Draft season is upon us, Eagles fans. The NFL combine provides NFL team executives and fans an opportunity to watch many of the best College prospects in the Nation perform drills that most believe translate to success in the NFL. There are many instances of players who have exceeded well during the season, not performing the best in Indianapolis and having their draft stock, and value take a nosedive.
5 Prospects the Eagles should add to their big board
Listed below are five players who excel while under such intense pressure and being under the proverbial microscope. This group exceeded most of the expectations and pre-conceived notions, and performed at a level that could see them skyrocket up draft boards by late April and possibly into the hands of Eagles GM Howie Roseman.
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Stewart is getting a lot of attention after dominating the edge rusher workouts at the combine. Shemar slimmed down from 285 to 267 and followed that with a 4.60 forty. Shemar also scored high with a 10 foot 11 inch broad jump, good for the top 90% of everyone who has performed.
He sets the edge well versus the run, and just as importantly maintains it! Stewart sheds blocks, uses power or speed to attack, and has a lethal first step. His lean, powerful, long frame creates mismatches versus Offensive Linemen. He comes to an NFL team with a full toolbox that he continued to add to while at College. He is durable, relentless, and part of the conversation for a team in the first round looking for an edge rusher with a large repertoire of rushes. If he fell to 32 (or close), where the Eagles select, it would be hard to pass on such a talent. Shemar is only 21 years old, and has the age and talent to be a core member of the franchise for a long, long time.
James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
A potential top three Edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft, James is quick off the line, athletic, and flexible, showcasing a natural bend to get around the edge. Pearce has shown a nasty spin move, and a relentless pursuit in getting to the Quarterback! The Tennessee product is uber-competitive, has a high motor, and uses leverage well.
If the Eagles are interested, it will likely require a move up the board, something Howie has proven he will do for the right player. For a man 6’5,245, his 4.47 forty yard dash at the combine was impressive. James had a 22% pressure rate at Tennessee, and coupled with his combine performance could be a top 15 player off the board.
Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Peebles disrupts the offense with a swipe and spin attack, showcasing some of the best pass-rushing moves in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Aeneas uses active, violent hands, strength, and leverage, to win reps, and he put up a gaudy 27.3% pass rush win rate at Virginia Tech. He is a twitchy athlete for his size and is impressive versus the run, a 9% run stop rate. Aeneas ran a 4.94 forty, reached 20.47 mph, and had a 1.74 10-yard split at the combine. For a team that wants to add a DT to their roster who is underrated and ready to take the next leap in their career, Peebles is for them.
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Emmanwori is a physical freak of nature. Standing 6’3, weighing 221 pounds, and running 4.38 forty is crazy. He has a linebacker’s build and the skill sets of a cornerback. Most believed he would test well, but his 43-inch vertical surprised his biggest fans! It was also 10 inches higher than Georgia saftey Malaki Starks ( a player many had tabbed as the S1 before the combine).
Nick may have catapulted his name into first round discussions, and even as safety one on some boards. He was one of the biggest winners from Indy. He also displayed an elite back pedal, fluid hips, burst, excellent ball skills, and was a reliable tackle during his time at South Carolina. During 417 coverage snaps last season, he allowed zero TDs! Nick has performed well versus the best talent.
Maxwell Hairston
Hairston shocked everyone with his 4.29 40-yard dash. He also showed an impressive vertical with a 39.5 jump. His footwork during the drills was particularly impressive. With the recent release of BP Slay, the Eagles could be interested in adding another ball-hawking, aggressive, athletic, cost-effective corner to the team (joining the Eagles No-Fly-Zone with Quinyon and Slay).
Maxwell has the skills to cover in space as well as anyone in the class. He changes direction quickly, displays an elite back pedal, all while mirroring receivers with ease. Hairston fights for every ball and allows no easy receptions! He drips of CB finger wag swag, and is a vibe setter.
As always. thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
