The Eagles had back-to-backs picks in the third round of last week’s draft, and after selecting Tyler Steen from Alabama, Howie Roseman drafted a safety out of Illinois.
Philadelphia hadn’t selected a safety that high since 2012 but saw value in the versatile defender.
A Swiss Army Knife for Sean Desai’s defense, NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks has Brown making a list of 10 perfect player-teams fits from the selection process.
Sydney Brown
Illinois · DB
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
Drafted: No. 66 overall (Round 3)Brown is a versatile defender with a combination of size, speed and ball skills that could make him the monster in the middle of a turnover-obsessed unit. His takeaway prowess and “hit-stick” skills give him the potential to be an interesting chess piece in a hybrid scheme for the Eagles. With a ferocious pass rush in front of him, the Illinois standout has a chance to emerge as a dark-horse contender for all-star honors at the end of this rookie season.
In 2022, Brown was a first-team All-Big Ten pick on the nation’s top-scoring defense after intercepting six passes to tie for third in the FBS.
In all, Brown logged 59 tackles, 3.5 for loss with one sack and seven pass breakups in 12 starts.
