NFL Draft: Eagles draft Alabama OL at No. 65, Illinois safety at No. 66 overall

The Eagles made their second trade of the draft on Friday night, sending the No. 62 overall pick to Houston for pick Nos. 65, 188, and 230.

With the 65th overall pick, Philadelphia selected OL Tyler Steen out of Alabama.

Steen, 6-6, 321 pounds, started his career at Vanderbilt before transferring to Alabama. While he played both tackle spots in college, Steen has the versatility to play guard as well. Steen allowed just two sacks in 498 pass-blocking snaps last season and should be stiff competition for Cam Jurgens at right guard in training camp.

“Steen’s upside as a prospect starts with his athleticism. In pass protection, Steen has the ability to mix the tempos of his pass set, get out quickly to get depth on pass rushers, and quick-setting pass rushers to win the rep early. In the run game, Steen uses his athleticism to be an effective cut-off blocker.

Overall, Steen is an offensive line prospect whose best reps appear to be NFL starter-caliber, but his lack of technique makes him a prospect that is susceptible to being beaten by pass rushers who possess high-level athletic traits of size, speed, and power. Steen’s improvement in one year at Alabama gives optimism to the idea that Steen can and will continue to develop on the next level.” — via The Draft Network

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With the 66th overall pick, The Eagles selected safety Sydney Brown out of Illinois — and boy, can this kid play.

Brown is an extremely physical player who posted an 89.4 coverage grade last season per PFF, the highest among Big Ten safeties. A five-year starter at Ilinois, Brown racked six INTs, and seven passes defended in 2022, earning him All-Big Ten First-Team honors.

Brown is shredded to the gills, possessing the strength to match up with pass-catching tight ends and the movement skills to cover shifty slot receivers. With CJ Gardner-Johnson departing in free agency, the Eagles could look to deploy Brown in blitz packages as he works his way into the defense. Brown is the highest-drafted safety in Philly since Jaiquawn Jarrett in 2011.

“Illinois safety Sydney Brown projects as a viable three-down safety at the NFL level. He’s got the transitional quickness and football instincts to consistently fly to the football, which allows him to find success both in the slot and in the deeper portions of the field as a split-field safety.

Brown has showcased a highly effective nose for the football whose production in many phases of the position offers enthusiasm that he can align and win in a slew of phases at the next level. Brown has all the makings of an NFL defensive back and his fit will likely vary from team to team.” — via The Draft Network

Updated Eagles Draft Picks:

• 1-9: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
• 1-30: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
• 3-65: Tyler Steen, OG, Alabama
• 3-66: Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

Sydney Brown’s film feels/looks a lot like Talanoa Hufanga’s at USC

High energy, play speed always at MAX, can play top/down or as a box player. Excellent angles, you see his burst to close as a blitzer, pursuit man, or closing/attacking catch windows.

5yr starter. 3100 snaps. pic.twitter.com/sB0yCvlspp

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 4, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Illinois Athletics