The Eagles first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft seems a long way off, but the preparation and plan have already begun to be formulated inside the Nova Care Complex.
As well as the Eagle’s defense has played, selecting a defensive player with a top 40 pick may seem odd, but there could be a lot of changes next season due to free agency, and the team would be prudent to address those losses via the draft with long-term solutions.
This week, I am looking at CBs and Edge rushers. I will have DTs and a few other names after the New Year.
Defensive Back
I know a lot of fans would push back for drafting a Cornerback in the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft. Still, with Slay turning 34 years old on New Year’s Day coupled with the production the team has enjoyed by selecting Quinyon and DeJean in this past draft, they may want to keep the defensive backfield a priority moving forward. If so, below are two that could interest the Eagles.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame. Morrison is quick, twitchy, has a high football IQ, and is an ascending player. He covers like a blanket & is a willing run supporter. He exudes excellent instincts and ball skills, demonstrated by his nine interceptions. He regularly forces receivers to the sideline and annoys WRs like a gnat when in tight spaces. He also has the speed to cover vertical routes. He may be the best corner in the draft. If he falls in the draft due to his injury, he could end up being a steal for the franchise that selects him.
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss, an Alabama transfer. Trey has elite coverage skills & instincts. He can play the boundary and in press schemes. He is explosive in breaks and mirrors receivers well. He has shown elite closing speed, uses leverage effectively, and is very disruptive. He had 9 PBUs this year, and an elite 18% PBU rate the last 2 seasons. Amos has performed well against top-tier talent and would be a fantastic addition to the Birds backfield.
Edge Rusher
With Brandon Graham possibly retiring and Josh Sweat a free agent at season’s end, Edge Rusher could be high on the Eagles’ list. Here are three names that could interest them in the 2025 NFL Draft.
David Walker, Central Arkansas, Edge Rusher. He’s been a sleeper to casual draft watchers, but he won’t stay one. He was built to be a pass rusher! He has excellent closing speed, is elusive, and is quick. He displays a high football IQ and always has a game plan to set up OLs with a fantastic approach. Walker uses leverage well & pressures QBs with a hand in the dirt or standing up. A punishing tackler who plays with an edge and a non-stop motor. David creates havoc on all passing downs! A scout mentioned he reminds them of Eagles Edge Brandon Graham. He is a name to know in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan. Excellent speed, agility, an elite first step, and a plethora of pass rush moves: swim, chop, etc. Exudes adequate bend, a high motor & is an elite processor. Stewart wins with an outside or inside pass rush. He operates well in tight spaces and shows off violent hands. Josaiah has a 16% pressure rate and 17% run-stop rate, tied for best-in-class. He is one of my favorite fits for the Eagles in this class.
Mike Green, Edge Rusher, Marshall. Green’s closing speed is a cheat code, almost unstoppable. He has a beautiful inside move and surprises opponents with his speed and explosive first step. Mike has forced 117 yards for loss via sacks. He is a Drive Killer! He would be a fun player to team up with the Eagles YAC killer, Quinyon Mitchell.
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
