The Eagles reached for Sydney Brown in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles enjoyed a very productive 2023 offseason, but Howie Roseman and his staff will come to regret these three decisions.
It’s fair to say the Philadelphia Eagles enjoyed one of this offseason’s most productive offseasons based largely on the back of a very strong 2023 NFL Draft class. That doesn’t mean Philadelphia executed a flawless offseason plan though. GM Howie Roseman still has a few things to answer for when his offseason is viewed on the whole.
The team deserves plaudits for adding high-end talent on defense via the draft. The University of Georgia trio of Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo should all contribute as rookies. In particular, landing Smith with the No. 30 overall pick was a coup for the Eagles.
That doesn’t mean the defense is a lock to be an improved unit next season. The safety position experienced a significant amount of turnover. The Eagles’ front office’s first offseason mistake was a reach for a rookie who isn’t going to be ready to play when Week 1 rolls around.
Worst Eagles moves of the offseason: 3. Reaching for Sydney Brown in Round 3
Brown wasn’t a terrible pick in the third round but he did represent a rare reach on the basis of need by the Eagles organization. The former Illinois standout has the speed to grow into a quality safety at the NFL level but his lack of physicality should be a major concern for coaches in Philadelphia.
That lack of tackling ability is going to take at least one or two seasons of NFL coaching to correct. if Brown is forced to play meaningful snaps as a rookie he’ll need a lot of protection from fellow safeties on the roster in sub-packages. He can still give the team some value as a rookie in that role, but expectations of a third-round pick should be higher.
