Projecting the Eagles’ starting offense ahead of 2023 NFL draft
The 2023 NFL draft is here, and the Eagles and 31 other teams will see their personnel change drastically.
After reaching the Super Bowl with a stacked roster, the harsh realities of the NFL have already gutted the roster after the first wave of free agency.
Seven key Eagles starters or contributors are joining other organizations, as T.J. Edwards (Bears), Javon Hargrave (49ers), Andre Dillard (Titans), Miles Sanders (Panthers), Kyzir White (Cardinals), Gardner Minshew (Colts), and Marcus Epps (Raiders) have all agreed to depart.
Philadelphia still has the top offense in the NFL and could look to add more depth or star power at critical positions.
With the Panthers set to be on the clock, here’s an early prediction for the Eagles’ starting offense ahead of the first round.
QB -- Jalen Hurts
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The 2nd team All-Pro and MVP runner-up will look to take the next steps as a passer after signing a five-year, $255 million contract extension.
RB -- Rashaad Penny
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
In our initial starting lineup projections, Kenneth Gainwell was set to take the reigns from Miles Sanders, and then the Eagles signed Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal.
Penny had a 151-yard, two-touchdown performance against Detroit in 2022 but suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week against New Orleans while averaging 6.1 yards per carry through four-plus games.
He’ll be the perfect compliment to Gainwell, and this could change if Philadelphia targets Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs.
WR -- A.J. Brown
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Brown will look to top his 1,496 yards in year two of a $100 million deal.
WR -- DeVonta Smith
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Smith will enter year three after breaking the franchise record for receptions in a season.
WR -- Quez Watkins
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Watkins is entering the final year of his rookie deal and will look to rebound from a down 2022 season.
He gets the nod in the slot but will battle Olamide Zaccheaus for snaps.
TE -- Dallas Goedert
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Goedert had 700+ yards in 2022 and would have been an All-Pro if not for a five-game absence.
LT -- Jordan Mailata
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The monster left tackle will look to take the next steps towards becoming a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.
Mailata could face competition if Philadelphia selects a true left tackle in the first round.
LG -- Landon Dickerson
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The Pro Bowl left guard will look to earn All-Pro honors in Year 3.
Center- Jason Kelce
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The All-Pro center will return for his 13th season.
RG -- Cam Jurgens
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
If the season started today, the second-year center out of Nebraska would likely slide over to the right guard spot, replacing Isaac Seumalo.
Philadelphia could target Paris Johnson or Peter Skoronski at No. 10, setting the scene for a training camp battle.
RT -- Lane Johnson
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The All-Pro right tackle is rehabbing from groin surgery and will be out most of the offseason.
