Mel Kiper's newest mock draft has Eagles making a trade

Just over two weeks away from the 2023 NFL Draft and we are starting to hear more and more about what might happen at the top of the draft.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. offer his latest two-round mock draft, which gives the Eagles four players thanks to a trade with Seattle.

So let's take a look at who he thinks will be in the city of brotherly love.

Get our free mobile app

At No. 10, Kiper has the Eagles sticking with their roots, and taking Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski.

This could be a spot for an edge rusher, but Philadelphia can keep a strength a strength by taking Skoronski. With right guard Isaac Seumalo departing in free agency, there's an opening, and many NFL talent evaluators believe Skoronski has All-Pro potential if he moves inside.

Kiper mentions the need to replace Seumalo here, but the Eagles do have an in-house option with last year's second-round pick, Cam Jurgens. Kiper mentions that Skoronski stared 33 games at left tackle, which gives him positional versatility that the Eagles like in their offensive lineman.

At No. 30, Kiper sees the Eagles trading the pick to Seattle, to allow them to select Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. So what do the Eagles do with the pick from Seattle in Round 2?

Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with pick No. 37.

Here's the first selection from my projected trade at the end of Round 1, and it just feels right. Gibbs is a dynamic receiver out of the backfield -- he caught 44 passes last season. He could split time with free agent signing Rashad Penny and Kenneth Gainwell and be an easy outlet for quarterback Jalen Hurts. Plus, the Eagles have two more second-round picks to add talent.

There has been a ton of discussion about Texas running back Bijan Robinson at No. 10 or trading back to take him. Kiper has the Eagles taking Gibbs, who caught 44 passes last year for the Crimson Tide.

Because of the trade with Seattle, the Eagles add another second-round pick, No. 52 and add to the defensive side of the ball, adding linebacker Derick Hall from Auburn.

I focused on offense with the first two Philadelphia picks, but I'm going to switch to defense for these next two. We know general manager Howie Roseman loves to replenish his defensive line through the draft, and the Eagles love their D-line rotation. Hall could be a situational pass-rusher as a rookie -- he had 16 sacks over the past two seasons -- who develops into a starting edge defender. Veterans Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett won't be around forever.

Next up at No. 62, which is their own second-round pick, Kiper has the Eagles taking another player on the defensive side of the ball, adding Illinois safety Jartavious Martin.