Cory's Reads #30: 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Houston passes on a QB at #2, as their divisional rivals trade up.
Carolina Panthers - Bryce Young QB Alabama
Bryce Young is the heavy favorite to be selected first overall Thursday night. I try to situate my mocks somewhere between a prediction and a prescription. This first pick is purely predictive. I’m just following the odds on this one. In all honesty, I’m pretty scared of Bryce Young as a prospect. Despite his talent as a passer, Young’s short stature and slender frame are major red flags at the NFL level. Betting on him as your franchise QB is a bet against all of NFL history. At 5’10, Young would be the shortest starter in the league (only Chicago Bears backup P.J. Walker measures in at that same height). Only two other starters are under six feet — Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson — but Young lacks the mobility that makes those guys dangerous (and let’s be honest, even Murray and Wilson are not very good). He is easily the best decision-maker of this draft class, so his instincts could lead to a career in the mold of Sonny Jurgensen or Doug Flutie, but if he is indeed the pick, I am skeptical of the Panthers’ process in trading up for the first pick and gambling the future of their franchise on an exception to a rule.
Houston Texans - Will Anderson Jr. EDGE Alabama
The Texans passing on a QB? It’s more likely than you think. DeMeco Ryans is a defensive-minded coach, and he watched 49ers head coach do more with less at the QB position for years in San Francisco. I also think he has more job security in Houston than most other coaches sitting atop the draft, so he and GM Nick Caserio can afford to wait for next year’s crop of QBs, headlined by USC QB Caleb Williams. Vegas sees this as a viable outcome as well, granting Tyree Wilson the best odds of going #2 overall. While I like the process of being patient and not forcing a dispassionate QB selection, I cannot get there with Wilson at #2. Will Anderson is easily the best player in this draft class. He is perhaps the surest bet to succeed in the NFL out of these upper-echelon guys, and would give Ryans a true cornerstone to build his defense around. Houston already has intriguing young players in the secondary like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, so improving the pass rush could suddenly make the Texans a formidable foe for opposing offenses.
Indianapolis Colts (TRADE from ARI) - CJ Stroud QB Ohio State
I try to avoid predicting trades in a mock draft, but this year’s draft feels uniquely difficult to discuss with the current draft order. I am therefore breaking my own rule and predicting the first of several trades in this mock draft. The Cardinals shop this pick around to QB-needy teams, but the Colts ultimately agree to swap picks so they can guarantee themselves the QB of their choice (and block divisional rival Tennessee from getting there first). In this trade, Arizona gets #4, #106, and a 2024 3rd round pick. Indianapolis gets #3 and #180. The Colts would have to be ecstatic about landing Stroud, who I believe should be the first overall pick. Stroud’s tape at Ohio State was uneven, but we all saw him in that playoff matchup against Georgia. Even in a loss, Stroud put together one of the best performances I’ve ever seen from a college QB. There may be growing pains in the NFL, and his limited athleticism makes him a less-than-ideal fit for modern offenses, but his arm strength and aggressiveness remind me of former Colts QB Matt Ryan (when he was…you know…good).
Tennessee Titans (TRADE from ARI via IND) - Anthony Richardson QB Florida
It may not be the most exciting route for Cardinals fans, but their best course of action in this draft would be to stockpile picks for both this year and next. Their roster is among the worst in the NFL, and there is a genuine possibility that the team needs to replace QB Kyler Murray after this season. With the Titans eager to move up and land a successor to Ryan Tannehill, the Cardinals find a willing trade partner. Arizona gets #11, #72 and a 2024 1st round pick, while Tennessee gets #4. The Titans already seem exhausted with the Malik Willis experiment, and understandably so. Anthony Richardson may be this draft’s biggest wild card, but he offers immense upside. His blend of athleticism and arm talent offers him a Josh Allen/Patrick Mahomes-type ceiling. Of course, his limited experience and erratic decision-making gives him an E.J. Manuel-type floor. Tennessee seems like a nice landing spot, however. Richardson could sit behind Tannehill for a year and adjust to the NFL game. I would consider Richardson at #1 if I were the Panthers. Missing on Richardson could be disastrous for a franchise, but I rather take a big swing and miss than bunt and never even make it home.
