Oh my god—That defensive line. Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, and now Jalen Carter & Nolan Smith. The Eagles somehow landed two players I would’ve absolutely been fine with picking at 10. News also came out last night that the Eagles moved up 28 spots in the third round of this year’s draft for only a fifth round pick. What a night for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jalen Carter is the best player in this draft for a multitude of reasons. His ability to lineup anywhere on the defensive line while still affecting the run & pass game make him a fit for any scheme, especially the Eagles. Carter is far and away the best prospect to ever be drafted by a Super Bowl contender. The trade from 10 to 9 was also a great move. The Eagles prevented anyone else from trading up to 9 by only giving a 2024 fourth. I thought for sure it would cost more. With a multitude of former Georgia teammates, a number of great Eagles veterans in the locker room, and an overall great organization, Jalen Carter is going to the perfect situation.
I would’ve been happy with the Eagles picking Nolan Smith at 10. At 30? I’m through the roof. Smith is such a good fit for the Eagles. He’s got impressive stats, eye-opening film, high upside, and is a perfect scheme fit. Smith is most commonly compared to Eagles’ current edge rusher Haason Reddick. The comp not only indicates how well Smith will fit in the Eagles defense, but how similar the two players’ athletic profiles are. Some of Smith’s best run stops and pass rushing reps are eerily similar to Reddick. Smith is also a great locker-room guy. Kirby Smart and the Georgia fanbase have raved about his leadership for years. In any other case, I expect Howie Roseman would’ve traded back, but Nolan Smith was too good to pass up.