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Eagles win 2023 Draft!

 


Going into this 2023 draft / RFA (Rookie Free Agency) period, this author felt the greatest needs were, ironically, the Eagles areas of greatest strength… Offensive and Defensive Lines.
  Why?  In addition to the loss via 2023 Veteran Free Agency of two Pro Bowlers (Javon Hargrave at DT and Isaac Seumalo at Right Guard), simple… age. 

When managing a salary cap, ya can’t keep everybody), DT Fletcher Cox, DE Brandon Graham and C Jason Kelce are likely entering their final seasons in 2023, and RT Lane Johnson appears to have just 2-3 seasons left.   These players have been extraordinary franchise cornerstones: Kelce- future HOF, Johnson can solidify that same stature over his few remaining seasons, Cox has legitimate arguments for the Hall of Fame, starting with being a member of the all-decade team of 2010-2019.  Graham, while not a Hall-Of-Famer, certainly belongs in the “Hall of Very Good” as a franchise icon including owning perhaps the greatest play in Eagle history (strip sack of Tom Brady to win Super Bowl 52). 

These are extremely difficult replacements.  Things started with last years draft when DT Jordan Davis was taken in round 1 and C Cam Akers was taken in round 2.  We’ll see if these 2 “red-shirt” players from the 2022 Super Bowl participants can live up to their tall billing (LB Nakobe Dean was a 3rd “red shirt”).  But it was clear further reinforcements would be required as focal points of the Birds 2023 draft (as it turned out, 3 of the Eagles first 4 picks were linemen).

Draft Value- most teams have finally become smart enough to look to get the best player at their draft spot rather than just filling a position of need.  HOWIE is ahead of this thinking… He is about understanding up front the leagues perceived value for the draftees (not easy, requires superior networking).  HOWIE then moves up OR down the draft board, getting his players of choice at the lowest possible draft position (best possible deal = value). Simultaneously, HOWIE acquires or spends draft assets (in moving up or down) judiciously, increasing over time his draft collateral (value again, via the drafts version of cash). In addition, the ability to understand & incorporate positional value (and cost) aligned to a draftees 4 or 5 year deal is just 1 example of several additional layers of integrated thinking that the Eagles and Roseman apply to the draft.  This is why Bijan Robinson, one of the 5 best players in this draft, was never a serious consideration for Philly in the top 10 picks.  His positional value severely deprecated his overall value (per this author to somewhere in the mid to late teens).  Robinson at 10 would cost Mikes Sanders FA money for 4 years, then a 5th year option, while “eating” into the value of Jalen Hurts as a runner. 

Projections- Teams project [players into their systems.  In this authors view, forecasts for players are like a pie chart, with % probability that a player will perform at particular levels.  First picks in NFL drafts have been busts (QB Baker Mayfield for the Browns).  Final picks have had significant success (see Brock Purdy, QB 49ers last year). 

Lets look at what players the Eagles acquired, what their estimated value was, and some projections and comments regarding what they might be able to accomplish in an Eagle uniform… 

Round 1- Jalen Carter Defensive Tackle Georgia, Age- 22, 6’3” 314  

Projected Value: 4th in draft   Acquired #9   Draft Value: 1800 – 1350 = 450 draft value points

The Experts: PFF: Carter is neck and neck with Quinan Williams for the best defensive tackle prospect we’ve graded at PFF in the last 10 years.  Ourlads: As part of an outstanding Georgia defensive line in 2021 he still stood out with incredible production.  Sporting News: The Bulldogs' repeat championship front had a clear new anchor with Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker all finding new (NFL) homes last year, but Carter, a disruptive force inside, combined all those recent draftees' qualities into a complete package.  33rd Team: Carter is a quick-twitch yet powerful defensive tackle who owns the speed to puncture the pocket, the strength to manhandle blockers, and a rare skill set to make an impact on defense from Day 1.  Greg Cossell: High level prospect with every single trait you look for- athleticism, quickness, explosiveness, strength and power.  A disrupter but also a playmaker, he’s got both range & closing burst, making him an ultimate defensive lineman prospect.  y

Floor: Carter had off field issues auto racing that resulted in tragedy.  Immaturity could have him out of the league if things go awry and he violates the law.

