As the 2023 NFL Draft nears, we’re looking at every position on both sides to find the most central questions ahead of round one.
Philadelphia lost seven defensive contributors in free agency but added Kentavus Street (DT), Justin Evans (Safety), Terrell Edmunds (safety), and Nicholas Morrow (LB) to a unit that returns Brandon Graham, Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Fletcher Cox, Avonte Maddox, Josh Sweat, Reed Blankenship and more.
The Eagles will be carried by their offense in 2023, and while Jalen Hurts leads a unit full of stars, we’re looking at Philadelphia’s biggest question at each defensive position ahead of Thursday night’s draft.
DE
Will Philadelphia look to add a traditional defensive end, or will Howie Roseman pivot toward an athletic SAM linebacker in the mold of Haason Reddick?
Players like Lukas Van Ness, Tyree Wilson, Myles Murphy, and Will McDonald fit the mold at the defensive end. Still, elite pass-rushing linebackers like Will Anderson Jr., Nolan Smith, Keion White, and BJ Ojulari offer a versatile alternative.
DT
The Bears reportedly covet Jalen Carter, and the Eagles will likely be forced to trade up to land the Georgia All-Amercian defensive tackle.
Will Philadelphia reunite Carter with Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis, or will Roseman strike later in the first or second round with options like
WILL LB
Philadelphia will enter the season with Nakobe Dean coming off a redshirt type of season as a rookie.
The former Georgia All-American will look to take over the reins with T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White moving on via free agency.
Names to watch in the late rounds include Henry To’oTo’o of Alabama, Noah Sewell of Oregon, and Dorian Williams of Tulane.
MLB
Nicholas Morrow could land the middle linebacker spot opposite Nakobe Dean and he’ll be the likely starter unless Howie Roseman makes a moves.
TCU’s Dee Winters, Indiana’s Cam Jones, and Utah’s Mohamoud Diabate are players to watch.
CB
After re-signing Darius Slay and James Bradberry, will the Eagles use a premium pick on a cornerback in the first 100 selections?
A player like Iowa’s Riley Moss could join the roster and add versatility to multiple positions.
Safety
After signing Justin Evans and Terrell Edmunds, will Philadelphia splurge on a talented safety like Brian Branch?
Other options include Antonio Johnson of Texas A&M, JL Skinner of Boise State and Jay Ward of LSU.
