The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the more intriguing teams to keep an eye on during the 2023 NFL Draft. They will once again have multiple picks in the first round, courtesy of last year’s Draft Day trade with the New Orleans Saints. Philadelphia is picking 10th via New Orleans and their pick landed at No. 30.
There have been rumors swirling that the Eagles could trade the 10th pick if the opportunity arose. It would make some sense to trade back as they are lacking picks in the middle rounds. Philadelphia has four picks in the first three, but won’t be on the clock again until Round 7.
Trading back and accumulating some picks in Rounds 4, 5 and 6 wouldn’t be the worst idea. But, it is rare for a Super Bowl participant to be picking that high. The Eagles have a chance to add a truly impactful rookie to their roster should they stick in that spot.
In his most recent mock draft over at ESPN, that is exactly what Mel Kiper Jr. has them doing. With the 10th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Kiper believes the Eagles will make a shocking selection, selecting Texas running back Bijan Robinson.
“The Eagles might prefer to trade back, but why not take an elite runner/receiver who could help them win now? It might go against the organization’s philosophy to take a running back this high, but the fit is logical, whether it’s at No. 10 or a few spots later. If it’s not Robinson, I thought about tackle/guard Peter Skoronski (Northwestern).”
Two decades ago, there was a good chance that Robinson would be the first pick in the draft; he is that talented of a player. Some scouts believe he is the best player in this year’s draft, but the running back position has been so devalued around the league his draft range is wide.
Philadelphia isn’t known to put much of an emphasis on the running back position, but Robinson is a player that could help them win games right away. They lost starting running back Miles Sanders in free agency, as he signed a deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Rashaad Penny was signed to help replace him, but Penny’s injury history is lengthy. He also doesn’t have much of an impact in the passing game, where Robinson is very productive. A true three-down back is rare in the NFL these days, but the former Longhorn is certainly capable of such a role.
Having a second first-round pick also makes a luxury pick such as Robinson easier to stomach. The Eagles can fill their other needs with that selection, which Kiper also has them doing. Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is mocked to Philadelphia at No. 30, giving them two immediate producers at positions of need.