Ceiling: Carter has a real chance to be one of the members of this draft class to enter the Hall Of Fame.

Expectation: The Eagles have the infrastructure to enable this player.  This author expects Carter to have multiple All-Pro selections.  Great Pick!

How to mitigate the risk of drafting Jalen Carter, a great talent but a player suggested to lack maturity:

  • Leadership- Setting Carter straight on multiple levels, and from multiple directions will be critical.  Note the multi-layered approach of people that will “have his back” and help “wire him right: ”
    • Team Leader: Jalen Hurts “owns” the locker room, bringing a serious, subdued measure of professionalism, “want to” & “confidence without cockiness” every day (Carter will need this).  Hurts leads by example.  New receiver Olamide Zacchaeus refers to Hurts as “calm, comforting and stoic.”
    • Position Leadership: Fletcher Cox & Brandon Graham are franchise icons in the twilight of decorated careers.  They will provide the specific (defensive line) position leadership, energy and mentorship Carter will need to learn his role, both on and off the field.
    • Mentors across the Line of Scrimmage: Additional excellent Eagle “captaincy” sits across the line of scrimmage… Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson are 2 possible (probable?) future Hall-Of-famers, & few better mentors exist in the league to show Carter what to expect from his opponents across the NFL line of scrimmage, and what to expect off the field as well. 
    • Traversing the path, a step ahead: Carter will have another pair of mentors on the field, but this time in friends he knows well from his time at Georgia… Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis.  Both are expected to start, so will be on the field with Carter.  Dean was the defensive captain and leader of the defense at Georgia, and will now play the “Mike” LB role in Philly.  Davis played (and will play) beside Carter on the defensive interior, and was his closest personal friend on the team, a mentor for Carter at Georgia (being 1 year his senior).
    • Peer relationships are also important!  Joining Carter will be 2 Georgia teammates who are also Eagle rookies… Edge rusher Nolan Smith  and cornerback Kelee Ringo.  It is quite a comfort to have “brothers” joining you from your old school similarly drafted as Eagle rookies, especially positive examples with leadership qualities.
  • Culture- Team first mentality, it resonates how the team can be more than the sum of its parts:
    • These mini-quotes describe what the GM and coach have created: … Doing things for one/another…  Common purpose...  All for one… An ability to share and elevate ideas…  Taking control of ourselves and our destiny…  Embracing an “Under-Dawg” mentality…  Teammates being there for each other in tough spots… guys aren’t quick to get out of here, everybody is still in the back chilling… Everyone has a role, and everyone has bought in… Guys are so happy for each other.
    • An alchemic blend of young and old- Each position room has one or two established voices that make sure standards are met.  “A young guy or a new guy may have a mistake here or there, and an older guy who’s been here longer will step in and say, ‘All right, this is what you’re doing, and this is how we do it.’”
    • Johnson said the revelry on flights is a shared experience between classes and position groups, even if he and Kelce, as the old heads, don’t join in as often anymore.
  • Coaching in Philly is teaching first.  While this’ll be critical for Carter, he has been prepared for the NFL by Georgia DC Kirby Smart who taught his D Linemen a complex scheme, with slanting/stunting in running one of the most sophisticated defenses in college football.
  • Carter does not have to be “the guy” since he’ll be part of a very deep (historic?) group.

