The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is a wrap, and while players improved their stock greatly, we’re looking at ten potential Eagles fits that impressed the most.
With Philadelphia potentially targeting a running back in April’s draft, names like Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Zach Charbonnet were on display.
On the defensive side of the football, Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White, James Bradberry, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Marcus Epps are all slated for free agency. It won’t be possible for the Eagles to bring them all back, especially once Jalen Hurts signs his new deal.
Philadelphia could look to draft a cornerback and safety with multiple free agents in the secondary.
Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
Chase Brown ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and then led all combine running backs with his 40-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump.
Thank you for the opportunity @NFL @nflnetwork @nobull pic.twitter.com/qpO1szADTz
— CHASE BROWN (@chasebrown____) March 6, 2023
Brown had 2,648 yards and 15 touchdowns with Illinois the past two seasons and could be the guy if Philadelphia goes running back in the second round.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Jahmyr Gibbs showing he has perhaps the most elite feet at RB in the NFL Draft. #NFLCombine #RollTide #AlabamaFootball
— Justin Riley (@JustinRiley7) March 5, 2023
Gibbs had a formal meeting with Philadelphia and put his speed on display with his first 40-yard dash.
Jahmyr Gibbs runs a 4.40 forty🔥
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 5, 2023
Gibbs weighed in at 199 pounds and caught nearly every pass thrown his way while displaying excellent vision and footwork.
Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia
Smith made himself some money this week and he’d be a perfect fit in Philadelphia. An athletic linebacker that can do more than just rush the passer, Smith may start to climb draft boards.
Pretty on the nose with this one, @MoveTheSticks. https://t.co/VhmBj6iXHM pic.twitter.com/YseZmT8Kt3
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 2, 2023
The Georgia pass rusher is finally healthy again after a torn pectoral muscle and he just blazed a 4.44 40-yard dash.
4.44u@GeorgiaFootball DL Nolan Smith is out of this world.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/L8ICkVQEkT— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2023
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Alabama
He’ll likely be gone before the Eagles pick at No. 10 overall, but he impressed and is a Day 1 fit for the team as a pass rusher.
Will Anderson Jr. with a 4.69u on his first run. @AlabamaFTBL
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/9fc737PfB2— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2023
Anderson ran a 4.6 forty-yard dash at 253 pounds as well.
Fancy footwork from @AlabamaFTBL LB Will Anderson Jr.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/KRSlLLyAAv— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2023
Chrstian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
4.38 on the second attempt for Christian Gonzalez🦆💨
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 3, 2023
The Oregon cornerback staked his claim to being the top cornerback off the board.
As expected, CB Christian Gonzalez has looked awesome working out.
And the tape is equally impressive…why he is No. 5 overall in my top-100. https://t.co/ebe1qLcIkn
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 3, 2023
DJ Turner II, CB, Michigan
Howie Roseman likes speed and the Michigan cornerback captured the attention of everyone in Lucas Oil Stadium,
Michigan CB DJ Turner II is early leader for fastest player at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine after posting a time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash on Fridayhttps://t.co/c1poXaLdFl pic.twitter.com/WexkAPOwWU
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 3, 2023
The Michigan cornerback ran an eye-popping 4.26 40-yard dash, along with a 10-9 broad jump and a vertical leap of 38 1/2 inches.
Sydney Brown, CB, Illinois
Philadelphia has a need at safety and cornerback and Brown finished in the top three among defensive backs in the Next Gen Stats athleticism scores, posting a 4.47 40, a 10-10 broad jump, and a 40 1/2-inch vertical.
Illinois' Sydney Brown had six interceptions in 2022 — from the slot, the box, cornerback alignment, and the deep third. NFL teams valuing do-it-all coverage defenders should start lining up. This year's Jalen Pitre? pic.twitter.com/uqYUGpEtRk
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 26, 2023
Philadelphia didn’t give Jalen Pitre any love in 2022, but Brown could make losing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps okay.
.@IlliniFootball DB Sydney Brown with an explosive 4.49u. 👀
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/8UGRQLzBmO— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2023
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Robinson is the top running back in the class, and a player that would fit in Philadelphia from Day 1.
The confident running back showed elite athleticism and feet while dominating the on-field drills.
Bijan Robinson 37” vertical⬇️ pic.twitter.com/PVLj4xSyou
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 5, 2023
The Texans running back put on a show and with two first-round picks, Philadelphia wouldn’t be foolish in selecting the All-American at No. 10 overall.
10’4” broad jump for @Bijan5Robinson 💪 (via @StaceyDales)
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+pic.twitter.com/pmdPiHR0ri— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023
Robinson also displayed elite athleticism and pass-catching skills.
.@MoveTheSticks’ 4th overall prospect runs his 2nd 40. How high will he go in the Draft?@TexasFootball | @Bijan5Robinson
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/un3YsgM4Yw— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023
Robinson then put his footwork on display cementing his status as the NFL’s next great young running back.
Every rep from @Bijan5Robinson 's on field workout 🤘
📺 #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/W8MWqajIHV
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) March 6, 2023
Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
The 6-5, 302-pound tackle from North Dakota State is a gritty player and his rugged approach would be appreciated in Philadelphia.
Mauch showed the versatility to play tackle or guard in the NFL and could step right into a solid situation with the Eagles.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah on Cody Mauch: "He's legitimately a five-position guy. He can play all five (offensive line) positions."
— FCS Football (@FCS_STATS) March 5, 2023
Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
He’s not Aaron Donald, but the 6-0, 280-pound Kancey lived up to the comparisons after running 4.67 in the 40-yard dash.
UPDATED: Fastest 40-yard dash times by a DT at #NFLCombine since 2000.
1. Calijah Kancey – 4.67 ⏱
2. Aaron Donald – 4.68 ⏱#H2P » @NFL » @NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/HjBKdMw3Vc— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) March 2, 2023
A talented defender, Kancey would be the shortest defensive tackle on the Eagles’ current roster.
The Miami, Florida native was a unanimous All-American, the 15th in Pitt program history, and the first player to accomplish the feat since Aaron Donald (2013).
Kancey recorded 31 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in 11 games.
