Prospects for Eagles to Avoid in 2023 NFL Draft

Even though the Philadelphia Eagles have only two picks scheduled for the third and final day of the 2023 NFL draft (a pair of seventh-round selections), they have the potential to make a huge splash before that. That's because they own four picks over the first two days, including two in the opening round (Nos. 10 and 30).

Will the Eagles use both of those first-round selections on April 27 in Kansas City? Or could they trade down from one or both of those spots in order to accumulate more later picks? Anything seems like a realistic possibility.

Whenever Philadelphia is on the clock, it must target players who can help the team remain a championship contender. After losing Super Bowl LVII to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles may not be far off from winning another title themselves.

With that in mind, here's a look at several players Philadelphia may want to avoid in the 2023 NFL draft for various reasons.

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 05: Paris Johnson, Jr. of Ohio State participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

It may not be the worst idea for the Eagles to look to add an offensive tackle at some point early in this year's draft with the future in mind. They already have a pair of starting OTs in Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, but the latter will be 33 by the time the 2023 NFL season arrives.

Philadelphia could start to think about the future and add a tackle who it can develop as a long-term starter. But it may be a mistake for the Eagles to use one of their first-round picks to do that.

Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the best offensive tackles in this year's class. He's likely going to be an impact player at the NFL level for a long time. But it just doesn't make sense for Philadelphia to use the No. 10 overall pick on Johnson and ignore some of the more pressing needs on its roster.

If the Eagles want to draft a potential future franchise OT, they should wait until after the first round and see if there are any prospects still available. They shouldn't take somebody like Johnson when they're in win-now mode and already set on the ends of their O-line.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Jaxon Smith‐Njigba of Ohio 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)

Philadelphia could use a third starting-caliber wide receiver to take its offense to the next level. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are both talented playmakers for quarterback Jalen Hurts to throw to, but a No. 3 WR with big-play ability could provide a boost.

But one receiver the Eagles may want to avoid is Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is coming off a hamstring injury that limited him to three games last season. So the 21-year-old doesn't have much of a track record heading into the NFL, as he played only 23 games over three years with the Buckeyes.

There's the potential for Smith-Njigba to become a talented wide receiver at the next level. But there is also some uncertainty with how his game will translate, as well as how long it may take him to get acclimated.

It would be wiser for Philadelphia to target a more proven WR who could immediately slot in beside Brown and Smith. That would be much more beneficial for the Eagles as they chase a championship in 2023.

Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE, Northwestern

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore of Northwestern 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)

It's always important to have depth on the pass rush so a team can rotate in multiple players to ensure everybody stays fresh. So the Eagles could be looking to add a top edge-rusher in the draft to keep that unit a strength heading into the 2023 season.

Plus, Brandon Graham just recently turned 35, so he's nearing the end of his NFL career. Philadelphia could be looking for a player it can ease into Graham's starting role as the veteran finishes out his time in the league.

Northwestern's Adetomiwa Adebawore may not be a great fit with the Eagles, though. He had a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, but it may still be a reach for Philadelphia to consider him at No. 30. Adebawore didn't put up huge sack totals during his time with the Wildcats (12.5 in 36 games).

If the Eagles are going to use a first-round pick on an edge-rusher, they should do so on a more proven, can't-miss prospect. Otherwise, it may be best to wait for a later round to address this area.