Philadelphia Eagles Revamp Defense and Add Offensive Weapons in 2023 NFL Draft

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ICARO Media Group
News
30/04/2024 20h23

The Philadelphia Eagles made significant moves during the 2023 NFL Draft, completely revamping their defense and adding talented offensive players to their roster. With their nine picks, they focused on enhancing their secondary and providing their new defensive coordinator with key players for his versatile scheme.

The Eagles wasted no time addressing their needs in the secondary, selecting Toledo All-American cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Iowa star safety Cooper DeJean with their first two picks. Both players possess exceptional athleticism and promise to be valuable additions to the team. Mitchell is expected to become a shutdown cornerback, while DeJean brings versatility as a "Swiss army knife" player.

These draft choices signaled a clear intention from the Eagles to improve their lackluster defense from the previous season. The team's new defensive coordinator, whose identity is not specified, will be pleased with the additions of Mitchell and DeJean, who will help implement his strategic vision.

While the defensive upgrades were a win for the team, there were also some losers in the process. Running back Kenneth Gainwell finds himself in a challenging position after the Eagles signed Saquon Barkley in free agency and drafted Will Shipley from Clemson in the fourth round. Barkley's three-year contract indicates that he will play a significant role in the team's future, potentially limiting Gainwell's opportunities for a breakout season in his contract year. This puts Gainwell at a disadvantage compared to the other running backs on the roster.

Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, like the defensive coordinator, was rewarded with new offensive weapons in the draft. The Eagles selected Shipley, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, and two athletic offensive linemen. The team's offensive line already features established veterans who could challenge guard Tyler Steen for his spot. Additionally, the Eagles drafted offensive guard Trevor Keegan, further increasing the competition. Steen now faces a tougher battle to secure his position.

Special teams coordinator (unnamed) received a new deal during the offseason and will have the opportunity to work with multiple return specialists. Cooper DeJean, Ainias Smith, Shipley, and Isaiah Rodgers are considered as potential dominant return men.

The draft also brings challenges for existing players in the secondary. Cornerbacks Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks, who saw significant action in 2023, have now to contend with the addition of Isaiah Rodgers and two talented rookie cornerbacks. With the versatility of DeJean and the presence of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles will have a deep cornerback unit. This could mean that either James Bradberry, Ringo, Ricks, or Zech McPhearson might see reduced playing time or potentially not make the final roster.

Defensive tackle Daviyon Davis will enter his third year with high expectations following the team's decision not to draft a player in his position. The Eagles seem to have confidence in Davis to step up and contribute alongside a rotating group of defensive tackles that includes Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu, Moro Ojomo, PJ Mustipher, and Noah Elliss.

The Eagles' moves in the 2023 NFL Draft have reshaped their defense and added exciting offensive options. With their new additions, Philadelphia aims to return to the "Gold Standard" of success in the NFL.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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