Hidden-Gem Prospects Eagles Must Target in 2023 NFL Draft

Even though the Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a 2022 season in which they reached Super Bowl LVII, they still have a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. That's because they own the New Orleans Saints' first-round selection, which is at No. 10.

So the Eagles are expected to be on the clock twice in the first round, as they have both the Nos. 10 and 30 picks. Maybe they end up trading down from at least one of those spots, but that's where things currently stand.

If Philadelphia stays put, it could land a pair of talented prospects. But if it moves down, it could acquire more draft capital. In addition to their two first-rounders, the Eagles have only four other picks: one in the second round, one in the third and two in the seventh.

Should Philadelphia take the latter approach, it could be targeting some sleeper prospects on the second and third days of the draft. And either way, it will be doing so when it's on the clock in the seventh round.

Here are some draft prospects who have the potential to be hidden gems selected by the Eagles on the second or third day of the 2023 NFL draft.

Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Tucker Kraft of South Dakota State participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Tucker Kraft isn't likely to get drafted in the first round, but the 22-year-old could quickly become an impactful tight end in the NFL. He may be getting a bit overlooked because he played at South Dakota State, an FCS program.

But Kraft is an intriguing offensive prospect in the 2023 draft class. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has Kraft's NFL comparison as Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, a player who quickly had success in the league.

"Combination tight end with the projectable skill set to handle pass-catching and run-blocking duties at the next level," Zierlein wrote of Kraft.

The Eagles already have their starting tight end in Dallas Goedert. But they could benefit from having another strong pass-catching option for quarterback Jalen Hurts to throw to. Kraft could slot in nicely and allow Philadelphia to operate in an effective two-TE set.

Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Running back Israel Abanikanda of Pittsburgh speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Eagles' need for a running back isn't as large as it was at the beginning of the offseason. Although they lost Miles Sanders to the Carolina Panthers, they signed Rashaad Penny and re-signed Boston Scott, adding them to a backfield mix that already included Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon.

So it may no longer be too likely that Philadelphia uses one of its first-round picks on a back. But it could still target an RB in the later rounds. And if that's the case, Israel Abanikanda may be a solid player for the Eagles to consider taking.

Abanikanda was a touchdown machine during his final season at Pittsburgh, getting into the end zone 21 times during his 2022 senior campaign. He also ran for 1,431 yards during his breakout year.

While Abanikanda may not be a bell-cow back at the NFL level, he could be great to add to a solid backfield mix. That's why Philadelphia may want to consider drafting an RB like him, rather than using a much earlier pick on somebody like Texas' Bijan Robinson.

Isaiah McGuire, DE, Missouri

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Defensive lineman Isaiah Mcguire of Missouri participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Eagles have a solid rotation of defensive ends with Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and Derek Barnett all in the fold. But it's always nice to have depth on the pass rush. Plus, Graham is 35 and may not have too many years still ahead of him.

So it makes sense that Philadelphia could add an edge-rusher during the 2023 NFL draft. And Missouri's Isaiah McGuire may be a good target for the team in one of the later rounds.

McGuire spent four seasons with the Tigers, but he emerged as a strong player over his final two years. In 2022, he notched a career-high 8.5 sacks over 12 games for Mizzou.

Although McGuire has some areas of his game he could improve (especially with his run defense), he's an intriguing prospect with a lot of potential. He might be a good project for the Eagles, who wouldn't need him to immediately contribute in 2023 and could allow him to learn from some of the veterans on their roster.