Possible pass-rushing options for the Eagles during Round 1 of 2023 NFL Draft
Miles Murphy and Nolan Smith are two of the other EDGE prospects the Eagles have no doubt been paying attention to.
EDGE stars Myles Murphy and Nolan Smith are two of the more recognizable prospects having come from two high-profile programs that know how to win. Don’t be shocked if wither of them become an Eagle.
Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
He was the first pick in one of our recent Eagles mock drafts and for good reason. There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with what Myles Murphy offers as a prospect.
Working off of a six-foot-five 268-pound frame, having 33 3/4-inch arms, and possessing the strength to tally 25 reps on the bench drill at the combine, Murphy is a player with the physical traits to be dominant on the outside in a four-man defensive front in Philadelphia.
The former Clemson Tigers star collected 19 sacks, 51 quarterback hurries, and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game during his time there. This becomes even more impressive considering he won’t turn 22 until January of 2024.
His size, youth, and explosiveness scream that he should be a top-ten pick. Philadelphia would be wise to pounce if Murphy is available at 10th overall.
Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The NFL Scouting Combine can do a lot to boost a prospect’s draft stock, and Georgia’s Nolan Smith is enjoying the fruits of his labor. He clocked a lightning-fast 40-yard dash time (4.39 seconds). He showcased a 41.50-inch vertical. He is a viable option for the Eagles if Van Ness and Murphy are selected prior to the tenth selection or if the Eagles trade down. He won’t be available at the end of Round 1.
Smith’s athleticism coupled with the 11.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss makes him a blue-chip prospect that will please any team that takes him. He is also a threat to create turnovers as well as he forced three fumbles and added an interception to Georgia’s cause during the Bulldogs’ 2021 run to the national title.
Anyone else starting to fall in love with Nolan Smith?pic.twitter.com/nmTIZYH8jp
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) March 21, 2023
The Eagles have already shown an appreciation for former Bulldogs by way of adding Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean last April. With the athleticism and awareness that Smith has shown, they could go fishing in UGA’s talent pool again.