Round 1- Nolan Smith Edge Georgia, Age- 22.2, 6’2” 238  

Projected Value: 14th in draft   Acquired #30   Draft Value: 1300 – 700 = 600 draft value points

The Experts: PFF: Smith is a modern undersized edge-rusher who, at only 238 pounds, can be a three-down player (In fact, he earned a 90.0-plus run-defense grade over the past two seasons). He needs more power elements to his pass-rushing toolbox, but he’s a high-end athlete who can win with speed.  Ourlads: Explosive player who turns quickness into power beyond his size, he's an excellent run defender that violently engages blockers to set the edge. Pursues with range on the perimeter, making plays in space, he rarely misses a tackle.  Sporting News: Pure explosiveness with pass-rushing speed, he’s quick enough to get after it against the run and in pass coverage too.  33rd Team: An edge rusher without the bulk to hold up blockers or walk them back, he's most effective when utilizing heavy hands to strike and shed.  He carries a motor to give pursuit and clean up piles at the end of plays.  Greg Cossell: He can fill a Haason Reddick role, a SAM linebacker who plays on the line of scrimmage since he’s a better run defender than Reddick, playing with strength at the point of attack.  But not a great pass rusher at Georgia.  Is he a pass rusher?  Although he’s “super-athletic,” I’m not seeing enough explosive pass rush traits. Perhaps he’s more a pro-bowl caliber LB like Fred Warner? 

Floor: Smith brings the “Jalen Hurts” level of “try & desire” to succeed.  He’ll be at worst an above average starter in this league either at Edge or Sam LB.

Ceiling: Smith is continually compared to last year’s defensive player of the year candidate H Reddick.

Expectation: Again, in the Eagles system it’s hard not to envision multiple Pro Bowls for a player with Smith’s personality, desire and athletic skill.  Excellent Pick!  In contrast to the respected Cosell’s comment “I’m not seeing enough explosive pass rush traits,” cccording to Pro Football Focus, Nolan Smith had a 25.5 percent pass rush win rate, which was fifth-highest of all pass-rushers who played at least 20 percent of their team’s snaps in 2022. Smith was well higher than all the other top EDGE rushers in the class.

 

In considering just how good the combination of these 2 first rounders is, if you could have whispered in HOWIE’s ear that Jalen Carter (yes, Carter, not Smith) would fall to 30 for him, then who would Howie have taken at spot 10?  Arguably, outside the possibility of taking OL Peter Skoronski at 10, it seems likely Nolan Smith could very well have been the 10th pick!  Think about that!  Eagles know they get Carter at 30, and Nolan Smith is arguably (with likely only Skoronski) the pick at 10!  Amazing symmetry/quality across the 2 picks, including how they integrate with both each other, and Jordan Davis/Nakobe Dean.

The Eagles traded their round 2 selection, near the end of round 2, to Houston, for their top of round 3 selection plus picks in rounds 6 and 7 (62 for 65,188 & 230).

 

Round 3- Tyler Steen Guard Alabama, Age- 22.8 6’6” 321  

Projected Value: 101st in draft   Acquired #65   Draft Value: 96 – 265 = -169 draft value points

The Experts: PFF: Steen has four years of starting experience but figures to be a guard convert at the next level. He’s one of the more powerful linemen in this class and has the traits to be a plus pass-protecting guard.  Ourlads: Position versatility is a major plus. His traits may align more with a quality starting guard but no matter where he ends up, he plays a dependable and physical brand.    Sporting News: Steen is a very athletic pass protector with a nice frame for it who needs to get more of a feel for more effective run blocking.  33rd Team: Tyler Steen will get picked and start in the NFL at offensive tackle from Day 1. He does not have the top-level athletic ability you hope for but he is tough, strong and has produced..  Greg Cossell: I know they (Philly) see him as a guard but I thought his tape in 2022 at left tackle was good, really good in pass protection... He will compete for the starting right guard position and it would not surprise me if he wins that. 

Floor: Steen is smart, athletic and his floor appears to be a swing player manning multiple backup spots on the O-Line, ag both Guard or Tackle.

Ceiling: Smith was adept at Left Tackle in college.  This author thinks his ceiling would be to inherit Lane Johnson’s right tackle role upon Lane’s retirement. 

