The Eagles made one of the larger surprises in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by moving up one spot to select an off-ball linebacker in round one for the first time since 1979.
Trader Howie could be wheeling and dealing again today, as many believed day two of the draft is where most of the value in this class is. Many players the Eagles have been linked to during the off-season are still available. Howie Roseman has set the expectation that the team will focus on more homegrown talent to keep their winning ways going while managing the cap in anticipation of huge paydays for Jalen Carter and others over the next two seasons.
Dallas Goedert is a player who could be on the move if the Eagles select a Tight End today.
Offensive targets for the Eagles
Tight End:
Mason Taylor, Tight End, LSU
My favorite TE for the Eagles, and a player many thought they could select at 32, is still available. A move up is likely to acquire Mason, but like last night’s selection of Jihaad Campbell, Taylor is a player you can pick and plug right into a starting lineup.
Mason is a real receiving threat with a soft pair of hands. He can hurt you in multiple ways and had a 1.8% drop rate. In the right scheme, he will flourish. Mason showed off a more intricate route tree at the Senior Bowl than during his time with LSU and is one of my two favorite tight ends for the Eagles in this draft cycle.
Gunnar Helm, Tight End, Texas
Helm has the frame, hands, body control, and above-average route running with the YAC ability that every GM looks for. Gunnar loves watching game films and is never satisfied. He excels in 12 personnel and is one of the best run-blockers in the class, which is something the Eagles could absolutely prioritize.
Harold Fannin Jr, Tight End, Bowling Green
Fannin has obvious ties to the Eagles via their new QB coach and former Bowling Green Head Coach, Scot Loeffler. Per PFF, Harold had the highest overall grade at 95.7 and was first in their pass route grading with 96.1.
Fanning is lethal with the ball in his hands, ranking first in broken tackles. His impressive hands and versatility make him a valuable chess piece at the pro level. A willing blocker with plenty of power, he’s a prime target for the Eagles.
Offensive Line:
Tate Ratledge, OL, Georgia
Tate has the size and athleticism that Eagles OL Coach Jeff Stoutland covets. He is a devastating run run defender, playing with plenty of grit and impressive agility. He also has plenty of experience working with both Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter in practice during his time at Georgia.
Charles Grant, OL, William and Mary
Grant is a strong player with 35+ inch arms. He played 227 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 and only lost 8, good for 6th in class at iOL. He also has a wrestling background and possesses impressive hand technique. While he did not play for Georgia, he has the mentality to fit in with them from day one.
Defense:
Defensive Tackle:
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
Sanders has stunning length and displays a quick burst off the line, causing havoc in the pocket. T.J. provided a solid interior pass rush in college (8.5 sacks in 2 seasons) and is a solid tackler. T.J. is a toolsym high-upside player who would thrive under Vic Fangio.
Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
A top-level run defender who is explosive off the snap and a reliable tackler. Alexander has powerful hands and has an elite ability to shed blocks. Simply put, he is a disruptor. While he’s a little older, his play is aging like a fine wine.
Edge Rusher:
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Donovan is super-athletic and just as twitchy. He may have the best bend I have seen all year watching film. Ezeiruaku keeps a big bag of pass-rushing tools isn’t afraid to use them. He closed out his College stay with 19 pressures and six sacks in his last two games, that’s enough to turn some heads.
Bradyn Swinson, Edge, LSU
Swinson is a strong, high-motor edge rusher with plenty of power and speed. With faster hands and an even faster mind, he’s lethal against the run and is coming off of his best season yet.
Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan
Stewart is another athletic menace who also has a strong arsenal of pass-rushing moves. He plays with a high motor and has violent hands at his disposal, allowing him to win both inside and out. The Eagles prefer athletic edge rushers, and while some may suggest that he is small for the position, his intangibles are very impressive.
Oluwafemi ‘Femi’ Oladejo, Edge, UCLA
Femi is an LB convert, and the transition has been a very successful one. His closing speed is jaw-dropping and he has all the traits the Eagles desire. Femi reminds me of Jalyx Hunt, not just because of his career trajectory, but his size and tools.
Cornerback:
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Trey is an Alabama transfer who presents every bit of that Bama pedigree. He mirrors well, has above-average closing speed, and uses his body well. Trey has proven to be disruptive at the catch-point, as evidenced by his 9 PBUs this year and an elite 18% PBU rate over his last 2 seasons.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Will appears to have slid down draft boards due to medical concerns in a very Sydney Jones-esque fashion. When healthy, he is one of the best breakup artists in the game. He had nine career picks at Michigan, 3 of which he took to the house. Will allowed just 3 yards after the catch per reception and flashes CB1 vibes consistently.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Morrison is a super twitchy corner with a high football IQ. He covers smoothly and doesn’t lack effort in run support. He shows excellent instincts and ball skills on film, as evidenced by his nine interceptions. He may be one of the best corners in the draft, and if not for his injury, would’ve been a likely first-round pick. He could be a steal for a team willing to take a chance.
Safety:
Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame
Watts is a converted WR which really helps his reading of routes and only adds to his already-impressive instincts, which rival any safety in this class. He’s proven his worth as a downhill playmaker and a reliable run-stopper with a high motor on top of being a ballhawk.
Andrew Mukuba, Safety, Texas
Andrew thrives against the run. He is a strong tackler who packs a punch. In Mukuba’s first season at Texas, he also flashed some impressive coverage skills. Per Sports Reference, he had 7 PBUs, five interceptions, 4 TFLs, and one forced fumble last year. He returned to the Longhorns for another season to prove he was a complete player; mission accomplished.
As always, thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
