Latest mock draft has the Eagles making a fun but confusing selection in first round
The latest mock draft from NFL.com has the Philadelphia Eagles making a fun, and also confusing, first-round selection. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has the Eagles selecting USC wide receiver Jordan Addison with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (side note: that's the last pick in the first round — due to the […]
The latest mock draft from NFL.com has the Philadelphia Eagles making a fun, and also confusing, first-round selection.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has the Eagles selecting USC wide receiver Jordan Addison with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (side note: that's the last pick in the first round — due to the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their first-round pick — which means that Zierlein thinks Philly will win Super Bowl LVII).
Like DeVonta Smith, Addison is thin-framed with outstanding ball skills. Adding Addison to the Eagles' receiver room will force defenses into even more pick-your-poison scenarios.
Seeing Addison, who transferred to USC from Pittsburgh, in the Eagles' offense would certainly be fun. He's a dynamic player that would make it nearly impossible to defend Philadelphia's passing game.
But with AJ Brown and DaVonta Smith already on the roster, it seems like the Eagles would be wise to address other needs/concerns in the first round.
The only way this pick makes sense is if Philly feels like they won't be able to extend Smith after the 2023 season (when he's first eligible for an extension). If they think he's going to be too expensive with Brown already on a long-term deal, perhaps they could see Addison as Smith's replacement.
That's getting a bit ahead of ourselves, but it's the only scenario where drafting Addision at No. 31 overall makes sense.
We should learn more about the Eagles' draft plans in the coming weeks. And I'd be surprised if Addison is a legitimate option.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
