Last year I did a full off-season mock and prioritized turning over the secondary, investing into the DL, getting stability at LB, and adding an offensive weapon. If I had to set an off-season strategy for this year, it would be the following in priority order:
- Prioritize drafting the defensive line, both DT and EDGE, as it is the position group about to get expensive
- Re-sign Zack Baun to give long-term LB stability
- Get a CB2 for the post-Slay era, either high in the draft or in free agency
- Take advantage of the depth in this draft class – trading down if possible, looking for DL, TE, SAF later in the draft
- Given the strength of the roster, take advantage if players at a non-urgent position drop to them (OT, WR)
The draft will be key for several of these and below are my targets across the first two days.
Ranking the Eagles options on day 1
Below is my R1 board for the Eagles with 10 1st round targets that fit my priorities above.
I’ve used players current Expected Draft Pick (EDP) locations. If you are wondering where guys like Abdul Carter (EDP 5) or James Pearce (EDP 14) are, I’ve left off guys that are expected to go way above our pick.
| Trade-up | At pick | Trade down | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT | Walter Nolen (25-32) | Derrick Harmon (27-29) | TJ Sanders (34-50) |
| EDGE | Princely Umanmielen (32-44) | Shemar Stewart (25-26) | |
| CB | Benjamin Morrison (12-24)* | Jahdae Barron (35-40) | |
| WR | Emeka Egbuka (22-25) Isaiah Bond (28-31) | ||
| OL | Josh Simmons (20-26)* |
* Injury flags
DT: The position I think may be the best value
Yes, I know everybody wants an EDGE but DT is my top R1 target for several reasons:
- DT is one of the strongest position group in 2025 – I have 5 R1 DTs and most boards will agree that DT is a strong group this year
- DT is likely going to be great value when the Eagles pick – Only 2 DTs are expected to be picked by the Eagles pick (Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant) and historically 3-4 total are taken in R1
- DT is as big of a long-term need as EDGE is – Philly is highly unlikely to be able to keep Milt and Jordan Davis with Carter’s extension
- DT has gotten very expensive in the NFL – DT is now a full-fledged premium position as the average top 10 contract has increased 69% over the past 5 years and now equals EDGE.
Ole Miss’s DT Walter Nolen may be my top target at any position in this draft. He aligns from NT to out over tackle, is doubled at one of the highest rates in this class (64% vs. LSU, 72% vs UGA) and still produces. He could be the best run defender in this class. He flashes a ton of power but also has an initial quick side-step to hit a gap that you see Jalen Carter use (not as good as Jalen’s though). Mason Graham is DT1 but the gap between him and Nolen isn’t that big.
Derrick Harmon provides probably the best interior pass-rushing ability in this class and at 6’3″ 339lbs but probably playing quite a bit lighter this year, he is explosive and with Nolen handles double teams as well as anybody in this class.
And last, TJ Sanders who I have higher than consensus right now. He’s going to test really well at 6’4″ and 290lbs, at his best when going against single blocks where he makes a ton of plays.
EDGE: Next, the position everybody wants
Pass rusher is the overwhelming consensus top pick by every board, media outlet, and fan mock and it’s obviously a premium position, a need, and a position Howie values. I just don’t think this is a great EDGE class which is why I have it below DT.
- This EDGE class’s value is depth more than top-end talent – Many disagree with me, but I think the top of this EDGE class is down from recent years (Carter and Pearce are the only two near recent top guys), but makes up for it in top-100 depth
- EDGE is likely going to be depleted before the Eagles pick – Even last year where defensive players dropped, 4 EDGEs were taken before the Eagles expected pick and usually it is 5-6 EDGEs taken
Princely Umanmielen is an always-on pass rusher that is constantly disruptive (17% pressure rate run stop rates). I’m not sure what to make of his incident going after a fan which would need to be cleared.
And Shemar Stewart is interesting… his college production was lacking (10% pressure rate) but when you watch him, I’m not sure I have seen somebody get so close on so many plays. He’s a higher variance pick and at 6’6″ and 290lbs and my love for giant EDGEs, I know I may be overvaluing him.
You can’t blindly look at stats and a guy like Shemar is an example of that, but you also can’t ignore college production. I wrote earlier here on how pressure rates translate to the NFL and it’s buyer-beware on guys that didn’t produce in college – top guys in this class like Mykel Williams (9% college pressure rate) and Nic Scourton (11% pressure rate and a tweener) are guys I just don’t see it with. Jalon Walker I like but think he’s an off-ball LB primarily.
CB: An underrated position to take
Yes, I know we just double-dipped at corner but it isn’t crazy to take another CB:
- We still need another outside CB – With Slay nearing the end, you may be good with Kelee Ringo or Eli Ricks but neither has proven they are starters yet.
