Latest mock draft has Eagles adding elite defender
We are now entering the 2023 NFL Draft week. The rumor mill is only getting hotter, with fans and pundits alike theorizing about what moves their teams might make. Matt Miller of ESPN has released his mock draft ahead of a busy week. Miller emphasizes that his mocks are based off of what he's hearing, […]
We are now entering the 2023 NFL Draft week. The rumor mill is only getting hotter, with fans and pundits alike theorizing about what moves their teams might make.
Matt Miller of ESPN has released his mock draft ahead of a busy week. Miller emphasizes that his mocks are based off of what he's hearing, not necessarily what he would do. In the case of the Eagles, however, the pick at No. 10 fits both criteria.
Miller has the Eagles adding a potential blue-chip player at a position of need in the first round.
Miller believes the Eagles will take Oregon corner, Christian Gonzalez. Regarding the pick, Miller said the following:
James Bradberry and Darius Slay are returning for at least one more year, but the Eagles' salary cap dictates they'll need to find cheap starters and this is a chance to get a blue-chip player at value. Gonzalez had four interceptions in 2022 and has 4.38 speed at 6-foot-2.
Miller points to Gonzalez's unique blend of size and speed as a perfect fit for the Philadelphia secondary. The NFL analyst also mentions the advanced ages and expensive salaries of Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
Slay and Bradberry are still quality starters, but due to cap reasons, the Eagles could be forced to move on from one or both after this season. Slay was close to playing elsewhere in 2023.
Even with Slay and Bradberry, the Eagles' secondary could use depth. Zech McPhearson, Greedy Williams, and Josh Jobe currently make up the depth chart. Gonzalez would immediately slot in as a young, controllable corner who has the speed to play inside, and is physical enough to play on the boundary.
Miller does leave open the possibility of a trade-down. According to Miller, the Eagles are "obsessed with adding future first-round picks," and could field calls from QB-needy teams.
Gonzalez had his most productive season in 2022 for the Oregon Ducks. The speedy corner spent the first two seasons of his college career at Colorado before transferring. With the Ducks, Gonzalez secured four interceptions and collected 50 tackles.