Seattle Seahawks - Tyree Wilson EDGE Texas Tech
Finally! Our first boring pick! The Seahawks could consider QB Will Levis, and may face an even tougher decision if one of the other QBs fall. But they are best served by taking the best defensive player available, which is either Jalen Carter or Tyree Wilson. I would probably give Carter the slight edge, and he does fit a huge need for Seattle, but Wilson fits the profile GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll tend to target. With an insane 86-inch wingspan, Wilson offers the length that teams covet in a pass-rusher. He is also extremely quick and athletic, lending him a high ceiling at the next level. I’m concerned about his lack of sack production in college (just 7 sacks in 2022) and would probably project him as a bust, but the NFL tends to fall for these Dion Jordan/Solomon Thomas-type players year after year.
Detroit Lions - Jalen Carter DT Georgia
The rich get richer. It still feels strange to write that sentence about the Detroit Lions, but their roster is among the most loaded in the NFL, and Jalen Carter has a case to be this draft’s very best player. Slotting him on the interior next to last year’s #2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit one of the strongest fronts in the NFL. They still need help in the secondary, but free agent signings like C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Cameron Sutton are at least passable, allowing Detroit to select the best player available with this pick they acquired from the Rams in the trade for Matthew Stafford.
Las Vegas Raiders - Paris Johnson Jr OT Ohio State
The Raiders are one of the more mysterious teams drafting within the top ten. They could easily target a QB to succeed Jimmy Garroppolo, and they could easily draft one of the top two CBs to shore up a leaky secondary. But like the Texans and Cardinals, the Raiders should be looking ahead to the 2024 QB class. And if they wisely do so, they should also start putting together an offensive environment in which a young QB can succeed. They already have an elite WR in Davante Adams, but their offensive line is a major concern. Kolton Miller is a reliable LT, but Jermaine Eluemunor is a liability at RT. Paris Johnson Jr projects as an elite LT at the next level, but the Lane Johnsons and Brian O’Neills of the world have proven just how vital the RT position is as well. Johnson Jr could start there right away, becoming a cornerstone for the new-look Raiders offense.
Minnesota Vikings (TRADE from ATL) - Will Levis QB Kentucky
Will Levis has seen his stock soar in the leadup to the draft, but I don’t buy it. I still view him as a distant fourth amongst the top QBs, and I don’t like his odds of succeeding in the NFL. I understand the Josh Allen comparisons, but the much better comparison would be Carson Wentz. Anyway, the Vikings have made their desire for a Kirk Cousins successor well-known, so they are likely to capitalize on a Levis slide and move up in the 2023 draft. The Falcons could consider Bijan Robinson or one of the top CBs, but Minnesota comes to them with an offer they can’t refuse. Atlanta gets #23, #119 and a 2024 1st round pick. Minnesota gets #8.
Chicago Bears - Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern
The Bears would likely prefer Paris Johnson Jr, as he more cleanly projects as a tackle in the NFL. But the hometown hero Peter Skoronski is not a bad consolation prize. I would personally rank him as this draft’s best offensive lineman, and I am less concerned about his ability to play tackle than others. Former Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater received similar criticisms about his short arms throughout the draft process, and he is already one of the NFL’s better LTs for the LA Chargers. Fortunately, the Bears are bad all along their offensive line, so Skoronski will be a key cog for them no matter where he ends up positionally.
Philadelphia Eagles - Myles Murphy EDGE Clemson
The Eagles will take a long look at both Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon, and they’ll likely field calls from teams looking to move up in the draft. But Howie Roseman is likely to use this pick on either a defensive or offensive lineman (I won’t even entertain the possibility of Bijan Robinson being the pick here). Myles Murphy seems to be the forgotten man amongst the edge rushers in this draft class, as he doesn’t offer the exciting athleticism of Tyree Wilson, Nolan Smith, or Lukas Van Ness. Murphy is more of a power edge rusher, and his massive frame offers him some scheme versatility, something that should be appealing to an Eagles defense that is lacking depth all along its defensive line.
Arizona Cardinals (from TEN) - Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon
The Cardinals finally make a selection, and it’s a pretty good one! Even after moving down a total of eight slots, Arizona lands the best corner in this draft class in Christian Gonzalez. The Cardinals depth chart is ugly at CB, and it has been ever since Patrick Peterson departed a couple seasons ago.
