The 2025 NFL Draft!
Okay, Eagles fans, buckle up! Draft week is finally upon us! After a season that ended hoisting the Lombardi Trophy (we assume, given the pick position!), the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in the familiar, yet enviable, position of picking last in the first round – No. 32 overall.
While picking at the end of Day 1 is the price of success, it hardly means General Manager Howie Roseman is taking the weekend off. In fact, for “Trader Howie,” this is where the fun often begins. The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off this Thursday, April 24th, in Green Bay, and you can bet Roseman’s phone lines are already buzzing.
What Ammo Do the Eagles Have?
As it stands on Monday, April 21st, the Eagles hold a solid cache of picks, though interestingly weighted towards the middle rounds:
- Round 1: Pick 32
- Round 2: Pick 64
- Round 3: Pick 96
- Round 4: Pick 134
- Round 5: Pick 161 (from Houston)
- Round 5: Pick 164 (from Detroit)
- Round 5: Pick 165 (from Washington)
- Round 5: Pick 168
That’s right, four picks in the fifth round and currently none in the sixth or seventh. Knowing Howie, this distribution is almost certainly temporary. These mid-round picks could be packaged to move up, used to acquire future assets, or simply utilized to grab value players. Remember 2018? The last time the Eagles picked 32nd after a Super Bowl win, they traded the pick away. As Roseman himself says, “Being aggressive has always been part of my DNA.”
Where Could the Eagles Look to Improve?
Even Super Bowl champions have areas to address. Based on offseason moves and roster outlook, here are some key spots the Eagles might target:
- Tight End: This seems to be a major point of discussion. With Dallas Goedert’s future potentially uncertain, finding his successor could be a priority. Penn State’s Tyler Warren is frequently mentioned as the top TE prospect, known for his versatility (19 TD catches, 4 rushing TDs, 1 passing TD in 2024!). Other intriguing names like Bowling Green’s hyper-productive Harold Fannin Jr. (the 2024 Mackey Award winner) or Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden II might be Day 2 or 3 targets.
- Defensive Depth: The Eagles saw key defensive figures depart this offseason. Replenishing talent and depth, particularly on the defensive line (edge rusher to potentially replace Josh Sweat) and in the secondary (cornerback), will be crucial. Prospects like Arkansas edge Landon Jackson or Kansas CB Cobee Bryant could fit the bill in later rounds.
- Offensive Line: You can never have too many good offensive linemen, especially with a legend like Lane Johnson aging gracefully. Finding a Day 1 starting right guard who could potentially kick out to tackle later (like Ohio State’s versatile Donovan Jackson, though he might require a trade back into the early second) is a classic Eagles move. Stoutland University is always accepting applications.
- Wide Receiver: Depending on how the team views the depth behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, adding a reliable No. 3 target could be on the list.
The Pick 32 Conundrum
What happens at No. 32? Roseman has options:
- Stand Pat: If a highly-rated player unexpectedly falls, the Eagles could gladly snap them up.
- Trade Down: Accumulate more picks (perhaps including a coveted 2026 pick) if the board doesn’t fall their way or if they feel they can get their target(s) later.
- Trade Up: Never count it out! If Howie sees a player he must have slipping into the 20s, he has the ammo (especially those four 5th-rounders) to potentially make a move.
Get Ready for HowieSZN!
Draft week is one of the most exciting times of the NFL calendar, especially in Philadelphia. Howie Roseman has built a reputation for shrewd moves and finding talent throughout the draft. While picking 32nd presents unique challenges, it also offers opportunities for a creative GM.
Will they find the next Dallas Goedert? Add crucial depth to the defense? Bolster the offensive line for years to come? We’ll start getting answers on Thursday night. Stay tuned, Eagles Nation – it’s going to be a fascinating weekend! Sources and related content