New Eagles Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

All it takes is one down year for the pressure to intensify across the Philadelphia Eagles organization.

The Eagles are historically one of the NFL's better drafting teams, but lingering toxicity around the franchise's biggest stars and head coach has created uncertainty about their outlook.

It will be on general manager Howie Roseman to continue being one of the NFL's top team-builders to keep this team moving forward.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Eagles will do with the No. 23 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 23): Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Body types, athletic profiles and growth potential can drastically push a prospect up the draft board.

UCF's Malachi Lawrence generally isn't viewed as a first-round option, but he should be in play because of all the things just mentioned.

"This slotting is much higher than Lawrence's grade dictates," B/R scout Matt Holder said, "but it also wouldn't be surprising for a team to take a flier based on his traits.

"The UCF product combines a 6'4", 253-pound frame, with 33⅝-inch arms, elite athleticism (9.95 RAS at the NFL combine) and good pass-rush production (19.5 sacks over the last three seasons) to provide tantalizing upside. This pairing feels right up general manager Howie Roseman's alley, especially since the Eagles don't have an immediate need for an edge-rusher but could be in the market next offseason."

The Eagles love to load up on defensive-line talent to ensure long-term depth, which is critical to Roseman's preferred roster-building approach.

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 23): OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 23): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 23): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 23): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 23): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 23): OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 23): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Summary

Pinpointing difference-makers in the trenches is what the Eagles look to do every year. They are always building on both sides to impose their will. With Lane Johnson nearing the end of his illustrious career, it would be a sensible move for them to draft his replacement.