The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off tonight, and the Philadelphia Eagles—fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory—are poised to make strategic moves to maintain their championship-caliber roster.
Holding the 32nd overall pick, the Eagles have eight selections in this year's draft, all within the first five rounds. Despite their recent success, the team faces the challenge of filling key vacancies left by offseason departures, including defensive standouts Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, along with a few additional question marks in other areas.
General Manager Howie Roseman enters the draft with significant flexibility, possessing 20 picks over the next two years.
Let's take a look at five high-upside prospects the Eagles should consider targeting as they begin their title defense.
Walter Nolen
The Eagles lost Milton Williams and Josh Sweat from the defensive line this offseason, so they need to address those voids. Nolen has NFL starter defensive lineman size (6'4", 296 LBS) and an impressive combination of explosiveness and playmaking skills. With his ability to move around on the front, he has a lot of potential as a three-down interior lineman. He possesses all of the technical skills and tools required to be a disruptive defensive lineman in the pros.
Malaki Starks
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was yet another defensive loss. