Emmanuel Forbes could be a day-one starter for the Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles came up short against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, but a high-impact first-round draft change could put Philadephia over the top next season.
Nick Sirianni’s immediate priority might be finding two new coordinators heading into the 2023 season, but the NFL Draft will be here before he knows it. The Eagles’ front office knows they have to come out of the big event with at least one player capable of being a quality starter at a position of need.
The cold reality that Philadelphia has seven starters from last year’s defense ticketed for free agency means the team’s first-round pick will likely be used to reinforce that side of the ball. The front is getting long in the tooth but there are even more holes to patch in the secondary.
James Bradberry was a really good starter opposite Darius Slay at corner but he’s likely going to exceed the team’s budget in free agency. C.J. Gardner-Johnson looks like another flight risk at the strong safety spot. That’s why Eagles fans should keep a close eye on the following three draft prospects as potential trade up targets in Round 1.
Eagles: 3 prospects Philadelphia could move up for in the 2023 NFL Draft
3. Emmanuel Forbes
The former Mississippi State star really stands out on film with his willingness to compete for the football on the outside. He’s going to need some time to learn the intricacies of the pro game, but he’s got the physical and mental skills required to become a quality starter in relatively short order.
Some teams will shy away from Forbes because he lacks the agility to slide inside and cover slot receivers. The Eagles already have that spot filled with Avonte Maddox. They are one of the teams best suited to get the most out of a true outside corner like Forbes.
There’s a chance he could slip to Philadelphia all the way down at No. 31, but moving up to the mid-20s would be a lot safer proposition. Forbes isn’t the sexiest pick the Eagles can make in Round 1, but he can fill a pressing need.
