Eagles Mock Draft Roundup: Where is Philly Trending?

Five experts believe the Philadelphia Eagles will add a piece for defensive coordinator Sean Desai with their top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Tim Kelly | Apr 11, 2023

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Philadelphia Eagles

As the 2023 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, here's the latest look at what experts believe the Philadelphia Eagles will do with their first of two picks in the first round.

Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

In this mock, the Eagles trade down twice from the No. 10 overall pick. First, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade selections 19, 50 and 153 in this year's draft to move up and select quarterback Will Levis. Howie Roseman and company then move down a second time, sending the 19th overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings, who select quarterback Hendon Hooker. In return, the Eagles receive the No. 23 and No. 87 selections. With the 23rd pick, the Eagles select Kancey, who had 16 sacks and 34.5 tackles for a loss.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

The Eagles always have a plethora of productive pass rushers, and Van Ness would help them to replenish their current crop. Between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he accumulated 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.

Jack McKessy of The Draft Network: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Darius Slay and James Bradberry will be back in 2023, but the former is 32-years-old and the latter is 29. Making this investment protects the Eagles if either of their starters gets injured, and allows them to develop a future stalwart on the outside.

Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

What's intriguing about Branch, according to Monson, is that while he's a safety he "was elite covering the slot" in his final season playing for Nick Saban. Both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps departed in free agency, so whether it's in the first round or not, the Eagles will likely need to invest an early pick at safety.

Bucky Brooks of NFL Media: Nolan Smith - EDGE, Georgia

Smith has been a popular name linked to the Eagles during mock draft season. Smith combined for 15 tackles for a loss over his final two seasons at Georgia, and would be reunited with collegiate teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean.

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Published Apr 11, 2023

TIM KELLY

Tim Kelly is a contributor to SI's NFL team sites. Additionally, Kelly covers the Philadelphia Phillies as the Editorial Director for PhilliesNation.com. Previously, Kelly has been a producer at SportsRadio 94 WIP and a content producer for Audacy Sports, with written content syndicated to WIP, WFAN, WEEI and some of the biggest sports radio stations in the country. Kelly also has contributed to Bleacher Report, Just Baseball, Sports Talk Philly and Section 215, FanSided's Philadelphia affiliate. Kelly is a 2018 graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in political science.