Philadelphia Eagles reportedly eying trade up for former Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. in the 2023 NFL Draft
It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles love to build along the lines of scrimmage in the draft. And general manager Howie Roseman may covet one lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft — former Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. — enough that he’s explored trading up from the No. 10 pick to get him.
The Eagles currently hold the No. 10 and No. 30 picks in the first round of the draft, set to start on Thursday at 8 p.m. And according to NFL Network’s James Palmer, Roseman is aware of several teams ahead of the Eagles at No. 10 who are also interested in Johnson.
Palmer reported that Roseman has been “talking with various teams to see what trading up would involve if Philly decided to make a move.”
Given the likelihood that the first five picks in the 2023 NFL Draft will consistent of some mix of quarterbacks, Will Anderson, Tyree Wilson and Jalen Carter, it’s probably safe to assume the Eagles wouldn’t be trading up past the Detroit Lions at No. 6. It is possible Seattle, at No. 5, could be a trade partner. Holding picks No. 7, 8, and 9 are the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears.
The Bears are strong candidates to take a tackle and have been mocked to take Johnson by any number of draft analysts. The Falcons and Raiders could similarly benefit from an offensive line talent infusion.
Another wildcard in a situation for the Eagles to trade up is what teams think of Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski. Considered by many to be the best offensive lineman in the class, Skoronski projects to be a guard more than a tackle in the NFL due to short arms and some other measurables. It’s something ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently addressed while saying Johnson is his top line prospect.
“If you look at the clear-cut offensive tackle, it would be Paris Johnson Jr,” Kiper said via ESPN radio. “Then you get into Broderick Jones, Georgia, Darnell Wright, Tennessee. “Best overall lineman, I think, is Peter Skoronski. If he’s a left tackle, he may not be that in the NFL. May move inside to guard because he’s 6’3 and a half with short arms. So, I think Paris Johnson Jr., right now would be the, I think, overall No. 1 offensive lineman.”
If Johnson being a true tackle appeals to teams, he could be the first offensive lineman off the board.
And apparently it might be the Eagles drafting him.