- CB could be value when they pick – The top end of this class may not match recent years but it’s a deep – and imperfect – CB class where guys could drop as several have medical questions
Benjamin Morrison has better film vs. Marvin Harrison Jr. than any other CB I have watched. He’s also held Puka, Jordan Addison, Zay Flowers, and Josh Downs and to an average of 35 yards per game. Listening to him, he will remind you of Quinyon. He did have season-ending hip surgery but if that clears and he’s there, you draft him and are set at corner with Quinyon, Coop, and BMo for years.
And last, Jahdae Barron can play anywhere in the secondary but probably not a full-time outside guy in the NFL. You want him with the play in front of him where he shows great anticipation and recognition where he’s one of the smartest corners in this class.
WR: My “it won’t happen but should” pick
It’s becoming an annual tradition for me to say why taking another top WR, while maybe a luxury, actually makes sense:
- Two good WRs is the standard, not special, for the top teams – The Lions, Vikings, and Bills all have multiple good WRs, the Chiefs and Ravens are investing to have multiple
- This offense struggles if AJ or DeVonta are out – We see it each year when one of them is down
- The Eagles may need another WR in 2 years – AJ Brown will be 30 after the 2026 season and his contract can be moved on from then – it’s not crazy to have another WR that develops
No, this won’t happen. But, I am putting it here because WR could be BPA when the Eagles pick.
Simulators have Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka going right near the expected Eagles pick and if he’s there, you’re getting the most complete receiver in this class, a plus route runner with 4.4 speed, probably the best WR against man coverage in this class, and a guy with incredible work ethic.
And if there’s one thing I’d love to see added to this offense, it’s silly speed. That’s Isaiah Bond – he’s not as fast as Xavier Worthy last year but close. His stats are so-so but that’s the Quinn Ewers effect. he’d open up this offense and be an investment in the next Eagles WR.
OT: For the “draft Lane successor” crowd
If you have followed me, you know I thought the “draft an OT” last year was effectively setting draft capital on fire as Lane has said he plans to play through 2026. But each year that goes by, taking an OT makes more sense. It would still be my lowest priority R1 position, but it could make sense:
- This is a really bad OT class – Last year’s OT class looked great compared to this year where almost every guy has serious questions on staying at OT in the NFL
- If unexpected value falls it could be an opportunistic pick – While not my preferred position, it’s not crazy that the other guys I have listed above are all gone by the Eagles pick
There’s only two guys I would even consider taking – Longhorn Kelvin Banks (who is projected top 10) and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons. If you want the Eagles to take an OT they better have length, anchor, and movement skills. And if they need work on technique, well they are coming to the right place. And that’s Josh Simmons.
The other top OTs all have disqualifying issues to me on day 1 – Will Campbell doesn’t have the length to stay at OT… Aireonte Ersery is interesting but not a good enough pass blocker… Cameron Williams doesn’t have the speed the Eagles use at OT… Wyatt Milum I like but he’s an interior guy… Josh Conerly reminds me of Andre Dillard with his anchor.
It’s still not my preference as he sits for two years, but you can see the board falling in such a way that Simmons could be the best value.
Trade down: Probably best value given this draft
Trade downs are tough to predict as it requires another team wanting to move up, but this year is a great year to drop down:
- This is a weaker draft class – Most see this as a down draft with typical R1 positions like QB and OT being weak and other positions like WR and EDGE being deep but not as top-heavy
- The day 2 value aligns well with what the Eagles need – EDGE, DT, SAF, and TE are all positions that should interest the Eagles and they look to be very good day 2 position groups
- The Eagles roster doesn’t have many near-term needs – You never draft based on immediate needs, but the Eagles roster is in good shape with a lot of young talent, giving them more space to take advantage of other teams
What could a trade down look like? They don’t happen a ton from late in the 1st where the Eagles are likely picking, but here are two comps:
2022 Titans trade down 9 spots from R1-26 for a big move up on day 2:
After trading away AJ Brown (thank you very much), the Titans send R1-26 and R3-101 to the Jets for R2-35, R3-69, and R5-163.
2018 Eagles trade out of R1-32 for a future day 2 pick:
It would be interesting if we saw a repeat of 2018 when the Eagles traded R1-32 and R4-132 to the Ravens and got back R2-52, R4-125, and a 2019 2nd rounder.
If your 1st round guys are gone and there’s an opportunity to pick up an extra day 2 pick this year or next, I’d seriously look at it – the value in this draft is in its depth.