Houston Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State
The Texans may have passed on a potential franchise QB at #2, but that doesn’t mean they can’t prepare their offense for a future passer. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is by far the best WR in this draft class, making up for his lack of speed with precise route-running and physical pursuit of the ball. Houston has quietly assembled an intriguing group of offensive weapons, but they are still lacking an alpha at WR.
Green Bay Packers - Lukas Van Ness EDGE Iowa
The Packers moved up to this pick via the Aaron Rodgers trade. It’s only two picks ahead of their original draft slot, but there must have been some reason Green Bay wanted to jump both New England and New York. The front office should probably consider a pass-catcher here, but the trade-up tells me that they are interested in a defensive player. Lukas Van Ness is one of the more highly regarded edge rushers in this draft class, despite not even being a starter in college. There is upside here, and Green Bay desperately needs youth at the position, although I remain skeptical of Van Ness as a top-20 prospect.
New England Patriots - Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois
Devon Witherspoon deserves to go within the top ten of this draft class, and it may be difficult for him to get past Philadelphia at #10. But New England would be ecstatic to land him here, as their mediocre defense needs talent all across the board. An offensive weapon is not out of the question for the Pats (a potential Bijan Robinson landing spot, perhaps?) but they would be best served by selecting the best defensive player available.
New York Jets - Broderick Jones OT Georgia
The Jets were likely eyeing Broderick Jones at #13, so getting him at #15 after moving back for Aaron Rodgers would be quite the success for Joe Douglas and the New York front office. Few teams have as clear of a need as the Jets do at left tackle. Mekhi Becton can officially be regarded as a bust, and the Jets cannot afford to waste this upcoming season with Rodgers. Jones should be able to step in right away as a starter.
Washington Commanders - Joey Porter Jr CB Penn State
This is another boring albeit respectable pick. The Commanders need help at CB, and Joey Porter Jr provides solid value in the middle of the first round. The Steelers will likely be distraught to miss out on the son of franchise legend Joey Porter by just a single pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Deonte Banks CB Maryland
Still reeling from the loss of Joey Porter Jr, the Steelers reach ever so slightly for Maryland CB Deonte Banks, whose impressive testing at the Combine sent him flying up draft boards.
Detroit Lions - Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
The Lions were wise to move on from TJ Hockensen at the trade deadline last year, as they got great value for a decent player. But they were left with a massive hole at TE, which they can fill here with one of several first-round talents at the position. It’s a toss-up between Mayer and Dalton Kincaid, but the Notre Dame product is likely a safer bet to produce right away in the NFL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Bijan Robinson RB Texas
I have no idea where Bijan Robinson will go in this draft, but Tampa Bay would certainly be a fun landing spot. Life after Tom Brady will likely be rough for the Bucs, but alleviating the pressure on Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask by shifting towards a run-heavy offense is one way to make things a whole lot smoother. Robinson is a special talent, likely among the top five in this draft, but I never endorse drafting RBs in the first round, no matter how great they may be.
Seattle Seahawks - Jordan Addison WR USC
The Seahawks have very little depth at WR behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and even Lockett may be nearing the end of his consistently productive career. Addison profiles very similarly to Lockett, so he could produce early on from the slot before being asked to do more in this offense. Geno Smith is not the long-term answer at QB, so Seattle should start preparing a positive environment for a young QB now.
Los Angeles Chargers - Zay Flowers WR Boston College
The Chargers absolutely need to provide Justin Herbert with more weapons, ideally ones that can stay on the field. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are a fun duo, but neither can stay healthy, and they also offer very similar skill sets to one another. Flowers would provide an entirely different dimension to the offense, lending Herbert a safety valve on underneath routes and keeping drives alive with his exciting YAC ability.
New Orleans Saints (TRADE from BAL) - Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh
The Saints are generally willing to move up in the draft to get their guy, and DT is clearly their biggest need. I expect a run on DTs in the late first round or early second, so New Orleans moves up here to secure the best of the bunch (after Jalen Carter) in Calijah Kancey - an undersized defensive tackle out of Pitt who has been underestimated coming into the draft…sound familiar? Meanwhile, the Ravens are frustrated with the back-to-back WRs picked ahead of them, and opt to secure additional draft capital rather than force a pick at #22. Baltimore gets #29 and #71, while New Orleans gets #22.
