For the second time in as many seasons, the Eagles are in possession of two NFL draft picks, including one in the top 10. Not bad for a team that was agonizingly close to winning the Super Bowl.
For as close as Philadelphia came to winning the biggest game in football, it still has several holes to fill ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. That's thanks to a particularly tough free agent period that has seen several notable starters depart the defending NFC champions.
Regardless, general manager Howie Roseman has several options he can make with the 10th and 30th overall picks of the draft — including, like last year, a potential trade out of one of his picks. The Eagles used that strategy to perfection in 2022, parting ways with the 18th and 101st picks for Titans receiver A.J. Brown, providing a perfect complement to DeVonta Smith and another top-end target for Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles might not have a similarly impactful trade this season, begging the question: Who will they draft with their two picks this year?
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There is no shortage of players who the Eagles might take, both on offense and defense. With that, The Sporting News breaks down five potential draft combinations for Philadelphia in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft:
Combination 1
- No. 10: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
- No. 30: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Jalen Carter's involvement in the wreck that caused the January deaths of Georgia teammate Devon Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy — coupled with his subpar pro day — leave him available with the 10th overall pick. He still is considered the best player from a Bulldogs defense that produced five first-round picks last year, including Philadelphia's 2022 first-round selection Jordan Davis.
Pairing the dominant 3-technique with his former teammate would give the Eagles one of the best young defensive tackle tandems in the league, while also adding a premium player on the interior — something Philly's defense has valued highly in recent years. Losing Javon Hargrave in free agency also makes this a position of need.
After drafting Carter, the Eagles luck out with Alabama's Brian Branch falling into their lap at pick 30. Considered the top safety of the class, Branch would fill a need of paramount concern for Philadelphia, which lost starters C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps in free agency. He's a fast, fluid back with decent speed for his size and, more importantly, the football intelligence and instincts to make him a plug-and-play defender.
Combination 2
- No. 10: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
- No. 30: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Can a running back go in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft? If there is such a player, then it's Texas' Bijan Robinson. He's a three-down back whose pass-catching ability ensures he'll get significant touches early and often. He has elite footwork and a 5-11, 215-pound frame that allows him to run low to the ground. He has a variety of moves to evade or plow through defenders and could easily be the Eagles' top running back by the end of the season.
In this scenario, Branch still manages to fall far enough for the Eagles to snag him with the 30th pick. The defending NFC champs get a boost to the NFL's best running game from 2022 while addressing perhaps the team's biggest need on defense.
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Combination 3
- No. 10: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
- No. 30: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
This scenario also sees the Eagles take Carter — formerly a consideration for the top overall pick — at 10th overall. With this, Philadelphia takes the top overall player remaining on the board, and at a position of need to boot.
By the time Philadelphia drafts again, Robinson will long be off the board. Enter Jahmyr Gibbs, the speedster out of Alabama with tremendous pass-catching ability. He should be available at 30th overall, but there's no guarantee he'll still be there at 62, when the Eagles pick again. Taking Gibbs here may be a tad early, but would give Philadelphia a top-two running back prospect. He also provides some long-term stability to a group that includes Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
Combination 4
- No. 10: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
- No. 30: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Oregon's Christian Gonzalez might not be available at 10th overall. If he isn't, the Eagles may make a luxury pick in Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, generally considered the No. 2 player at this prime position. He's not as big or fluid as the Ducks DB, but could thrive in a zone-heavy coverage scheme, such as the one new defensive coordinator Sean Desai ran consistently with the Bears in 2021. The Eagles also re-signed Darius Slay and James Bradberry, giving Witherspoon time to adjust to NFL speed before stepping into a bigger role down the line.
The Eagles then address a more immediate need by taking Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee 30th overall. The No. 1 prospect of the 2020 recruiting class is not as physically dominant as Carter, nor does he have as sophisticated a pass-rush arsenal. But he has displayed traits that, developed over time, would make him a future NFL starter on the interior.
MORE: NFL Draft 2023 Odds: Who will the Philadelphia Eagles draft with their first-round pick?
Combination 5
- No. 10: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
- No. 30: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Eagles had one of, if not the best offensive lines in the NFL last season. Why take a tackle this early in the draft with more pressing needs? Because two of the team's top linemen are in their 30s, including right tackle Lane Johnson. Paris Johnson is 6-6, 313 pounds and played left tackle and right guard at Ohio State the last two seasons. He can still fill out his frame and improve his pass blocking, but adding him would allow him to develop into the anchor the Eagles expect him to be.
Would Nolan Smith still be available at pick 30? If he is, the Eagles must give serious consideration to drafting one of the most physically gifted athletes of the draft. The 6-2, 238-pound edge defender is smaller than typically desired of players at this position, but plays with great technique, even if his pass-rush leaves something to be desired.
