NFL Draft 2023: Eagles’ top options at safety
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. Weve already looked at LB, CB, DT and edge.
At safety, the Eagles lost both of their starters from the 2022 season in free agency. Marcus Epps went to the Raiders and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Lions. That left the Eagles extremely light at the position. And that is still the case after adding Terrell Edmunds and Justin Evans on cheap free agent deals.
Because if the season started today, Edmunds and Reed Blankenship would likely be the starters, leaving the backups as KVon Wallace, Evans and Andre Chachere.
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 safety options throughout the draft:
First-round options
Brian Branch, Alabama (5-11, 190): The Eagles have never drafted a safety in the first round of the draft and it seems somewhat unlikely theyll do it this year either. But the one guy who should be in play is Branch, who is the best safety in a class that leaves plenty to be desired. Hes a tad undersized but Branch played at a college powerhouse and appears to be NFL-ready. And he offers position flexibility as a safety and nickel corner with cover skills.
Mid-round options
Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M (6-2, 198): Another player with some versatility as a safety/nickel, Johnson actually offers more prototypical size and length. Johnson was a two-year starter for the Aggies. He had 164 tackles and 14 TFLs in his college career.
JL Skinner, Boise State (6-4, 209): The big safety from Boise turned some heads at the Senior Bowl this offseason after starting for three seasons in college. But unfortunately he suffered a torn pec while working out in February, so he wasnt able to perform at the combine and needed surgery. So Skinner might not fill the immediate need but maybe hell last longer in the draft?
Jordan Battle, Alabama (6-1, 209): While hes being overshadowed by his teammate Branch in the pre-draft process, Battle figures to be a solid pro. Theres nothing spectacular about him in terms of his physical traits but Battle was a team captain at Alabama and started 44 games in his college career. High floor prospect who could go late Day 2/early Day 3.
Sydney Brown, Illinois (5-10, 211): The Eagles picked up a rare five-year starter in Blankenship after last years draft and that worked out. Heres another five-year starter in Brown, who had a monster season in 2022 with 6 interceptions, 13 pass breakups and 3.5 tackles for loss. Hes the type of physical, hard-nosed safety who might become a fan favorite in Philly.
JiAyir Brown, Penn State (5-11, 203): The Eagles dont have a great history drafting Penn State players but Brown is an intriguing prospect who was a team captain in 2022 as a senior. Like Jaquan Brisker, Brown went from Lackawanna College and then transferred to PSU. Brisker was a second-round pick last year. Brown offers versatility, having lined up in plenty of positions on the field for the Nittany Lions. Seems like a good character fit.
Jay Ward, LSU (6-1, 188): Ward offered great versatility at LSU, where he played safety, nickel and outside cornerback. His body type probably better suits him to be a nickel in the NFL but those positions are often interchangeable. Could be an early Day 3 pick with upside who would be a depth piece and special teamer in Year 1.
Late-round sleeper(s)
Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh (5-10, 193): Hill was a two-year starter at Pitt and ran a 4.43 at the combine with a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump. So he has some developable athleticism even with a smallish frame. But he is pretty aggressive. He has some traits that make him worth a Day 3 flyer.
Subscribe to the Eagle Eye podcast
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | Watch on YouTube
