Trying to decide who the Eagles are going to select in the 2025 NFL draft is like trying to buy a Christmas present for your rich friend.
What do you give the team who has everything?
Coming off their Super Bowl triumph and despite some losses in free agency, Nick Sirianni’s team does not have a glaring weakness that it needs to fill with the 32nd pick of the first round. That’s even if they stay at No. 32 come draft night, Thursday, April 24, in Green Bay.
Let’s start with some history. The last, and only other, time the Eagles had the 32nd overall pick was in 2018 after their first Super Bowl win. That year they traded out of the first round with the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore traded up to select quarterback and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. The Eagles received the Ravens second-round pick that year (tight end Dallas Goedert) and a second-round pick in 2019 (running back Miles Sanders). The teams also exchanged fourth-round picks.
Something along those same lines could happen again.
In a draft where a lot of scouts think the best value will come on Day Two (rounds two and three), if general manager Howie Roseman isn’t enamored with anyone available at No. 32, he could move back and stockpile some extra picks to add more depth to his roster.
Roseman, because the team doesn’t have as many needs as other teams, could also put together a package of picks or players and make a move up in the draft. He’s certainly shown he’s not afraid to do that. And at times it has worked very well — DeVonta Smith — and at times it has not — Andre Dillard.
As it stands a month before the draft the Eagles have eight total picks — one pick in each of the first four rounds and four picks in the fifth round. The extra fifth-round picks are from Houston and Washington. They do not have a sixth or seventh-round pick.
Should the Eagles stay at No. 32 there are a few positions they could target. The three that readily come to mind are offensive line, defensive line and edge rusher.
The offensive line has been an Eagles strength through their playoff and Super Bowl years. And a team that once regularly drafted linemen in the first round has taken just two in the past dozen years, the aforementioned Dillard in 2019 and Lane Johnson in 2013.
Speaking of Johnson, while he says retirement isn’t in his current plans he will be 35 in May. In what is a deep tackle draft, Johnson’s eventual replacement might be had at No. 32.
The defensive line is a position the Eagles have taken more than any other in the first round this century (10), so taking one again this year would not surprise anyone who has followed the team.
If, as expected, Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham are not on the 2025 roster, another edge rusher to join Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt and the disappointing Bryce Huff would also make sense.
Here is a look at five players who could be there if, and when, the Eagles are on the clock at No. 32.
Josh Connerly, T, Oregon — In other drafts a talent such as the 6-5, 315-pound Connerly wouldn’t have a chance to make it to the Eagles pick. And he may not this year. But there are an abundance of good tackles, and he may be the one to fall. Connerly had an outstanding past two seasons for the Ducks, who went undefeated during the 2024 regular season. In those two years at left tackle, he allowed just one sack.
Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia — Yes, another Georgia player to the Eagles. Roseman has grown fond of the Bulldogs and has gotten results from Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Nolan Smith, all first-round picks from Kirby Smart’s program. Williams, 6-5, 265, could be another one to go from Athens to Philadelphia. Viewed as a boom or bust type of player — some scouts think because of his quickness off the edge he can make an immediate impact, while others point out his lack of production as a detriment. Williams might be a good fit for coordinator Vic Fangio, who may coach him to his immense potential.
Alfred Collins, DT, Texas — Everything is bigger in Texas and Collins at 6-6, 330, is proof of that old saying. An accomplished run stuffer and an All-Academic selection the big Longhorn could fit in nicely next to Carter and Davis on the Eagles’ defensive line. There are some limitations in his game as a pass rusher, which is why he may still be available at No. 32.
Tyler Booker, G, Alabama — Roseman has also done well with Alabama products recently and the 6-5, 321-pound Booker could be another. Perhaps either the best or second-best interior lineman (Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson is the other), Booker is considered a mauler in the run game, but also possesses the finesse to be an excellent pass protector as well.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan — This pick would likely require moving up, but if it doesn’t take too big of a move Roseman might do it. Tight end Dallas Goedert enters the final year of his contract next season, and it will be interesting to see if the team wants to give him a third contract at age 31 and with some injury history. Loveland, who set a Michigan record for tight end with 56 receptions during the Wolverines championship season in 2023, would be an ideal replacement.
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Who are the best players in the 2025 NFL draft?
With the help of a long-time executive in personnel who owns two Super Bowl rings, here is a position-by-position look.
Quarterback: Cam Ward, Miami — This isn’t even close in what is a down year for the position. Ward will be one of the top three picks in the draft after a stellar career at The U. “He has all the physical tools you want. And he’s gotten better as a player. He’s shown a lot of poise from a year ago.”
Running Back: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State — The running back is back. After what Saquon Barkley did for the Eagles in 2024. And not to mention Derrick Henry (Baltimore) and Josh Jacobs (Green Bay), the devalue days may be over. Jeanty is a certain first-round pick. And a few others could join him.
Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona — In what he called the “worst group of receivers he’s seen in a long time” the personnel executive pointed out that McMillan “was legit as a first-round talent.” Others will go first round but are not in McMillan’s league.
Tight End: Tyler Warren, Penn State — There are a lot of good tight ends in this class, but Warren stands out as “the most complete.” LSU’s Mason Taylor and Michigan’s Colston Loveland are also very good.
Tackle: Will Campbell, LSU — In another deep group Campbell is “the best player” according to the executive. But Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, coming off a knee injury, might be the most talented.
Guard/Center: Donovan Jackson, Ohio State — Jackson, who played tackle for the Buckeyes, but will be a guard at the NFL level, got the slight nod over Alabama’s Tyler Brooks.
Edge Rusher: Abdul Carter, Penn State — The Philadelphia native and LaSalle High School product will be a top-three pick and could be No. 1 overall. “Yeah, he’s that good,” the executive said.
Defensive Tackle: Mason Graham, Michigan — In what the executive termed “an overrated group,” Graham stands out as the best. “He’s good. He’ll be a good player for a lot of years.”
Linebacker: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama — The executive called Campbell his favorite player in the draft. “He can do it all, rush, cover, he’s all over the field.”
Cornerback: Travis Hunter, Colorado — The Heisman Trophy winner, who is also a star wide receiver, joins Ward and Carter as a top-three pick. We’ll know in what order soon enough. He’s the best of a very good group of corners that could see as many as seven go in the first round.
Safety: Xavier Watts, Notre Dame — “He knows how to play the game,” the executive said of the Fighting Irish D-back. “(He) has great instincts.” South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori and Georgia’s Malaki Starks will be high picks as well.
