The 2023 NFL Draft has been a stomping ground for the Philadelphia Eagles, or so most would say. Fortune also favored the Philly franchise as Jalen Carter’s value dropped after the young phenom was smashed with misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing. A fourth-round pick in the 2023 draft was enough for the Philadelphia Eagles to ensure that Carter was taken off the market.
Next, the Eagles got themselves a defensive presence that is expected to be a huge game-changer in the upcoming season. With the 30th pick, the Eagles secured themselves outside linebacker Nolan Smith. With the Eagles revamping their roster, the consensus was that they have dealt the best hand, but one NFL Insider disagrees.
It’s Still Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles
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The Philadelphia Eagles were touted by many to take home the Super Bowl LVII trophy game, but a resilient Kansas City Chiefs stood in their way. Eventually, the mighty Eagles had to fold in front of a Chiefs’ roster led by Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs secured their second championship in the last four years, ending the game with a 38-35 scoreline.
Despite their heart-wrenching loss, the Eagles saw a glimpse of the future, securing Jalen Hurts to a long-term deal and getting pivotal picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, even with these developments, Colin Cowherd believes that the Eagles still stand second to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Eagles had a great draft but the @Chiefs are still the best team IMO. They added DLine help and another weapon and still have Reid and Mahomes. They also didn’t lose both coordinators. And those countless rookies that played last year — should all be a little better.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) April 30, 2023
Cowherd’s analysis wasn’t exactly based solely on the draft picks, but took the entire scenario into consideration. The Eagles were the first team since the 1994 San Francisco 49ers to lose both of their coordinators to head coaching jobs.
While the opportunity itself would be difficult to say no for any coordinator, the Eagles remain understaffed. Additionally, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have showcased phenomenal understanding when it comes to their dynamic, and maybe the Chiefs did secure the pieces they needed to dominate the entire NFL, including the Eagles.
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Are the Chiefs better?
Despite the Eagles adding some huge defensive pieces, the Chiefs have been focused on a more all-round approach. The addition of defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and B.J. Thompson gives the Chiefs a much-needed defensive presence, but those were the only enhancements.
The most talked about pick by the Chiefs so far has been wide receiver Rashee Rice. While Rice being picked up by the Chiefs confused many loyal Kansas City fans, the WR does receive brownie points for impressing his leader Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes earlier practiced with Texas and the vibes were on point. Next was obviously the conversation with Chiefs’ GM Brett Vache, and boom- Rice was a part of the Chiefs.
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Watch This Story: 503 Million Qb Patrick Mahomes and Wife Brittany Find a New Offseason Profession Despite Having Two Kids at Home.
While the conversation of who had the better draft seems fairly subjective, from an analytical standpoint, both the Eagles and Chiefs seem better equipped than they were before. But as we sports fans know very well, analytics often take a backseat to sheer determination and will.