Expectation: This author gets a sense of Steen replacing the greater competence of Isaac Seumalo, so his most likely long term role will be as an above average starter at Right Guard (swinging to Tackle in an injury pinch), where he can achieve a Pro Bowl or two with his combo of size, smarts & athleticism.    Good pick, just concerned about the Eagles overall lack of depth if J Mialata or Lane Johnson go down.

 

Round 3- Sydney Brown Safety Illinois, Age- 23.0 5’10” 211  

Projected Value: 78th in draft   Acquired #66   Draft Value: 200 – 255 = -55 draft value points

The Experts: PFF: Has prodigious physical gifts which turned into elite production in 2022. He picked off six passes and broke up six more in primarily a box role this past season, making one wonder what he can do patrolling deeper.  Ourlads: An instinctive physical two-way safety prospect who has been a leader of the Illinois secondary the past five years, he's equally at home in deep zones or in the box. Always around the ball, he has an excellent ability to quickly diagnose run/pass & suddenly react downhill or laterally, with a closing burst locating the ball, getting to more plays than most safeties.  As a zone defender he's solid processing route combinations and his quick reactions get him to the throwing lane, where he’s been productive getting his hands on the ball.    Sporting News: Brown has very good physicality, outstanding coverage savvy and positional versatility, suggesting he can play either NFL nickel corner or NFL safety, and play those positions well.  33rd Team: Sydney Brown is a compactly built safety who can align all over the field, do anything a defensive coordinator could want a safety to do, and do it well. If he was bigger, he would have been a first-round prospect in this year's class.  Greg Cossell: The Eagles are big on measurables & analytics... He has phenomenal athletic testing measurables. While he plays with urgency, movement, high-level competitiveness, has outstanding play speed and range, making plays from sideline to sideline, he is not a very good tackler. He's exceptionally good at man-to-man coverage. 

Floor: A 3rd safety and one of the team’s best Special Teamers.

Ceiling: Plain and simple- Malcolm Jenkins, a multi-time pro-bowler.    

Expectation: Brown is an instinctive, athletic and aggressive player that will bring that extra component of “extreme want to” in an Eagle roster already loaded with that personality trait.  This author believes his ceiling can be the next excellent safety in Eagle tradition that includes names like Brian Dawkins and Bill Bradley.  While not reaching the heights of Dawkins, Brown can perhaps catch more than a glimmer of Malcolm Jenkin’s value.    Good Pick.

 

The Eagles had traded out of rounds 4 & 5, but with Kelee Ringo still available as Day 3 began, the Eagles used their 3rd rounder next year (knowing it’d likely be a late 3rd rounder and that they’d have a second third rounder as compensation for Javon Hargrave’s Free Agency signing) to acquire pick #105 from Houston…

 

Round 4- Kelee Ringo Cornerback Georgia, Age- 20.7 6’2” 207  

Projected Value: 39th in draft   Acquired #105   Draft Value: 510 – 84 = 426 draft value points

The Experts: PFF: Ringo is a mammoth cornerback at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. He’s built to play in a press-heavy defense on the outside. He’s just a touch inconsistent on his breaks and allowed 552 yards this past fall.  Ourlads: Physical corner with ideal length, twitch and speed who's Proven adept in a variety of coverages (zone / man) and techniques (corner press & outside zone). Sudden breaking on the throw. Flashes ball skills, wins 50/50 battles, solid fundamental tackler & makes plays in space. But he showed some uncharacteristic inconsistency in reactions in 2022, at times allowing receivers to get up on his toes, & he was late flipping his hips. As a result he gave up more plays than expected. He still played at an elite level and has the tools of a top-flight NFL corner.   Sporting News: Ringo is an extremely athletic and physical corner, using every bit of size and frame well in aggressive coverage. He can make big plays on the ball but he needs to work on being more consistent with his downfield technique.  33rd Team: Ringo has excellent size and straight-line speed to play corner at the NFL level. However, his hip stiffness and lack of elite lateral movement skills are a concern. He makes up for those 2 deficiencies with very good football intelligence and consistent play finish. He should be a first round pick and early starter.  Greg Cossell: Kelly Ringo (Georgia).  Another of this drafts many tall CB. 6’2” 207.  #1 cb in nation coming out of high school & big time recruit per his size/athleticism, he's been too tight hipped and straight line linear in movement, which negatively impacts his change of direction.  A Physical player, both forceful & competitive, with experience playing both man and zone, in both off and press coverage, he's more comfortable playing press, but did NOT play to his timed speed (4.36 but receivers were able to get on top of him because he had issues with eye discipline in zone, so did not always locate ball).   

