Perfect Picks 2023: Philadelphia Eagles
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez (Cornerback, Oregon)
The Eagles will need to retool on defense due to the number of potential free agents. The sixth overall pick is a bonus, and they grab a cornerback who can immediately fill a need. Christian Gonzalez is long and fast. He has excellent movement skills and the fluid hips to excel in man coverage.
Paired with Darius Slay, it would help lessen the blow should James Bradberry move on. The biggest concern with Gonzalez would be his willingness in the tackle due to his slighter frame. That said, there is a lack of top-end talent in this draft, and Gonzalez’s traits should make him one of the safer options.
Round 1 - Mazi Smith (Defensive Tackle, Michigan)
Being crowned number one on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List pre-season means a certain amount of hype, and in some ways, Mazi Smith never lived up to it. There were only two career sacks while at Michigan, but he displayed an ability to disengage blockers, making him a force against the run.
The traits suggest a high-end player, and the Eagles are at a point where they can roll the dice. Javon Hargrave will test free agency, and the hope is Jordan Davis will improve in his second season. Can Smith be his partner in crime along the defensive front?
Mid Round Gem - Kendre Miller (Running Back, TCU)
Had it not been for a late-season injury, Kendre Miller could have put on a show on the biggest stage of College Football. The TCU running back missed out on a National Championship appearance, which was more than deserved after a fine year.
Miller flashed as Zach Evans’ backup in 2021 and got his chance to lead the backfield when Evans transferred to Ole Miss last spring. He did so admirably, gaining 1,260 rushing yards at an average of 6.3 yards per carry.
Miller offers physicality and a turn of foot that would help the Eagles replace Miles Sanders. Pairing Miller and Kenneth Gainwell, gives Philadelphia a low-cost, high-talent duo at a position where financial restraint could be needed to free cap space elsewhere.
Late Round Sleeper - Kaevon Merriweather (Safety, Iowa)
Both Eagles’ starting safeties are out of contract this offseason. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was an inspired pick-up but could be in high demand on the free market. Marcus Epps was also an underrated presence, who the Eagles may have more chance of keeping.
Either way, the safety class will be of interest to the Eagles. Kaevon Merriweather was impressive, mainly as a strong safety for the Iowa defense but he also showed off his coverage skills with a PFF grade of 89.3. He is a strong open-field tackler and had four pass breakups and three interceptions in 2022. That versatility will be welcomed should both starters leave.
Draft In Full:
Round 1 – Christian Gonzalez (Cornerback, Oregon)
Round 1 – Mazi Smith (Defensive Tackle, Michigan)
Round 2 – Joe Tippmann (Center, Wisconsin)
Round 3 – Kendre Miller (Running Back, TCU)
Round 7 – SirVocea Dennis (Linebacker, Pittsburgh)
Round 7 – Kaevon Merriweather (Safety, Iowa)
