2023 NFL Draft: 3 biggest winners from the first round

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Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter on stage after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles ninth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Philadelphia Eagles

There were major concerns regarding Jalen Carter ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Some called him the most complete defensive lineman and the most talented player in the class, but some off-field concerns had scared some previously-interested teams away.

Because of that, Carter dropped to No. 10 overall and the Eagles were able to trade up from No. 11 to make sure they got him. He was probably the best value pick in the entire first round. He was originally projected as a top-five pick and the fact that he fell to No. 10 just goes to show that teams were legitimately concerned.

But when he was picked, he admitted that he told the Eagles when they called him that they were getting the best player in the draft. He vowed to prove it.

Philadelphia also landed Nolan Smith at No. 30 overall and many believed he was good enough to go in the top 20. He’s one of the best linebackers in the class and he could be a dominant pass rusher as well for the Eagles. That defense will be scary.

So, to recap, Philadelphia landed a guy at 10 that could have gone top five and another at 30 that could have been a top-20 pick. Not too bad.

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