The Philadelphia Eagles will have representatives in attendance for one of college football's biggest games Saturday night, with several potential first-round prospects taking the field in No. 1 Miami's matchup against No. 11 Notre Dame.
According to NFL draft analyst Ryan Fowler, Philadelphia is among 25 NFL teams sending representatives to South Bend, Indiana, for a game featuring two highly regarded quarterbacks and several defensive prospects who could be selected early in the 2027 NFL draft. The Eagles enter Week 9 at 2-6, and general manager Howie Roseman faces important decisions about the future of an offensive line adjusting to Lane Johnson's retirement and a defense that could use additional young talent.
Here are five prospects who could fit Philadelphia's long-term needs.
Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Moore is one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in college football and has emerged as a potential top-10 selection in April.
The Notre Dame cornerback has seven career interceptions and combines length, fluid movement, and coverage instincts with the ability to challenge receivers at the catch point. He missed last week's game against Navy while recovering from a concussion but entered Saturday without an injury designation.
Miami's passing attack will provide an important evaluation of Moore's tackling, coverage discipline, and ability to limit yards after the catch, even with star receiver Malachi Toney sidelined by an ankle injury.
Philadelphia has invested heavily in its secondary with Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Andrew Mukuba, but Moore would add another premium defensive prospect who could strengthen its coverage personnel.
Boubacar Traore, EDGE, Notre Dame
Traore has emerged as a potential first-round pass rusher with the explosiveness to challenge offensive tackles and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
His matchup against Miami tackle Samson Okunlola will be particularly important, giving scouts an opportunity to evaluate his first-step quickness, ability to convert speed into power, and effectiveness against an NFL-caliber offensive line prospect.
The Eagles have Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith among their edge-rushing options, but maintaining depth remains an organizational priority.
Traore could provide another athletic defender for Vic Fangio's front, particularly if his pass-rushing production and run defense continue improving.
Samson Okunlola, OT, Miami
Philadelphia's need for offensive tackle depth has increased following Johnson's retirement, with rookie Markel Bell receiving an opportunity at right tackle.
Okunlola offers size, movement skills, and experience protecting the blindside in Miami's offense. His performance against Traore will give scouts a clearer picture of his footwork, balance, and ability to handle speed off the edge.
The Eagles have Jordan Mailata at left tackle, but Roseman must identify additional long-term options as Chris Kuper continues developing Philadelphia's offensive line.
Okunlola's eventual draft value could depend on whether teams believe he can remain at tackle or project more favorably inside.
Anthonie Knapp, G, Notre Dame
Knapp provides another intriguing offensive line option for a Philadelphia team dealing with injuries and changes across its starting unit.
The 305-pound guard has established himself as a physical blocker in Notre Dame's offense, and Saturday's matchup against Miami defensive tackles Justin Scott and Ahmad Moten Sr. should provide one of his toughest assignments.
Knapp's ability to handle interior power, recognize pressure, and maintain leverage would make him worth evaluating as Philadelphia considers its future guard depth.
Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
The Eagles also have reason to evaluate the quarterback class, even if offensive line and defensive prospects represent more immediate positional fits.
Mensah enters Saturday completing 80.7% of his passes for 2,425 yards, 25 touchdowns, and one interception. His efficiency, touch, and ability to identify favorable matchups have elevated his draft profile.
However, Notre Dame's defense should test his ability to work beyond his initial read and operate under pressure, particularly with Toney unavailable.
Final analysis
Philadelphia's presence doesn't signal interest in any specific player, but Saturday's matchup gives Roseman and his scouting department a chance to evaluate several prospects at premium positions.
With the Eagles facing significant roster decisions in 2027, the evaluations could become increasingly important as the organization prepares for April's draft.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles are scouting top 2027 NFL draft prospects at Miami-Notre Dame
