Eagles news: CBS mock adds Lane Johnson, Miles Sanders insurance
By Bruce Ewing
The Philadelphia Eagles gave up six sacks against the New Orleans Saints. They went 3-12 on third downs, 0-2 on fourth downs, and ran for a total of 67 yards. Some of that is attributable to Lane Johnson’s absence and Miles Sanders seeing a lighter workload because he was wearing a knee brace. Let’s put it another way, the Eagles’ offense looked downright offensive and the writers of a recent mock draft have taken notice.
On Monday, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson released a 2023 first-round NFL mock draft. The Eagles, with their first two picks of the first round, their own and one from the New Orleans Saints that they own the right to (currently the 10th and 31st overall), use those selections on an offensive lineman and running back.
Here’s who the Philadelphia Eagles are taking in Round 1 according to CBS Sports and Ryan Wilson.
Paris Johnson is a six-foot-six, 310-pound offensive tackle from Ohio State University. He played left tackle for the Buckeyes this season, but he can play interior positions as well. He found his way to Columbus in 2020 after ending his prep career as the nation’s top-ranked offensive tackle.
Jahmyr Gibbs is generally regarded as the second-best running back in this year’s draft. Only Bijan Robinson of the Texas Longhorns ranks higher. At five-foot-eleven and 200 pounds, Gibbs may be too small to carry the load as a feature back, but the Philadelphia Eagles have always liked to run a committee system. This could work if they’re interested. Here’s more on each guy.
Pick 10: Paris Johnson Jr. (OT) Ohio State
As a sophomore, Johnson started every game at right tackle before switching to left tackle in 2022. His experience on the right and left sides make him an ideal fit for Philadelphia’s dominant, but aging offensive line.
This season, Johnson earned First-team All-Big Ten honors and was a consensus All-American. More recently, the journalism major thanked his alma mater with an article in The Players Tribune.
Johnson also runs the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation, a charity he established with his mother while in high school to help military veterans. He even earned the Armed Forces Merit Award for his continued work with the charity.
On the field or off, Johnson seems like a good fit for the Philadelphia Eagles. He can easily play at guard until Lane Johnson retires while providing insurance at left tackle. If he’s available with the tenth pick, the Eagles would be wise to get another Johnson for their offensive line.
Pick 31: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) Alabama
He may not be the biggest back, but Jahmyr Gibbs is versatile and an excellent receiver in the passing game. That’s something the Eagles could certainly use, and you know they’re interested.
Gibbs transferred from Georgia Tech for the 2022 NCAA season and hauled in 78 receptions for 848 yards during his final run at the collegiate level as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was only credited with two drops during his entire collegiate career.
As a rusher, Gibbs drew comparisons to Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook. He has good balance and speed with enough agility to dance through tight windows before turning on his 4.32 speed.
Miles Sanders is eligible for free agency in March, and Philadelphia has yet to sign him to an extension. If the Eagles are interested (using first-round picks on tailbacks isn’t a thing these days), he’d look pretty good in a run-pass option environment lined up next to another former Alabama star, Jalen Hurts. Stay tuned.
More Eagles news: Will Jalen Hurts play in Week 18?
All eyes have been on Jalen Hurts for a while. Will he play on Sunday? That’s the million-dollar question.
The Eagles also opened 21-day practice windows for three of their injured players. Click here to give that one a read. We’ll be monitoring everyone’s progress all week.