Floor: NFL backup CB & ST player, so relegated because he’s too susceptible to getting beaten deep.

Ceiling: Top notch starting corner, someone that will frequently compete for Pro Bowl status.   

Expectation: An above average NFL starting corner, better in press than zone, lacking loose hips to wheel with receivers ideally, making up for it with physicality and straight line speed.  A true roll of the dice, a boom or bust choice as a possible future starter as Slay and Bradberry get older.

 

Round 6- Tanner McKee Quarterback Stanford, Age- 22.9 6’6” 231  

Projected Value: 121st in draft   Acquired #188   Draft Value: 52 – 14.6 = 37.4 draft value points

The Experts: PFF: McKee is already well equipped to operate an NFL offense given what he was asked to do at Stanford. He’s one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the class, and he pairs that ability with lightning-quick processing. McKee’s career time to throw at Stanford was a swift 2.49 seconds.  Ourlads: A classic 20th century drop back passer with good size, does not fit in with the new age QBs in the league that create with their legs.  Advanced between the ears, he knows how to properly place the ball.  Limited upside since physical talent is a tier below, but adds a positive presence in the QB room & provides that safe feel should the starter go down.  If he gets put into a quality system with ample protection, he can show off his arm.  Good touch & tempo on his release, adept getting it between levels of the defense, & accurate throwing left to right, putting it where the receiver can make a move immediately after catching the ball. Has enough juice to make all the throws.  Needs to play in a system that focuses on traditional drop back passing and read progressions, projecting as a backup.   Sporting News: In a world of dual-threat QBs, Tanner McKee is a throwback with little to no improvisational skills outside of the pocket. He's a lighthouse in the backfield, a towering presence who tends to stay in one spot for a lengthy period of time.  But my, can he sling it. Lacking the athleticism of some of the bigger names in the 2023 draft, he won't be a first rounder... He's a pocket passing gunslinger.  33rd Team: McKee is a tall pocket passer with a very good arm. He was in constant chaos in Stanford’s offense, under extreme pressure, which affected his development but also proved his toughness..  Greg Cossell: Essentially a pocket QB with minimal athleticism, but pretty refined player in the pocket.  A system QB that can complete all the throws, including RPO's, but he won't be a threat to run.  He's precise, but not high level enough to go on day 2..   

Floor: Unable to make a roster.  XFL Starter.

Ceiling: Top notch backup that, in certain years, will get consideration as a top 30 NFL arm.

Expectation: System backup that can have a multi-year NFL career touting a clipboard, making his share of both plays and mistakes when given the opportunity.

Note- When coaching for the Chargers, Sirianni loved Philip Rivers.  This author think’s he’s looking at QB Tanner McKey as a poor mans Philip Rivers?  Sirianni on QBs- Emphasize 4 traits (Accuracy, Decision Making, ability to create something out of nothing, Arm strength {minimally, ability to make every throw}). McKey has 3 of those 4 qualities, and while athletically he can’t “make something out of nothing,” perhaps Sirianni believes he has the intellect and Moxy to learn to do that with his arm? He was the 6th best QB last year in fewest turnover worthy plays… Pretty darn good given Syracuse had a bad offense (12th worst pass blocking line last year). McKey’s time to throw was very quick.  His receivers had a below average rate of getting open. Philip Rivers is an admittedly high bar.  Perhaps Sirianni sees McKey like Nick Foles?  Prototypical size, & tough- Incredibly courageous in the pocket. 


