The 2023 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and as teams search for star power, there’s always a group of players that organizations should avoid.
Philadelphia currently has six picks in the selection process.
After losing ten key contributors to NFL free agency, GM Howie Roseman can ill afford to miss on a pick or reach for potential.
With the Eagles continuing top 30 pre-draft visits this week, we’re looking at seven prospects Philadelphia should altogether avoid.
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
A massive offensive tackle standing 6’8″, 374 pounds, Jones doesn’t fit the athletic profile that Jeff Stoutland prefers in his offensive lineman.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE, Northwestern
Adebawore had a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, but is he a proper fit for Philadelphia?
Adebawore had solid stats during his final season at Northwestern (5.0 sacks, 9.0 tackles for loss), and he offers versatility for a defensive line that likes to employ multiple fronts.
A hybrid defender in the mode of Brandon Graham, Adebawore played 449 snaps in an edge position last season vs. 263 on the interior, according to Pro Football Focus.
His quickness and athleticism could allow the versatile defender to mesh well with Jordan Davis and Milton Williams. Still, he could also just become a more athletic version of Derek Barnett with no stats to match.
Andre Carter II, DE, Army
The athletic 6-6 252-pound pass rusher logged 18 sacks over the past two seasons and is a raw athlete that’ll need mentoring.
Carter needs to work on his repertoire of pass-rush moves and might need to spend time on the bench before he’s ready to make an impact, something Philadelphia can ill-afford.
Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Clemson defensive tackle showed out at the NFL combine and Clemson’s Pro Day, displaying some incredible athletic ability for a person his size.
He also comes with injury concerns, missing several games in multiple seasons.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Stevenson topped Miami with seven pass breakups in 2022 (25 tackles, 1.5 for loss) and intercepted two passes in 11 starts, earning third-team all-conference recognition.
A big cornerback with the size and strength to help match up with bigger receivers in the league, Stevenson struggles in off-man zone coverage while offering no value in run support.
Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Bigsby led Auburn in rushing again in 2022, logging 179 carries for 970 yards (5.4 avg) and 10 TDs in 11 starts.
An upright runner with a strong, angular frame, Bigsby has some fumbling concerns and offers no value on third down or special teams.
With only six picks in the draft, Bigsby wouldn’t be an upgrade over Trey Sermons, and Philadelphia should pass.
Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave
There’s been some talk of Philadelphia potentially adding another tight end, and the 2023 NFL draft is stacked with quality pass catchers.
Luke Musgrave looks the part, but the Oregon State tight end lacks elite production, with just 47 catches for 633 yards and two scores across four seasons. A knee injury shortened his 2022 season with Oregon State and he’s unlikely to be a better performer than Jack Stoll or Grant Calcaterra.
