The Philadelphia Eagles may have just won the Super Bowl, but that doesn’t mean they can kick back and relax. A new season’s on the horizon, and if they want to stay on top, they’ve got to start planning now. This week, all the attention shifts to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off. Nick Sirianni’s Eagles are sitting on eight picks. But come on, we all know Howie Roseman isn’t just gonna sit still. He loves to wheel and deal, so don’t expect those picks to stay where they are. Now, let’s talk about what Philly really needs.
After trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans, there’s a big hole at safety next to Reed Blankenship. Sure, Sydney Brown could fight for it, but they’ll need more depth before the season kicks off. It’s the same story at defensive tackle. Losing Milton Williams hurt, and now Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis need some backup. Furthermore, linebacker is another spot to watch. Zack Baun’s locked in, but Nakobe Dean is still healing up from a torn patellar tendon. They can’t risk being thin there. And hey, don’t forget about the tight end either. If the Eagles decide to move on from Dallas Goedert, per the rumors, they’re gonna need a plan fast. So, it’s about to get real interesting for Philly!
Round 1, pick 19: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Eagles might not be sitting tight at pick 32 for long. According to Essentially Sports’ mock draft, Howie Roseman could be cooking up a move with the Buccaneers to jump up to 19 in Round 1. And there’s a reason for that – Jihaad Campbell.
Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) knocks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) out of bounds just short of the goal line during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Campbell isn’t just good. He’s the best linebacker on the board this year. A lot of big names, including Daniel Jeremiah, have him as a top-10 talent. So yeah, the chances of him slipping to 32? Pretty slim. However, ESPN’s Field Yates actually sees it happening too. In his latest mock, he’s got the Eagles grabbing Campbell right at the end of the first round.
Yates knows it sounds crazy. It would hurt to see Campbell wait that long, especially when he’s easily one of the top 25 players out there. But with his recent shoulder surgery, some teams might back off. And that’s when Philly could pounce. Imagine Campbell lining up next to Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. That’s a scary linebacker room. Last season, Campbell was everywhere: 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a pick. So, he is a great option for Philly if he ends up till 32. But if not, then a swap for the pick can always come in handy for Howie Roseman and the Eagles.
If the deal goes down, the Eagles could also snag picks 157 and 235 from Tampa. All they’d give up is their third and fourth-rounders, 96 and 134.
Round 2, pick 64: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Howie Roseman doesn’t draft tight ends often. In 14 years, he’s only picked four. But when he does? He usually nails it – just think about Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Now, with 2025 right around the corner, it feels like it’s time to find the next big name. And Mason Taylor could be that guy.
Taylor’s got the size they want – 6’5″, 246 pounds. He’s got the hands, runs smooth routes, and is not afraid to block either, which makes him a real three-down threat. At LSU, he made noise with 129 catches, over 1,300 yards, and six touchdowns. Then he showed out at the Combine, just to remind everyone what he’s about. After all, football runs in his blood, as he is the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, and is the nephew of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas.
Round 5, pick 157 overall: Jonas Sanker, SAF, Virginia
Teams across the NFL are chasing what the Eagles built on defense fast, smart safeties who can read plays in a flash and shut down big gains before they happen. That’s why Sanker feels like such a perfect fit. His experience in split-safety and quarters coverage matches exactly what made Philly’s defense so dangerous during their Super Bowl run under Vic Fangio’s system.
With C.J. Gardner-Johnson gone, there’s now a real opening next to Sydney Brown, who’s expected to start after being picked in 2023. But let’s be real – the Eagles love stacking talent, and grabbing Sanker as a depth piece could be the kind of move that keeps their defense one step ahead.
Round 5, pick 161 (from Houston): J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
Standing 6-3 and weighing 309 pounds, J.J. Pegues is not just powerful. He’s fast for his size, too. Ole Miss used him all over, from lining up over the center to playing on the edge, even throwing him in at fullback. That kind of versatility is rare.
With Milton Williams gone and Jordan Davis’ future up in the air, the Eagles have a real opening. Pegues, if available, could slide right into the rotation with Davis and Moro Ojomo next to Jalen Carter. If Davis leaves after this season, Pegues could take on an even bigger role. And here’s the kicker – if the NFL bans the Tush Push, Pegues, who racked up 18 first downs or touchdowns last season, could be a secret weapon in short-yardage plays.
Round 5, pick 164 (from Cleveland): Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
TeSlaa is a guy to keep an eye on. At 6-3, 214 pounds, he’s got the size and speed you dream of. He ran a solid 4.43 at the Combine and didn’t disappoint with his agility numbers either. But here’s the thing – his production hasn’t quite matched his athleticism.
In his best season at Arkansas in 2024, he pulled in 28 catches for 546 yards and 3 touchdowns. Still, he didn’t always play up to his full potential, often stuck in a big slot role. But don’t let that fool you – TeSlaa’s got all the tools to grow. If he lands in the right spot, he could be a special teams standout and a valuable asset down the line. The future is bright if he gets the right development.
Round 5, pick 165 (from Washington): Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
The Eagles are all about stacking their line, and Travis is exactly what they need. At 6’7″, 339 pounds, he’s a beast. A Princeton grad who also made his mark at lowa State by helping them to their first-ever 10-win season. He started 11 games at left tackle and proved he’s got the skills to play at a high level.
With Fred Johnson leaving, the Eagles have a hole to fill. Johnson was crucial for spot starts last season, but now Darian Kinnard might take on that role. Adding Travis would keep the tackle pipeline strong and keep the Eagles’ offensive line solid for the future.
Round 5, pick 168: Collin Oliver, Edge/LB, Oklahoma State
At 6-1 and 240 pounds, Oliver’s got that in-between build, making him a versatile option. He could be an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker in the NFL. It’s all about how the Eagles choose to use him. At Oklahoma State, Oliver was a force, with 23 1/2 sacks across 43 games. In 2023, he dominated with 6 sacks, 15 1/2 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles.
But 2024 was a rough year an early foot injury kept him out for most of the season. Still, he came back strong, showing his skills at both the Combine and Senior Bowl. If the Eagles have extra picks on Day 3, taking a chance on Oliver could be a smart move. He’s a hidden gem, just waiting to shine if he stays healthy.
Round 7, pick 235: Sebastian Castro, DB, Iowa
Castro might not turn heads with flashy plays, but he’s the kind of player who grinds and gets the job done. He’s quick to react in the run game, finding his spot and not shying away from tough blocks. His power and urgency allow him to fight through and keep pushing, though bigger blockers can sometimes hold him back. He’s tough, no doubt, but he’s also had his fair share of missed tackles, especially against elusive or powerful ball carriers. In coverage, Castro excels more in zone, reading the game, and staying in his area.
But when it comes to man coverage, he struggles to keep up with quick, shifty receivers or tight ends with a size advantage. He has solid ball skills but doesn’t always have the speed to make those highlight-reel interceptions. However, his real value shines in special teams. With nearly 350 snaps under his belt, Castro has proven he can make an impact on kickoffs and punts. He may not be the most physically gifted, but his toughness, smarts, and willingness to do the dirty work make him a strong contender for a roster spot.
So, all in all, it remains to be seen who Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni choose in this draft. No doubt he would try his best to maintain the winning record, as the GM himself said it that he “bleeds for the city.”
The post Eagles’ Howie Roseman Makes Bold Jump for Nick Sirianni and to Addresses Defense With 5 Picks in Latest Mock Draft appeared first on EssentiallySports.
