Philadelphia Eagles 2023 draft class grades
The 2023 NFL draft has concluded, and the mastermind in GM Howie Roseman continued to add depth to the Philadelphia Eagles Roster.
Philadelphia entered the draft with six selections, including the tenth and 30th overall picks.
During the draft, Roseman made seven trades. Exactly one of those guys was chosen with their original pick — Nolan Smith, 30th overall in the first. The rest of the draft was all Roseman adding draft capital.
Here are my grades for the Eagles draftees
Jalen Carter- DT, Georgia (A+)
Carter was the most talented player in the draft class, and trading up for him was a phenomenal job by the Eagles’ front office. Carter provides a wide range of defensive options for the Eagles. He can play as a traditional three-technique in 4-man fronts or as one of the 4i defensive tackles next to Jordan Davis in a 5-man front. Although Carter lacks the size to be a true nose tackle, he is large enough to play as a 1-technique if necessary.
Nolan Smith- Edge, Georgia (A+)
After drafting Carter, Rosman drafted his Georgia teammate Nolan Smith. Smith was believed to go top 10, but ultimately ended up being drafted by Philadelphia at pick 30. Smith is the fourth player the Eagles have drafted off the Georgia defense in the last two years, joining Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and Jalen Carter. The Eagles may have acquired a top-edge rusher at the end of the first round. He is smaller at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, but you cannot change his physical characteristics. At the combine, he ran a lightning-quick 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds. He will be a great addition to the 2023 defense.
Tyler Steen – OT, Alabama (A)
When Tyler Steen transferred to Alabama, he played right and left tackle to replace Evan Neal at Vanderbilt. However, despite his 6-foot-6 height, 320 pounds, and tackle-like appearance. The Eagles chose Steen in the third round and immediately stated that they saw him as a guard. This selection was great because it adds depth behind Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata at tackle. Behind mentors Johnson, Mailata, and Jason Kelce, Steen will fit right in.
Sydney Brown – S, Illinois (B)
For Illinois in 2022, Brown was a very productive player, recording 60 tackles, six interceptions (plus a pick-6), a forced fumble, and a fumble return for a touchdown. The Eagles’ needs at safety are apparent, and Brown may have a chance to start during the 2023 season.
Kelee Ringo – CB, Georgia (A)
Another Dawg. To draft Ringo, the Eagles traded up, and the Houston Texans received a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although the Eagles initially refer to him as a safety, he may also play in that position. Cornerback is not an area where the Eagles are currently needed. However, Slay turned 32 in January, and Bradberry turns 30 in August; at these ages, injuries have historically become more of a factor, and play level has become a cause for concern. Before selecting Ringo, the Eagles’ outside cornerback depth was limited to the two starters.
Trade for D’Andre Swift (A+)
The Eagles wanted the Georgia Bulldogs, whether they came via the NFL Draft or through trades. After Miles Sanders left in free agency, the Eagles needed to fill a void in the backfield. Swift should be able to step in and take over even if they did sign Rashaad Penny in free agency and have Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott on the roster. There is considerable risk involved for Philadelphia, given Swift’s history of injuries, but you can’t disagree with the price. A player with the potential to be your lead back in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-round pick is excellent.
Tanner Mckee – QB, Stanford (C-)
The Eagles don’t need McKee to be their starting quarterback, so they could see what they can do to develop him during the offseason. Marcus Mariota serves as the Eagles’ QB2, so they could get another quarterback to challenge Ian Book for the QB3 position. Roseman adds more depth to the roster with this pick.
Moro Ojomo – DT, Texas (C)
Ojomo had the potential to be a solid pick. It’s hard to have too many bodies at that position, given how the Eagles used a six-man defensive interior rotation by the conclusion of last season. We’ll see if Ojomo can secure a spot on the roster and possibly some playing time in a supporting role.