Eagles Go All-In on Defense in Todd McShay Two-Round Mock Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles hold three picks in the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, as they'll be selecting (barring a trade) at No. 10, No. 30 and No. 62.

And in two-round mock draft released by ESPN's Todd McShay on Tuesday, the Eagles are projected to completely focus on bolstering their defense with these three picks. Philly's defense was arguably the league's best this past season en route to winning a NFC Championship, but have lost some key names this offseason.

Here are the projected selections:

No. 10 - Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

Using the pick acquired from the New Orleans Saints, Philly selecting a starter replacement for Javon Hargrave on the defensive line, though the word "replacement" should be used loosely here.

Still, Van Ness was one of the stars on an elite Iowa Hawkeyes defense last season that held its opponents to 10 points or fewer in seven games. As an EDGE rusher, Van Ness tallied 6.5 sacks and 36 total tackles, a near copy of what he did in 2021 when he posted 33 total tackles and seven sacks.

Selecting him at No. 10 could be a bit of a risk for general manager Howie Roseman, but the potential is there. Here's what McShay had to say:

Van Ness has the arm length and footspeed to dominate off the edge, and I love the versatility that comes with his game. He's arguably even more effective rushing the passer as a 3-technique. Philadelphia lost Javon Hargrave and re-signed Fletcher Cox to only a one-year deal, so I could see Van Ness and Jordan Davis wreaking havoc from the interior. GM Howie Roseman loves building up the trenches, and Van Ness can make an immediate impact there after 14 sacks over two seasons at Iowa.

No. 30 - Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State

The Eagles go with another pass-rusher out of the state of Iowa in the first round by selecting McDonald IV.

He had a quieter statistical season than expected on an elite Cyclones defense last season, but it's always going to be hard to live up to what he did during his junior year in 2021. That season, he finished eighth in the country with 11.5 sacks and added five forced fumbles. Overall, McDonald IV finished his Iowa State career as the all-time program leader in sacks (34).

Adding him on a line that would include Van Ness is this scenario would give the Eagles a strong defensive core to build around for the foreseeable future.

Here's what McShay had to say:

Let's double-dip on pass-rushers for the Eagles in Round 1 (they landed Van Ness at No. 10). It was one of the team's biggest strengths last season with an NFL-high 70 sacks, but Philly could use more depth there. Brandon Graham re-upped with the Eagles, but he's 34 years old. Robert Quinn might be out the door after he was acquired last November. With long arms and plenty of explosion, McDonald hunts quarterbacks. He picked up 27 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss over the past three seasons and could be a Day 1 contributor as a rotational pass-rusher before developing into a starter off the edge to replace some of the aging players in this unit.

No. 62 - Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

Though the 5-7 Aggies struggled this season, Johnson helped lead a solid A&M defense that was clearly the strength of the team.

He was second on the team in total tackles (71) and was tied for first with three forced fumbles. The forced fumbles all came in a three-game streak to end the season. Johnson also added a sack and one pass defense.

Adding a young talent and takeaway-happy player like Johnson sounds like a match made in heaven for an Eagles defense that had the third-best turnover differential (+8) last season.

The Eagles lost Marcus Epps and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, so there are some gaps at safety (though Philly did add Terrell Edmunds). Johnson might be the best pure safety in the class, with a great ability to read the offense and the footspeed to close on the ball. The on-ball production should come; he has the traits but only picked off one pass in college.

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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