NFL draft 2023 winners and losers: Eagles shine as 49ers underwhelm

Philadelphia Eagles. In the past two seasons, the Eagles have given masterclasses in how to execute a perfect draft. The reigning NFC champions have found gold in the south by selecting top-tier players from college football’s best defense. In last year’s draft, the Eagles selected two dominant defensive players, Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, both of whom helped the Georgia Bulldogs capture the 2022 national championship.

The Eagles returned to Georgia this year. After a trade with the Chicago Bears, the Eagles moved up one position to the ninth pick and selected Jalen Carter, the Georgia defensive tackle once rated as a top-five talent before an off-the-field issue hurt his draft position. Although Carter didn’t help his cause by showing up to his pro day apparently out of shape, he may end up as the steal of this year’s draft if he performs to his potential.

With the 30th pick, the Eagles added another steal in Georgia’s Nolan Smith, a relentless pass rusher many considered a top-15 prospect. Then, in the fourth round, they snagged Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo, known for his game-clinching pick-six that secured the 2022 national title against Alabama. Through a draft day trade with the Detroit Lions, the Eagles added another former Georgia player: running back D’Andre Swift, who scored eight touchdowns last season.

But beyond using UGA as their own minor league team, the Eagles drafted several other players who will compete for playing time in 2023. Third-round pick Tyler Steen, an offensive tackle from Alabama, will help protect the Eagles’ $225m man and MVP candidate, Jalen Hurts. And Sydney Brown, a safety from Illinois, will help solidify an Eagles defense that will continue to terrify opponents.

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