The Philadelphia Eagles addressed the defensive side of the ball in the 2025 NFL Draft, as they have in the last few years with premium picks. GM, Howie Roseman, recently discussed why 10 of the 13 picks in the first three rounds have been focused on defense.
“Well, offensively, we have a bunch of starters under long-term contracts, starters who are in the prime of their career, so it allows you to really, on the fly, get young on that side (defense) of the ball.”
Hitting on the draft picks has the Eagles in the enviable position of having ten of their eleven projected starters on rookie deals, which is incredible and a testament to how well they have drafted on that side of the ball. Zack Baun is the lone elder statesman on the veteran contract.
Of the 41 defensive players on the 90-man roster, I have 24 projected to make the team’s initial 53-man roster.
The players I have making the team are italicized, and my numeric projections for each position on the initial 53 are in parentheses
Defensive Tackle /Defensive Line (4)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson
The D-Line is set for another fantastic year. Jalen Carter is a generational talent. The Eagles picked up Jordan’s 5th-year option and will be with the team for another 2 seasons. Moro is an ascending player who, along with rookie Ty Robinson, will be expected to take over the snaps left behind by Milton Williams. I would not expect any drop-off in production, unless there are injuries.
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Thomas Booker IV, Gabe Hall, and Byron Young
Edge (5)
Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., Josh Uche
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Bryce Huff, Patrick Johnson, and Ochuan Mathis.
I know the thought of losing Bryce Huff and taking on dead money one year after signing him is not a popular opinion, but if he is not one of the five best at his position, you move on. Doubling down on a player who has not produced and not keeping your best players would be a mistake. I hope Huff has turned the corner and will be a force in 2025, but if I have to project four months ahead of opening day, he will be gone.
Off Ball LB (5)
Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon
A unit that was once the laughing stock of the NFL and had little to no resources via draft capital or finances used on it, is now a strength of the team and one of the best LB rooms in the entire NFL.
The Eagle may use an IR spot for Nakobe to start the season, which would open the door to go heavy elsewhere on the roster, or to give one of the hopeful LBs on the 90-man roster a chance to make the team.
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Dallas Gant, KJ Henry, and Lance Dixon
Cornerbacks (6)
Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, Cooper DeJean, Mac McWilliams, Eli Ricks, Adoree’ Jackson
The camp battle for the right to start opposite Quinyon Mitchell may come down to Kelee Ringo versus Adoree’ Jackson. Another possibility, though unpopular amongst the fanbase, would be to try Cooper DeJean outside and play rookie Mac McWilliams in the slot. That is not something that seems likely, but if Fangio wanted to have a look, ‘In Vic We Trust’. I am not sure the Eagles are done adding to this position.
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Parry Nickerson, Tariq Castro-Fields, B.J. Mayes, AJ Woods, and Brandon Johnson
Safety (4)
Sydney Brown, Andrew Mukuba, Reed Blankenship, Lewis Cine
Many believe Mukuba will have the safety spot on opening day after being selected in the second round, but Sydney Brown is in great shape, hungry for the job, and will not give up the right to start easily. This is one of the more intriguing competitions of the summer. Another player to watch will be Lewis Cine, who has amazing chemistry with his former Georgia Bulldog teammates and has been with the team for five months learning their defense.
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Tristin McCollum, Maxen Hook, and Andre’ Sam
One of these Safeties could be the benefactor of Dean starting on the IR. I am excited to see Maxen Hook take advantage of his opportunity.
Special Teams (3)
LS- Charley Hughlett
P- Braden Mann
Kicker- Jake Elliott
The Eagles invited South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger to their rookie minicamp, maybe Braden Mann will have competition this summer.
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