Round 7- Moro Ojomo Defensive Line Texas, Age- 21.6  6’3”  292  

Projected Value: 112th in draft   Acquired #249   Draft Value: 70 – 1 = 69 draft value points

The Experts: PFF: Ojomo took his game to another level as a redshirt senior in 2022. After earning a 74.9 overall grade in 2021, Ojomo improved to 90.6 this past fall. He’s a long interior rusher who is a force against the run. Interestingly enough, despite being a redshirt senior, Ojomo is still only 21 years old.  Ourlads: Can align both in the interior and on the edge, he plays with relentless effort, never taking a play off. Instantaneous reaction time at the snap, with a very explosive first step which helps him shoot and establish gap presence immediately. Lands his hands with violence and works them inside to maintain leverage. Plays with low pad level, shedding blocks using his strong hands & standing up OL in run responsibility. His physicality and brute strength when engaged helps him consistently win one-on-ones.  Can change direction seamlessly in space without losing speed, providing excellent lateral agility with his quick feet. Shows a variety of ways to win in pass rush using both speed and power, via a pass rush plan with- functional strength & bull rush to collapse the pocket with consistent success, exceptional foot speed for his size that allows him to close on the qb in a hurry, foot quickness and agility to help him stunt successfully, and always, always extra effort. Undersized, he needs to bulk up to stand his ground on the interior at the next level, so he can't be relied upon to anchor down versus double teams. Struggles to bend and corner when pass rushing off the edge. Occasionally his aggressive and high energy play-style causes him to play with bad technique..   Sporting News: Ojomo has put in the work to impress with his raw power. His in-between (tweener) status has become more of a versatile asset late in the draft process.  33rd Team: Moro Ojomo is an undersized, interior defensive lineman with good upfield-initial quickness, strong hands and an excellent motor. He is not a fluid athlete and often falls short of making plays, but he gives solid effort every play. Ojomo should be a late-round pick and a rotational backup.  Greg Cossell: “Desirable combination of strength, power, quickness, movement. He has tremendous arm length which he maximizes effectively via arm extension. He has quick shock coming off of the ball. Scheme versatile, and a positive presence in any DL rotation.”   

Floor: Bounces between Practice Squad and 53 as a DT.

Ceiling: Starting caliber player on both the interior or the edge, with excellent skills as a run defender while also bringing legitimate above average pass rush capability in his repertoire.

Expectation: Not a starter, but quality rotational player & above average run defender. Primarily used inside, but with flexibility to provide good run stopping skills on the edge. Also shows a bit of pass rush juice when playing defensive tackle on pass plays.  This kids nickname NEEDS to be Mojo!  He was HOF football writer Ray Didinger’s top sleeper as selected BEFORE the draft.  ESPN’s Daniel Jeremiah had him as the 111th best prospect (top 10 round 4 pick). Nigerian born, he played in 52 games at Texas.   At 6’2” 292 it’s shocking he’s a stout run defender inside, he’s a lot more than a 7th rounder.

After each years draft comes the “free for all” of Undrafted Rookie Free Agency (UDFA), where undrafted potential rookies are contacted since they are then free to sign with any team interested in their services.  Last year, Reed Blankenship, Britain Covey, Josh Job & Josh Sills made the Eagles roster as UDFA’s.  This author believes MAYBE 1 of the Eagles UDFA will make the roster.  This is not besmirching the talent of the URFA’s the Eagles recently signed… It is more a comment on the current quality of the roster.  Still, a quick look at the Eagles 2023 UDFA class:

