First-round targets, free-agent replacements Eagles could land by trading back

Here are a few depth options (though the Eagles’ needs at these positions may not be pressing.

O’Cyrus Torrence, Jalin Hyatt, and William McDonald IV aren’t being mentioned as much as they should be. All are uber-talented and could be available late in Round 1 if Philly shocks us with a surprise addition.

Yes, we’re discussing guards, but this isn’t just any interior offensive lineman.

Landing Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence to fill the Eagles’ hole at right guard would be a dream scenario for Philadelphia. Standing at six-foot-five and weighing 347 pounds, the former Gators standout is the prototypical guard. It’s almost as if he was built in a lab. He also played with one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in college football last season, Anthony Richardson.

Torrence plays with incredible strength. He posted 23 reps on the bench press at the combine, but the beauty in his game lies in his ability to take on defenders regardless of the angle they take in their pursuit of the quarterback.

He is also a force at run blocking, often being the first lineman downfield. He seeks to initiate contact and is the first to create a lane for the rusher behind him.

During his time in college, he only allowed one quarterback hit, and he allowed zero quarterback sacks. Taking a guard in Round 1 isn’t sexy. It may not even be an option, but if taken, Torrence will likely be viewed as an upgrade over Isaac Seumalo in the long run.

If the Eagles are indeed in the market to upgrade from Quez Watkins as their third receiver, Jalin Hyatt is the perfect candidate to help add more juice to the Eagles’ offense. The former Vol collected over 1,200 receiving yards and reached the end zone 15 times in 2022.

Hyatt’s five touchdowns in Tennessee’s 2022 matchup with Alabama showed off his ability to provide explosive plays for his team when they need them the most.

His limited route tree coupled with his undersized frame has caused Hyatt to fall on most draft boards. He’s six-foot tall and weighs 176 pounds.

Hyatt, however, plays faster than the 4.40-second 40-yard dash time he recorded at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. He makes catches in clutch situations, and that should also eliminate any fear of his potential to be another disappointing first-rounder a la Nelson Agholor and Jalen Reagor.

If the Eagles are looking for a sleeper pass rusher to select at the back half of the first round, William McDonald IV is the ideal candidate. He tied a Big 12 record with 34 career sacks as a member of the Cyclones. He also collected 42 tackles for a loss of yardage and 123 total tackles in 54 games.

His six-foot-four and 239-pound frame combined with his athleticism allows him to beat offensive tackles easily. He also gets shifty versus blockers and finishes sacks quickly.

McDonald will be 24 years old when the 2023 season begins, but he should likely warrant a selection at the end of the first round. There are concerns about his strength, but the three-time All-Big 12 coaches’ team selection could flourish when utilized appropriately by an NFL franchise.

Eagles would be wise to monitor these sub-radar, late-round RB prospects

While the Eagles have gotten off to a busy start in the 2023 free agency period, they would be wise to consider these running back draft prospects.