Atlanta Falcons (from MIN) - Nolan Smith EDGE Georgia
The Falcons could select Nolan Smith at #8 and no one would blink an eye. Smith could also fall out of the first round and it wouldn’t shock me. This draft is going to include a lot of surprises, and wherever Smith lands is certainly something to follow as the night unfolds. Atlanta having an embarrassingly bad pass rush is one of the most reliable truths in the NFL, but maybe they can finally turn things around here by keeping the athletic Savannah native in Georgia.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Steve Avila OG/C TCU
The Jaguars need to shore up the interior of their offensive line, and are in prime position to do so at the back end of the first round. Steve Avila offers excellent positional versatility. He is being mocked in the second or third rounds in most other mock drafts, but I’m calling my shot and identifying him as a surprise first-rounder.
New York Giants - Quentin Johnson WR TCU
Quentin Johnson is a difficult prospect to assess, as his size and speed are the exact kinds of traits you want out of a top WR. Unfortunately, he is very raw, and never quite channeled his traits into consistent production at TCU. Still, there were flashes, and he is a worthy gamble for the Giants, who desperately need help at the position.
Dallas Cowboys - Drew Sanders LB Arkansas
Micah Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, but the off-ball linebackers behind him are a concern. Leighton Vander Esch is well past his prime, and the rest of the group are high-upside players who have yet to pan out. Funnily enough, Drew Sanders projects as a rather similar player to Vander Esch, sans the injury concerns. He is solid in coverage, but can also rush the passer better than most players at his position. I expect him to sneak into the first round.
Buffalo Bills - Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
The Bills need help on the interior of their offensive line, and Darnell Wright offers the versatility to line up at guard right away. While Buffalo could consider a proper guard like O’Cyrus Torrance, drafting Wright offers additional value if Spencer Brown doesn’t pan out at RT.
Cincinnati Bengals - Bryan Bresee DT Clemson
The Bengals could consider a tackle here, but they invested heavily in the position during free agency. Instead, they look on the opposite side of the ball and address a glaring hole at DT. Bryan Bresee has one of the more moving stories in this draft class, having missed chunks of last season due to the tragic death of his 15-year-old sister and then a personal kidney infection. Through such unimaginable pain, Bresee emerged as one of the best interior pass-rushers in the country. He can be exposed in the run game, but I expect him to progress quickly in the NFL and emerge as one of the better players from this draft class.
Baltimore Ravens (from NO) - Will McDonald IV EDGE Iowa State
The Ravens could consider a WR here, but they have some confidence in the position after signing Odell Beckham Jr. Besides, they need to make sure they still have a QB before they worry about his pass-catchers. In an effort to remain competitive defensively, they address one of their few weaknesses on defense. Will McDonald IV would have been even more productive in college if Iowa State didn’t ask him to drop back into coverage so often. Baltimore can simply unleash McDonald on opposing QBs and watch as he bolsters a pass rush that already secured 48 sacks last season.
Los Angeles Rams (TRADE from PHI) - Anton Harrison OT Oklahoma State
I fully expect the Eagles to trade one of their two first round picks, and #30 is perhaps the most likely. The Rams have learned the hard way that there are limits to building a roster outside of the draft, so they move into the first round and secure a LT of the future in Anton Harrison. Philadelphia gets #36, #167, #171, and a 2024 4th round pick. LA gets #30.
Kansas City Chiefs - Adetomiwa Adebawore EDGE Northwestern
The Chiefs need to replace Frank Clark, who remains a free agent. Adebawore is one of the most athletic edge rushers in this draft class, and his massive frame also lends him some positional versatility. If the Chiefs ever opted to move him inside, he could easily develop into a Chris Jones-type player.
ROUND 2
Pittsburgh Steelers - Dawand Jones OT Ohio State
Houston Texans - John Michael Schmitz OG/C Minnesota
Arizona Cardinals - BJ Ojulari EDGE LSU
Indianapolis Colts - Emmanuel Forbes CB Mississippi State
Philadelphia Eagles (from LAR) - Cody Mauch OT/G North Dakota State
The Eagles definitely want to leave this draft class with some more depth along the interior of their offensive line. But offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has always preferred positional versatility, so why not draft a tackle who can also play guard? Eagles fans may have some North Dakota State-related trauma, but Cody Mauch could start immediately at RG if Cam Jurgens isn’t ready, or simply operate as a swing tackle until he is ready to take over for Lane Johnson once the future Hall of Famer calls it a career.