  • Top of the UDFA’s is likely CB Eli Ricks, who AFTER the 2022 draft was being mocked as a 2023 first rounder (by ESPN’s Todd McShay, who had him as a top ten 2023 pick at that time).  A tall (6’2”, 188), physical corner, he was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of High School in Arizona.  He played for 2 years at LSU, then transferred to Alabama.  He had “fallen to earth” this year, but was still projected to be at worst a 5th or 6th rounder, not an UDFA (His mundane forty time of 4.55 and poor 3-cone belied his play, which appeared to show a kid with quick feet tht sticks to receivers).  Although their abundance of cornerbacks will keep Ricks off the Eagles 53 man roster, he’ll easily make the (16 player) practice squad.
  • Mekhi Garner is another big physical (LSU) CB (6’2”, 212) built like a safety. His speed is borderline (4.55 forty) who might be better suited to safety than corner.  If this flexibility proves possible, he will make the Eagles practice squad.
  • Trevor Reid is a moderately sized (6’4”, 311) offensive tackle from Louisville who has athletic tools, and did not play football in high school, so appears another potential lump of Clay to be molded by Hall-Of-Fame caliber O-Line coach Jeff Stoutland.  He had a great Pro Day so that, in conjunction with his game tape, shows good athletic ability.  Anticipate a practice squad player who could eventually make the 53-man roster as a backup if he excels at Stoutland University. 
  • Joseph Ngata from Clemson is a big wr, 5 star recruit out of high school that has not yet fulfilled high expectations.  He showed average speed (4.54), more positive though because of his size (6’3”, 217).  He would be a project, and although he will not make the 53 man roster could stick on the practice squad given his unique size. 
  • Jadon Hazelwood is another big wr, another 5 star recruit out of high school that has not yet fulfilled those high expectations (top 10 recruit out of high school).  He originally went to Oklahoma (played 1 season with Jalen Hurts) and then transferred to Arkansas.  He brings versatility in that he can play either outside wr, or in the slot.  A big kid for the position (6’2”, 215), he’s more quick than fast (4.55 forty), so can demonstrate some RAC ability, although he’s not a homerun hitter.  Even if he is a willing ST player and can block well, he won’t make the 53, but would be a string practice squad consideration.
  • LB Ben VanSumeren fr/Michigan St is an outstanding athlete at LB who, per multiple scouting reports, “lacks instincts for the game.”  Another Davion Taylor to me?  Ceiling sounds like ST. 
  • Brady Russell is an older (25) TE who has decent size (6’3”,247) from Colorado, an effort player.  He’ll get his chance in camp, but with the Eagles plethora of TE, not sure there’s even room for him on the practice squad. 
  • OT Chim Okorafor is a small school (Benedictine KS) former basketball player (6’6”, 315) who dominated in football at the division 3 level of play.  With his size and arm length (just a hair under 35”) he brings and interesting raw physical tool set for either Guard or Tackle.  OL guru Stoutland will decide if he’s worthy of a spot on the practice squad to develop his skills.
  • Ty Zetner (no, not Ty Detmer!) was ranked by “Puntalitics” as the 5th best punter in college football.  Zetner also was the kicker and kickoff specialist too, making him a flexible addition (can he hold for Jake Elliot?) IF anything ever happened to Jake Elliot in season.  According to Puntalitics, Zetner represents something different for the Eagles.  They had, with punters like Siposs, previously looked for “pin deep” specialists who could accurately kick the ball out of bounds inside the 20 or even the 10.  But given Sirianni aggressive approach on offense when the Eagles get past their own 40, it appears the Eagles may be emphasizing a “big leg” kid (averaged 44.5 yds/punt in 2022) who, when punting from inside your own 30 can try to “flip the field.”  Zetner fits this mold… He has a “Monster leg, but also had the 3rd best “pin deep” score amongst college punters.  He is the best UDFA in the Eagles class, with a real chance to beat out Siposs and make the roster.

“Hot takes” from Roseman’s performance during draft weekend, where upon first review, on paper only, appears a high quality 2023 draft?

