Eagles mock draft: Adding talent in trenches, secondary among Birds’ primary focus

After a stinging loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night in Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles’ focus shifts to the 2023 NFL draft, where the Birds have three selections among the top 63 picks.

The Senior Bowl, which wrapped up the week before the Super Bowl, ushered in a three-month period of speculating where prospects will end up and how they will be viewed by NFL teams. The pinnacle of the draft evaluation season is the NFL scouting combine, set to begin Feb. 28 in Indianapolis.

With Brandon Graham, Javon Hargrave, and Fletcher Cox potentially hitting free agency, the defensive line could be a big point of importance for the Eagles. Continuing to build secondary depth with James Bradberry likely looking for a big payday is another area of focus.

» READ MORE: Five NFL draft prospects Eagles fans should keep an eye on during bowl season

Picking this high seems like a prime trade-back scenario for the Eagles, with endless possibilities of positions they could select this high in the draft. In this particular mock draft, players including Myles Murphy and Tyree Wilson are already off the board, meaning the Eagles end up targeting a defensive back, selecting Porter.

If Bradberry signs with another team, Porter has the natural ranginess (6-foot-2, 194 pounds) that aligns with a growing trend across the NFL, especially after the rookie seasons that the Jets’ Sauce Gardner and the Seahawks’ Tariq Woolen put together in 2022.

The son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter began the season with six pass breakups in the Nittany Lions’ win over Purdue, forcing opponents after that game to stop targeting him. While the Nittany Lions starter can get grabby at the top of routes and plays with physicality at the catch point, he produced 20 passes deflected (11 in 2022) and one interception in his college career.

Others considered: Devon Witherspoon, DB, Illinois; Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

The Eagles love to have versatile players, especially on defense. White has the power profile and skills to rush the passer from the interior and off the edge. The Yellow Jackets defensive lineman uses his strong hands to disengage blocks and quick first step to get into the backfield on running downs, while utilizing his power as a pass rusher to bulldoze offensive linemen into the backfield.

Playing at 6-4, 293 this season, White moves with the explosiveness of a 265-pound player, showing his never-ending motor to chase down plays from the back side and finding his way to the quarterback. He finished 2022 with 14 tackles for losses and 7½ sacks after missing eight games with injury during the 2021 season, transferring in from Old Dominion.

During the Senior Bowl, White showcased his ability to blow up run plays during Days 1 and 2 of practice. His pass-rush plan needs to continue to grow, but he’s a high-upside player.

» READ MORE: Senior Bowl practice standouts: DL Keion White, DB Tyrique Stevenson could be options for Eagles in draft

Others considered: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State; Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

After getting to watch Hall in person during Senior Bowl week, where he really popped on Day 2 of practice, the fit seems evident with Hall and the Eagles. Measuring in at 6-2, 252 with 34⅜-inch arms, the three-year Auburn starter flashes power in defending the run, often utilizing his long arms to ward off offensive tackles. His speed-to-power conversions against tackles could allow him to fill Brandon Graham’s role as a 4i/5-technique player and make his presence immediately known in the running game.

Hall has the floor to be a six- or seven-sack player as a rookie. Developing a pass-rush plan will be key (he finished 2022 with seven sacks), but his physical profile is extremely impressive.

Others considered: Isaiah Foskey, edge rusher, Notre Dame; Chris Smith, S, Georgia

» READ MORE: Senior Bowl: Auburn’s Derick Hall and Stanford’s Kyu Blu Kelly are intriguing options for the Eagles