How I’m thinking about day 2 of the draft
EDGE has really good options on day 2 if you miss on day 1 and positions like SAF and TE that should interest the Eagles become good positions to take.
| R2 | R3 | |
|---|---|---|
| EDGE | LT Overton Kyle Kennard | Josaiah Stewart Jared Ivey |
| DT | Omar Norman-Lott | Alfred Collins |
| SAF | Xavier Watts | Andrew Mukuba |
| TE | Harold Fannin | Mason Taylor Gunnar Helm |
| CB | Trey Amos | Maxwell Hairston Domani Jackson |
| OL | Tate Ratledge | Miles Frazier |
EDGE: Honestly, I like day 2 options more than day 1
If 3-4 EDGEs go ahead of the Eagles pick in R1, you are probably reaching for one where the Eagles will pick and ignoring better value at another position. But if Howie doesn’t get an EDGE on day 1, pass-rush-hungry Eagles fans shouldn’t go to bed angry as day 2 looks to be really good with 10-12 EDGEs projected to be taken.
Here are my favorite targets:
| Player | EDP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LT Overton, Alabama | 50-55 | Bigger end that moves well with versatility across the line |
| Kyle Kennard, South Carolina | 55-65 | Explosive pass rusher, he’ll remind you of Jalyx Hunt |
| Josaiah Stewart, Michigan | 75-85 | Only 21 years old, a Nolan-type defender with a silly 37% true pass set win rate – he is constantly disruptive and a leader on the team |
| Jared Ivey, Ole Miss | 80-100 | A bigger DE at 6’6″ 285 lbs who wins with power and sets the edge |
Of the above, Josaiah Stewart is my favorite day 2 guy and is only knocked due to his size. I’d take him in the 2nd round or Jared Ivey in the 3rd and be really happy with the pick.
DT: Strong on day 1, good again on day 2
The best reason I can find not to take a DT on day 1 is there are really good options on day 2 with another 6-7 projected on day 2. But I’d specifically look at these two:
| Player | EDP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Omar Norman-Lott, Tennessee | 55-65 | Can 2-gap and never stops pushing the pocket – reminds me of Keeanu Benton but I like Omar even more |
| Alfred Collins, Texas | 65-90 | 6’5″ and 320lbs, the best run-stopper in this class and great insurance if you don’t extend Jordan Davis |
SAF: Have to be aggressive if you want one
Safety is lean this year with Malaki Starks projected in the 1st round and then only 3 safeties on day 2 after Kamari Ramsey announced he is returning next year.
It’s another underrated need for the Eagles – CJGJ is likely only here in 2025, Sydney Brown cannot stay on the field, and then there’s Reed Blankenship who could get paid after next season, which too many ignore. Here’s who I would want:
| Player | EDP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xavier Watts, Notre Dame | 70-80 | Plays a lot of nickel, one of best in man coverage, makes a ton of plays coming in from deep, team captain |
| Andrew Mukuba, Texas | 85-140 | At 6’0″ and 190lbs his size will hurt him but he gives up nothing after the catch and gets his hands on the ball |
I’d love Xavier Watts as he’s exactly the type of guy the Eagles would love, but expect him to go higher than expected as a lot of teams will be interested in him.
Mukuba gets knocked for being small but watch his film and you see it doesn’t hold him back – and he’s the same size as very good NFLers Brandon Jones, Jordan Love, Elijah Molden, and Budda Baker.
TE: Another really strong position group this year
With five TEs projected in the top 100 picks, it’s a good year to want a TE. Many have their sights set on Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren as Goedert replacements, but both are projected in R1. We aren’t taking a TE high and we shouldn’t.
There’s much better value on day 2 and I’d absolutely take Gunnar Helm in the 3rd.
| Player | EDP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harold Fannin, Bowling Green | 45-55 | He’s put up gaudy numbers with a 3.7 YRR, his skillset translates |
| Mason Taylor, LSU | 85-100 | Primarily a pass-catcher but he’s impressive with the ball |
| Gunnar Helm, Texas | 90-100 | A complete TE – the best blocking TE, catches everything, good route running, forces a lot of missed tackles |
CB: A few options on day 2
If you really wanted a good chance of getting your CB2 post-Slay, you do everything you can to take Morrison in the 1st. But there are some day 2 options I’d be comfortable taking.
| Player | EDP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trey Amos, Ole Miss | 35-55 | Would take a trade up in R2, so good in press and sticky in coverage, 18% PBU rate and gives up little YAC |
| Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky | 50-65 | Playmaker especially with the play in front of him which is where you want him – reminds me of Rasul Douglas |
| Domani Jackson, Alabama | Day 3 | Good size, big jump up in 2024, good speed, plus tackler |
OL: I’d probably wait for day 3
The Eagles always look for OL and they do need to keep the depth stocked as they probably lose Becton and Fred Johnson and Jack Driscoll are both free agents. But this really isn’t an exciting OL class.
If you’re mocking OL to the Eagles, they better be athletic, preferably big, and chances are they will come from a big school. The couple of guys I’d be interested in are the following:
| Player | EDP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tate Ratledge, UGA | 70-90 | Has the size (6’6″ 325) and movement then Eagles would want |
| Miles Frazier, LSU | Day 3 | Gives up some in movement but makes up for it in consistency and flexibility, starting every spot over his career |