With two stellar picks, the Eagles got a lot better
After a standout first round in the NFL Draft, the Eagles have clearly upgraded a roster that could be the best in the league.
On Thursday, Philadelphia selected two defensive players from the Georgia Bulldogs: tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith. Both played vital roles for the Bulldogs during their back-to-back national championship seasons.
Eagles star Jason Kelce approved of the picks.
And so did ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who declared the Eagles the biggest winners of the first round (per NJ.com), and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, who also thought Philadelphia won the night.
Carter was the No. 1 draft prospect regardless of position on Kiper Jr.'s draft board. While his off-field troubles are a concern, his talent on the field is undeniable. Carter will have a chance to learn the NFL game under another Eagles first-round pick, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
Smith has drawn comparisons to Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick. He was viewed as a leader on Georgia's defense that stymied every opponent except LSU and Ohio State last season.
The Eagles followed a simple formula for success last season: outplay opponents offensively and make sure opposing quarterbacks had no time to throw.
Per StatMuse, Philadelphia gained the second-most yards in the league last season,. The only team to outpace their offensive production was the Kansas City Chiefs, who beat the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
On defense, the Eagles racked up 70 sacks, the third most all time behind only the 1984 Chicago Bears and 1989 Minnesota Vikings, per StatMuse.
Carter and Smith, ranked in the top five of NFL.com's top value picks, should help the defense sustain its 2022 excellence.
On Day 2, the Eagles have two picks: a second-rounder (No. 62 overall) and a third-rounder (No. 66 overall).
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