of the Eagles’ move rush rotation. Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith? That’s a reasonably good group.
Highlights:
Scouting report through NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
Decrease weight class edge defender with the toughness to combine it up with larger gamers. Primarily based purely upon his glossy however smallish body, one would possibly anticipate him to be more practical as a rusher than run defender however the reverse is true. Smith is difficult to maneuver off of his spot attributable to his approach and leverage, and he will be disruptive when firing into gaps. He can get off the mark as a rusher, however lacks the counters and call steadiness to constantly assault the pocket at a excessive charge. Smith falls under the dimensions requirements some crew may need for a 3-4 outdoors linebacker, however he performs team-first protection with high quality approach that ought to assist him translate to the professionals.
Spider graph through Mockdraftable:
Our pals at DraftKings Sportsbook are projecting the Eagles to concentrate on a defensive lineman/EDGE participant with the crew’s first decide within the 2023 draft, and that participant might very properly be Nolan Smith.
