The rich are getting richer, and even with a 38-35 loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, things are looking promising for the Eagles as the 2023 NFL offseason gets underway.
Thanks to some draft night wizardry from Howie Roseman, the Eagles traded the No. 16 overall pick, No. 19 overall pick, and a 2022 sixth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for the No. 18 overall pick, a 2022 third-round pick, a 2022 seventh-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick.
With 18 Eagles set to hit free agency and some roster retooling set to begin, here are the best 2023 NFL draft prospects at the Birds’ biggest positions of need.
Biggest need #1: Defensive Tackle
Philadelphia has four key contributors enting NFL free agency, with only Jordan Davis, Milton Wiliams, and Marlon Tuipulotu on the 53-man roster.
Best available player: Jalen Carter Georgia · Junior
Carter is a freak athlete and a game wrecker who could be a better pro prospect than his former Georgia teammate, Jordan Davis. Carter has that Warren Sapp-style combination of an explosive first step, quickness, and heavy hands, allowing him to flourish as a run-stopper/pass rusher.
Remaining Targets:
Bryan Bresee
Clemson · Sophomore (RS)
Siaki Ika
Baylor · Junior (RS)
Keeanu Benton
Wisconsin · Senior
Mazi Smith
Michigan · Junior (RS)
Bresee is a versatile interior defender with the capacity to play nose tackle or three-technique in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Smith is an elite athlete as an interior defender.
Biggest need #2 Cornerback
Philadelphia has one free-agent cornerback, and that happens to be All-Pro cover guy, James Bradberry.
Darius Slay is now 32 and the Birds will start preparation to eventually move on.
Best available player: Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Remaining targets
Joey Porter Jr.
Penn State · Junior (RS)
Cam Smith
South Carolina · Junior (RS)
Kelee Ringo
Georgia · Sophomore (RS)
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Porter Jr. possesses the size, bloodlines, and toughness needed for the NFL. Gonzalez is an aggressive ballhawk, who’ll gamble for opportunities.
Biggest need #3: Defensive End
Philadelphia has Brandon Graham and Robert Quinn entering free agency, while Derek Barnett is recovering from a torn ACL.
Josh Sweat is returning and logged 11+ sacks.
Best avaiable player: Will Anderson Jr. Alabama
Remaining Best:
Tyree Wilson
Texas Tech · Senior (RS)
Lukas Van Ness
Iowa · Sophomore (RS)
Keion White
Georgia Tech · Senior (RS)
Myles Murphy
Clemson · Junior
Wilson is an athletic Big-12 game wrecker off the edge, while Van Ness offers athleticism and physicality at the point of attack.
White and Murphy are the top fifty players as well.
Biggest need #4: Running Back
Philadelphia could lose both Miles Sanders and Boston Scott on the open mark, while Kenneth Gainwell could emerge as the future, and Trey Sermon is still under contract.
Best available player: RB Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson is an All-American and a potential top-ten pick who can be a three-down running back.
Remaining best:
Jahmyr Gibbs
Alabama · Junior
Zach Charbonnet
UCLA · Senior
Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn (6-0, 215)
Biggest need #5: Safety
Philadelphia has Marcus Epps and C.J. Gardner-Johnson as free agents, with the former Saints and co-interception leader as the biggest free agent target for the team.
Reed Blankenship is on the roster as an undrafted free agent, while K’Von Wallace enters the final year of his contract.
Best available prospect: Brian Branch Alabama · Junior
Philadelphia is in need of a hybrid, do-everything center field, who can also play in the slot.
An Alabama defender, Branch is a hybrid defender ideally suited to line up in the slot.
Remaining best:
Antonio Johnson
Texas A&M · Junior
Ji’Ayir Brown
Penn State · Senior
Jammie Robinson
Florida State · Senior
Jordan Battle
Alabama · Senior
Biggest need #6: Linebacker
Philadelphia improved tremendously at the position but has T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White both set to test NFL free agency.
Haason Reddick returns on the second year of a three-year, $45 million deal, while Nakobe Dean will enter his second year with the potential to be a starter.
Best available player: Drew Sanders Arkansas · Junior
Sanders can be a Fred Warner type of linebacker with the tools to control the middle.
Remaining best:
Trenton Simpson
Clemson · Junior
Jack Campbell
Iowa · Senior
Henry To’oTo’o
Alabama · Senior
Noah Sewell
Oregon · Junior