  • (Draft) Value is a supreme goal.  5 of the 7 players netted positive draft points at their position taken.  Safety Sydney Brown may have been taken a bit early, but he was an Eagle “Red Star” player suggesting the Eagle scouts loved him, and Howie showed trust in their instincts.  Offensive Lineman Tyler Steen was the “least value driven pick” for Philly in this draft, but no doubt a pick clearly influenced by Jeff Stoutland.  There are few people alive with a better eye than Stoutland for NFL Offensive line talent… we’ll trust the reach!  Overall, the “Value” metric shows the Eagles selections were cumulatively 1358 draft points “better” than where they were taken, the equivalent of adding the 9th pick in the draft to the 7 picks!  Time will tell (TWT).
  • Patience- Sometimes it is about waiting for the draft board to come to him.  Howie waited on the supreme first round talents of Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.  His patience was rewarded.  Have the Eagles gotten 2 of top 3 defensive linemen (players?!) in this draft?  Time will tell (TWT).
  • Aggressiveness- Thanks Mr. Laurie, for enabling Howie to make mistakes and learn from them.  Howie is not “drafting for his job.”  When Kelee Ringo fell to day 3, Howie made an aggressive move to trade back up into Day 3.  Is Ringo a shut down corner of the Eagles future?  TWT
  • Build thru the Trenches- The philosophy holds true.  Four of the 7 picks were linemen, and 3 of the first 4. 
  • Win via the Pass, stop the pass- In addition to his 4 linemen, Roseman took a backup QB and 2 defensive backs to round out his draft.
  • Draft Champions- In his last 3 drafts, Rosemn has selected 7 college champions.
  • Leadership- Roseman loves drafting team captains (2 this year).
  • Outside the box thinking- Roseman took a tackle in the 3rd round to play guard, a box safety in the 3rd round to play post safety, an immobile QB to backup his running qb, a “tweener” edge rusher in Nolan Smith that others let drop because he doesn’t weigh 250 and an undersized defensive tackle / defensive end in round 7 who dropped in part because he doesn’t seem to fit either defensive tackle or defensive end (all he does is play great football!).
  • Draft collateral for a vet: For the 2nd year in a row, Howie moved a draft pick (in this case a 2025 4th rounder) to acquire a current NFL player where depth was considered a bit thin.  RB D’Andre Swift was acquired from the Detroit Lions.  In the final year of his rookie deal, Swift is a young, talented Eagle in 2023.  Per on-field performance, Roseman will either resign him next off season, or let him walk and potentially leverage the compensatory pick that could result.
  • Measurables matter early- In the first 5 selections, the Eagles selected Carter, Smith, Brown, Steen and Ringo for their athleticism “fit” at their projected positions.
  • Take a Flyer Late- The Eagles took a non-athletic QB late.  Why?  He can sling the rock, baby!
  • In the GM chair, could anyone have done better?  Nope, Howie continues to amaze with his performance.  Best in the business.

Most immediate Eagle needs-

  • Even 1 year removed, this young man puts it best (LB).
  • Backup at both Offensive Tackle spots, especially LT (Jack Driscoll can play RT competently). Especially someone that can eventually inherit Lane’s role on the right side once he retires?  Short term Option- If Mialata gets hurt Kick Lane over to the Left side, play Driscoll on the right?  Steen may grow into being a backup LT, but he’ll never be an Andre Dillard, let alone a Mialata!!
  • New receiver Olamide Zacchaeus is a pretty good slot receiver who can play alongside the 2 starters, but he is not a backup for outside receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.  This author was not a fan of the repeated failures of Quez Watkins last year.  What to do backing up the 2 stud receivers, especially given the fact that the #4 wr last year, cromulent Zach Pascal, left in FA?  Watkins himself admitted he had a bad year (especially a dropped ball in the Super Bowl that could well have changed the final result). Give Watkins another try at 2.8mil, or cut him and save that additional $$?
Howie has proven talented at adding pieces late into the summer, or even during the season.  We’ll watch the master at work!



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