Seattle Seahawks - O’Cyrus Torrance OG Florida
Las Vegas Raiders - Cam Smith CB South Carolina
Carolina Panthers - Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
The Panthers absolutely must dedicate the rest of their draft to surrounding Bryce Young with offensive talent. Dalton Kincaid could easily go in the first round, and should be a seam-stretcher for a Carolina offense with very few pass-catchers of note.
New Orleans Saints - Keion White EDGE Georgia Tech
Tennessee Titans - Josh Downs WR UNC
Green Bay Packers - Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
New York Jets - Brian Branch S Alabama
Atlanta Falcons - Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama
The Falcons seem to have found a diamond in the rough in Tyler Allgeier, but Arthur Smith has made his desire for a stud RB known. Jahmyr Gibbs spent two seasons at Georgia Tech before transferring to Alabama, so this marks a homecoming of sorts for the player they’re calling Alvin Kamara 2.0.
Green Bay Packers - Darnell Washington TE Georgia
New England Patriots - Jaelyn Duncan OT Maryland
Washington Commanders - Hendon Hooker QB Tennessee
The Commanders truly seem comfortable entering the season with Sam Howell as their starter. It’s a respectable move, as it allows them to see if they have something in him before moving on next season (presumably with a high draft pick). But Hendon Hooker provides excellent value in the middle of the second round, and I expect the new ownership group to apply pressure to the front office in making a flashy move early in the draft. In fact, I wouldn’t count the Commies out in pursuing Lamar Jackson once the new owners take over.
Detroit Lions - DJ Turner CB Michigan
Pittsburgh Steelers - Jack Campbell LB Iowa
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Luke Musgrave TE Oregon State
Miami Dolphins - Trenton Simpson LB Clemson
Seattle Seahawks - Mazi Smith DT Michigan
Seattle will consider Jalen Carter at #5, and they may even consider Mazi Smith at #20, so landing him in the second round would be a huge steal for a team lacking talent at the position.
Chicago Bears - Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M
Los Angeles Chargers - Kelee Ringo CB Georgia
Detroit Lions - Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE Kansas State
Jacksonville Jaguars - Sydney Brown S Illinois
New York Giants - Derick Hall EDGE Auburn
Dallas Cowboys - Rashee Rice WR SMU
Buffalo Bills - Tyler Scott WR Cincinnati
Tyler Scott is one of my favorite players in this draft class. The Bills have a lot of fun offensive weapons, but the roster is facing some serious turnover over the next few years. Scott would be an immediate upgrade in the slot, and could develop into something more. He also offers value as a kick and punt returner.
Cincinnati Bengals - Zach Charbonnet RB UCLA
Chicago Bears - Tuli Tuipulotu EDGE USC
Philadelphia Eagles - Julius Brents CB Kansas State
The Eagles will definitely consider a CB in the first round, but the depth at the position allows them to wait and land Brents at the end of the second round. Brents offers the flexibility to play safety as well, so the Eagles could give him an opportunity to start early in his career, before he eventually succeeds either Darius Slay or James Bradberry at his natural position.
Kansas City Chiefs - Cedric Tillman WR Tennessee
ROUND 3
Chicago Bears - Kendre Miller RB TCU
Houston Texans - Gervon Dexter DT Florida
Arizona Cardinals - Devon Achane RB Texas A&M
Denver Broncos - Sam LaPorta TE Iowa
Denver Broncos - Keeanu Benton DT Wisconsin
Los Angeles Rams - Clark Philips III CB Utah
Las Vegas Raiders - Tyrique Stevenson CB Miami
Baltimore Ravens (from NO) - A.T. Perry WR Wake Forest
The Ravens finally snag a WR, and a pretty intriguing one at that! An aggressive route runner, 6’3 A.T. Perry could become what Rashod Bateman never could for Baltimore.
Arizona Cardinals (from TEN) - Matthew Bergeron OT Syracuse
Houston Texans - Joe Tippmann OC Wisconsin
Cleveland Browns - Siaki Ika DT Baylor
Siaki Ika could hear his name called towards the end of the first round, but impressive depth at the position forces him to slide down to the third round. The Browns won’t mind using their first pick of the draft on a top talent at their biggest position of need.
