Hot Takes, Predictions for Eagles Rookies After 2023 NFL Draft

NFL teams don't typically reach the Super Bowl and then come away with two premier defensive players in the first round of the following year's draft. But that's what the Philadelphia Eagles did, and that's why they're being praised for how they fared at the three-day 2023 event.

The NFC champions added defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge-rusher Nolan Smith with the Nos. 9 and 30 picks, respectively, in the opening round. They were the first two of seven players selected by the Eagles, which also swung a trade with the Detroit Lions to acquire running back D'Andre Swift on Saturday.

With an already strong roster in place, Philadelphia's rookies will have to compete for opportunities to make an impact in 2023. Still, several of these prospects have the potential to do just that during the upcoming season.

Here are some early hot takes and predictions for the Eagles' 2023 rookie class.

Carter Will Lead Eagles DTs in Tackles for Loss

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 27: (L-R) Jalen Carter poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Jalen Carter may not immediately have a starting role on Philadelphia's defensive front, with the two interior spots likely belonging to Fletcher Cox and Jordan Davis.

But there will still be ample playing time available for the Georgia product, especially with Javon Hargrave no longer on the team.

At the start of the season, Carter may have to earn additional snaps. He'll likely do that, though, considering just how talented he is. Over his three-year career with the Bulldogs, he was a consistent presence up the middle for the team's defense.

Although Carter didn't put up huge sack totals (three in each of his past two seasons), he was often wreaking havoc in the backfield, collecting 15.5 tackles for a loss in 27 games between the 2021 and 2022 seasons. That's likely what he'll do for the Eagles, too.

Carter should rack up TFLs, perhaps more than any other defensive tackle on Philadelphia's roster. He's only going to improve as he gains experience, and by the second half of the season, he could be a dominant force powering the Eagles' defensive front to even greater success.

Smith Will Fit in Seamlessly, Record Five Sacks

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Newly drafted Nolan Smith poses for a photo after a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, Friday, April 28, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

If the Eagles hadn't traded up to No. 9 and missed out on Carter, they could have justified taking Nolan Smith at No. 10. That's how talented the former Georgia edge-rusher is.

So, the fact that Philadelphia got him at No. 30 shows the tremendous value it got with that selection.

Smith spent four years with the Bulldogs and was a starter on the team's defense (which was among the best in the country) over his final two seasons. He recorded 7.5 sacks in 23 games between the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.

Now, the 22-year-old is joining an Eagles pass rush loaded with talent. That may only help him boost his sack totals, as opposing offensive lines will have a lot on their hands trying to block everybody on Philadelphia's defensive front.

Because of that, it wouldn't be surprising if Smith recorded as many as five sacks in his rookie season. The Eagles had five players with seven or more sacks last season (including four in double digits), and he should fit in seamlessly alongside those new teammates.

Brown Will Immediately Become Key Contributor in Secondary

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 03: Defensive back Sydney Brown of Illinois participates in a drill during the NFL Combine during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Eagles needed to add safety depth during the draft, and they did so with their selection of Illinois defensive back Sydney Brown with the No. 66 overall pick in the third round.

While the 23-year-old is unlikely to unseat either Reed Blankenship or Terrell Edmunds for a starting job, he should get an opportunity to make an impact at the back of the team's secondary.

Brown was a five-year starter for the Fighting Illini, so he already has a ton of experience as he heads to the NFL. His time in the Big Ten likely has him well-prepared for the professional level, meaning he could have a smooth transition.

Not only that, but he played both safety and nickel at Illinois. That versatility should allow him to get on the field even more as a rookie in Philadelphia in 2023. He also has the potential to make big plays, as he showed by recording six interceptions in 12 games in 2022.

The prediction here is that Brown will immediately become a key contributor for the Eagles. He may not be a starter, but he should move around and get time on the field at different spots in various defensive packages. He will bring a ton of value in that capacity throughout his rookie season.