NFL Draft 2023: Eagles’ top options at linebacker
As the 2023 NFL Draft nears, were taking a look at every position on both sides of the ball to find some options for the Eagles throughout the three-day event.
The Eagles lost both of their starting linebackers in free agency as T.J. Edwards went to Chicago and Kyzir White joined Jonathan Gannon in Arizona. The only player the Eagles have brought in at the position is Nicholas Morrow, who got a one-year deal without any guaranteed money. So its not like theyre set at the position at all.
Last years third-round pick Nakobe Dean is expected to become one of the starters at the linebacker spot. He was heralded as the steal of the 2022 draft but barely played on defense as a rookie. Hes undersized but was a star for the Georgia defense in college. After Dean and Morrow, the only linebackers on the roster are Davion Taylor, Shaun Bradley and Christian Elliss.
Need level: High
Heres a reminder of the Eagles six picks in this draft:
1-10
1-30
2-62
3-94
7-219
7-248
And here are some defensive tackle options throughout the draft:
First-round options
Drew Sanders, Arkansas (6-4, 235): Yes, we all know the Eagles history of not drafting linebackers in the first round. But were talking about the No. 30 pick with these two guys and thats not as crazy. Sanders began his career at Alabama before playing the 2022 season at Arkansas and broke out in a big way. He had 103 tackles, 9 1/2 sacks, 13 TFLs, 3 FFs and 6 PBUs last season. Depending on how Sean Desai wants to deploy his linebackers, Sanders offers some pass rush upside too. He struggled a bit with missed tackles in college and that will need to be cleaned up at the pro level.
Trenton Simpson, Clemson (6-2, 235): Simpson can fly. He ran a 4.43 at the combine, whereas Sanders was at 4.64. Simpson posted 78 tackles and 77 tackles in his final two college seasons and missed a couple games in his junior season in 2022. Simpson isnt a finished product but will be worthy of a late Day 1, early Day 2 pick. He played high school football at Mallard Creek in North Carolina, the same school where Jordan Davis went.
Mid-round options
Jack Campbell, Iowa (6-4, 249): Campbell is a bit of a throwback because of his size, hovering around 250 pounds. But hes still a more than functional athlete, testing in the 95th percentile in the 3-cone, 94th in the broad jump and 84th in the vert. Campbell had 128 tackles in 2022, following a 143-tackle season in 2021. Was the Bit Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Noah Sewell, Oregon (6-2, 246): The younger brother of former first-round offensive lineman Penei Sewell, Noah Sewell carved out a nice career for himself at Oregon. He was a three-year starter for the Ducks. Had a better season in 2021 with 114 tackles and a first-team All-Pac 12 nod and led the team in tackles in 2020 and 2021.
Henry Tootoo, Alabama (6-1, 227): After starting his career with the Vols, Tootoo played his final two season at Alabama. He led the Crimson Tide with 112 tackles in 2021 and was a first-team All-SEC linebacker in 2022. Could be an option in an area of the draft where the Eagles dont currently have any picks.
Demarvion Overshown, Texas (6-2, 229): Overshown began his college career at safety and then moved to linebacker. The Eagles have some history turning safeties into linebacker and this one is already done for them. The idea here is that these players have more familiarity in coverage. Had his best statistical season in 2022 with 96 tackles, 10 TFLs and 4 sacks; named first-team All-Big 12.
Late-round sleeper(s)
Jeremy Banks, Tennessee (6-1, 232): There are some character red flags with Banks, which could make him a late Day 3 pick. He was was dismissed from the team in 2019 after two separate incidents but was eventually brought back in 2020. Banks actually began his career in college as a running back before flipping sides. After returning to the team, he ended up becoming a starter in 2021 and 2022 and had 128 tackles as a junior.
Mohamoud Diabate, Utah (6-3, 225): Diabate is one of my favorite sleepers in this entire draft. He began his college career at Florida before finishing it off at Utah in 2022, taking over for first-rounder Devin Lloyd with the Utes. He had 5 sacks and 13 TFLs in 2022 and has shown an ability to get in the backfield with his 4.51 speed. He also has a freakish 80-inch wingspan. Hes a developmental player but has a solid resume and traits worth developing.
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