The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up an eventful draft, which means it is time to review the picks made. The Philadelphia Eagles, A.K.A the Philadelphia Bulldogs, came away from draft weekend with four more players from Georgia. Acquiring three in the draft and one in a massive trade. They made the most of their picks, filling needs on both sides of the ball with absolute value picks. Here is the Philadelphia Eagles 2023 NFL Draft Review.
In all, they obtained the following players:
- First Round, 9th overall: Jalen Carter, DT
- First Round, 30th overall: Nolan Smith, EDGE
- Third Round, 65th overall: Tyler Steen, OT
- Third Round, 66th overall: Sydney Brown, S
- Fourth Round, 105th overall: Keele Ringo, CB
- Sixth Round, 188th overall: Tanner McKee, QB
- Seventh Round, 249th overall: Moro Ojomo, EDGE
- TRADE: Eagles acquire RB D’Andre Swift and a seventh-round pick (No. 249) from the Detroit Lions. Lions get a 2025 fifth-round pick and a seventh-round pick (No. 219)
Philadelphia Eagles 2023 NFL Draft Review Grade: 10/10
Philadelphia Eagles 2023 NFL Draft Review: Georgia Standouts, and More
The Best Player: Jalen Carter
The Eagles drafted arguably the best player in the entire 2023 Draft. Jalen Carter is a generational defensive tackle prospect. Philadelphia ensured they got him by trading a 2024 fourth-round pick to move up from number 10 and selecting Carter at number nine. Carter slid down the draft board not because of his talent but because of off-the-field concerns. Carter was charged with two misdemeanor counts: reckless driving and racing. The incident resulted in a fatal car crash.
On a less serious note, but still an issue, reports are that Carter’s coaches at Georgia did not like his work ethic. Carter has some growing up to do. He will need to prove to the Eagles that he can mature if he can do that. Carter has All-Pro level traits from day one.
The Head-Scratcher: Tanner McKee
There is not much to pick apart with the Eagles 2023 NFL Draft class. However, to play devil’s advocate, the Eagles drafting Tanner McKee quarterback from Stanford makes little sense. The Eagles currently have three quarterbacks already on their roster Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, and Ian Book.
McKee is likely a project that the Eagles hope can develop into a backup. As a backup, McKee offers little in the running game and does not match the style of Hurts. If McKee ever does see the field, the offense will likely have to change with him at the helm. This pick should not come as a surprise however, Howie loves adding developmental quarterbacks to the “quarterback factory.”
The Surprise: D’Andre Swift
Howie season is in full effect with this one. The Eagles traded a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2023 seventh-round pick (No. 219) to the Lions in exchange for running back D’Andre Swift and a seventh-round pick (No. 249). The Lions were going to trade Swift after drafting running back Jahmry Gibbs in the first round. It was also clear to most that the Eagles were going to add to the running back room. This was a match made in heaven. The former Georgia standout gets a chance to come back to Philadelphia where he was born and add a real weapon to the offense.
The Steal: Nolan Smith
The value of getting Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith with the 30th overall pick is insane. Some mock drafts have Nolan Smith going to the Eagles with the 10th overall pick. Smith has an elite burst off the edge. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. That speed is outstanding for any player but for an edge rusher, it is unheard of.
The reason Smith was available at 30 was probably due to his size. He is small for an edge rusher, so he is best suited to play a standup 3-4 outside linebacker. His size measurables are eerily similar to Eagles linebacker Haasan Reddick. This could not be a better scenario for the Eagles and Smith. Having Reddick there to show Smith how to play at his size is a perfect fit. The Eagles already know how to utilize someone exactly like Smith. They have a 10 out of 10 draft pick here, the biggest steal of the first round.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: Kelee Ringo
The Eagles traded into the fourth round to select cornerback Kelee Ringo after he fell down the draft board. The Eagles traded away a 2024 third-round pick to get him. Ringo was once talked about as a top cornerback prospect but fell due to work-ethic concerns. Another former Georgia player, Ringo is an athletic freak. He is 6’2″ and ran a 4.36 40-yard dash. Ringo’s size and speed mix will turn heads during training camp
The Rest
The Eagles added great depth with the rest of the 2023 Draft class. Focusing on key positions that they love. Tyler Steen played tackle at Alabama but as a result of his smaller arms, NFL scouts project him as a guard. His drafting could serve many different roles. He has a chance to compete with Cam Jurgens for the starting right guard position. He could also be the top backup for either guard or tackle spot. Also, in a few years if anything happens to Lane Johnson he could develop into a serviceable right tackle at the NFL level.
Sydney Brown out of Illinois is a rangy cover safety that fills a definite need in the Eagles secondary. He is an insane athlete that tested off the charts at the NFL combine. He has a nose for the football grabbing 10 interceptions in his college career. Browns is an atrocious tackler, according to PFF he had a 16.5% missed tackle rate. He projects to play the deep safety role but could be a major liability if asked to tackle one on one.
Moro Ojomo is a strong interior defensive lineman. He does a great job of staying low and using leverage to effect plays. Ojomo is a one-dimensional run stuffer. He provides good depth on that defensive line. He is someone who can play backup nose tackle to Jordan Davis, someone they did not have last season.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