Atlanta Falcons - Isaiah Foskey EDGE Notre Dame
New England Patriots - Zach Harrison EDGE Ohio State
Los Angeles Rams - Marvin Mims Jr WR Oklahoma
Green Bay Packers - McClendon Curtis OT Chattanooga
Indianapolis Colts - Blake Freeland OT BYU
Pittsburgh Steelers - Andre Carter II EDGE Army
Detroit Lions - Eli Ricks CB Alabama
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Nick Herbig EDGE Wisconsin
Seattle Seahawks - Tank Bigsby RB Auburn
Miami Dolphins - Luke Wypler OC Ohio State
Los Angeles Chargers - Jordan Battle S Alabama
Baltimore Ravens - Nick Broeker OT/G Ole Miss
Minnesota Vikings - Kayshon Boutte WR LSU
With Adam Thielen now in Carolina, the Vikings need a #2 WR opposite Justin Jefferson. Why not pair him with another LSU product in Kayshon Boutte?
Jacksonville Jaguars - Darius Rush CB South Carolina
New York Giants - Daiyan Henley LB Washington State
Dallas Cowboys - Zach Evans RB Ole Miss
Buffalo Bills - Zacch Pickens DT South Carolina
Cincinnati Bengals - Tucker Kraft TE South Dakota State
Carolina Panthers - Jonathan Mingo WR Ole Miss
Philadelphia Eagles - Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh
The Eagles will definitely draft a RB; it’s just a matter of who. As a Pitt alum, I really hope it’s Izzy Abanikanda here in the third round. At just 20 years old, Abanikanda offers unique youth at a position where wear and tear can make all the difference. Pitt RBs have worked out well in the past for the Eagles, so why not snag another here?
Kansas City Chiefs - Tyler Steen OT Alabama
Arizona Cardinals - Jammie Robinson S Florida State
Washington Commanders - JL Skinner S Boise State
Cleveland Browns - Ricky Stromberg OC Arkansas
San Francisco 49ers - Jaylon Jones CB Texas A&M
Las Vegas Raiders - Demarvion Overshown LB Texas
San Francisco 49ers - Xavier Hutchinson WR Iowa State
San Francisco 49ers - Tanner McKee QB Stanford
The 49ers are likely to trade Trey Lance on draft night (to the Texans, perhaps?) but they cannot enter this season with just Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold at QB. I don’t care how much Kyle Shanahan thinks of himself as a QB whisperer; both guys are too unproven to hitch a championship-caliber roster to that wagon. Tanner McKee may not fit the Shanahan profile, but he is a sound decision-maker who can operate the San Fran offense much like Jimmy G, if called upon.
Full Philadelphia Eagles Seven-Round Mock Draft
10. Myles Murphy EDGE Clemson
36. Cody Mauch OT/G North Dakota State
62. Julius Brents CB Kansas State
94. Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh
167. Chandler Zavala OG NC State
Even with Cody Mauch already drafted, the Eagles will likely bolster the interior of their offensive line even further with one of the picks acquired in the predicted Rams trade. Zavala has starter upside, which may be necessary if Jurgens takes over at center for Jason Kelce after this season. Besides, Howie Roseman loves providing Jeff Stoutland with a new challenge each offseason.
171. Andrei Iosivas WR Princeton
This is a biased pick (shout-out Coach Flinn and the entire Birds with Friends crew!) but I do think it makes some sense as well. The Eagles need to challenge Quez Watkins for the WR3 spot on the depth chart, and Iosivas projects as a big slot in the NFL. He’d offer a completely different element from Watkins, but maybe that’s a good thing.
219. Dante Stills DT West Virginia
The Eagles may want to address DT much earlier than this, but Stills still provides decent value in the 7th round. Unlike 2022 first-rounder Jordan Davis, Stills excels as an interior pass-rusher.
248. Rashad Torrence II S Florida
Safety is another position the Eagles could address earlier in the draft — and they somewhat did with the Julius Brents selection — but Rashad Torrence II is not a bad consolation prize with their final pick of the draft. He reminds me a bit of Reed Blankenship, as he has good instincts and is a sure tackler. His ball skills leave a bit to be desired, but you’re buying a lottery ticket with a 7th-round prospect anyway.