Top Three Options for the Eagles at Pick 10

Apr 26, 2023

The 2023 NFL Draft is right on deck, and the Philadelphia Eagles are a rare team that is slated to pick in the top 10 coming off of a Super Bowl appearance. Every possibility as to what Howie Roseman may do with the tenth pick has been discussed at length to this point. Let’s assume they decide to stick and pick at this slot and look at their top three options there (out of players who could realistically be available at pick 10).

1 – Nolan Smith – EDGE, Georgia

I would have Jalen Carter here, but I can not see him realistically making it to the Eagles without them trading up, even with the off-field baggage. Instead, I will go with another monster athlete on Georgia’s defense, Nolan Smith. I am a big Nolan Smith fan. He has been mocked all over the place in the first round, likely due to his recent injury, smaller frame, and underwhelming production. However, he put on an absolutely absurd Combine performance that should wave the injury concerns away, he is very comparable in size to Haason Reddick, and he was on a defense filled with great NFL prospects who all had to share stats (and the aforementioned injury did not help in that regard either). Smith is a seamless fit in the Eagles’ defense as an uber-athletic speed rusher, whether it be as a defensive end or SAM linebacker. The Eagles love having a deep pass-rush rotation, and Brandon Graham is 35 years old. I think Smith is one of the few players in this class who could fill both a short-term and long-term need on this team, and he is worthy of this draft selection.

2 – Paris Johnson Jr. – OL, Ohio State

This would be an extremely boring outcome for Eagles fans on draft night but also one that is highly on-brand for Howie Roseman and makes a lot of sense as a long-term investment. Johnson is a great athlete for his size and position and is maybe the most NFL-ready lineman at tackle in the class. Short-term, the Eagles love having offensive line depth. Whether he is a backup tackle or takes Cam Jurgens’ spot at right guard (or maybe both), he would be a valuable cog along the line this year. More importantly, he can be developed as the long-term replacement for Lane Johnson, who is expected to play for two more seasons at right tackle. If the Eagles can not land a premier defensive lineman or a worthwhile trade-down package, I think Johnson is a solid consolation prize.

3 – Christian Gonzalez – CB, Oregon

I considered Bijan Robinson here as something of a luxury pick. Still, I think there will likely be value available at more premium positions to the point where I would be hesitant to pull the trigger without trading down. I also just do not think taking a running back in the top 10 is something Howie Roseman is ever going to consider (right or wrong). Instead, I will go with my favorite cornerback in this class in, Christian Gonzalez. The transfer from Colorado has a great length/size/speed combination and is a crazy athlete. He was also very productive last year at Oregon, is physical but smart in man coverage, and does not even turn 21 years old until the end of June. Darius Slay and James Bradberry are both on the wrong end of 30, and the Eagles need depth beyond them anyway. Howie Roseman values the long view with his draft selections, and Gonzalez is someone who can be groomed behind the scenes before eventually taking over in a full-time role.

Top Three Options for the Eagles at Pick 10

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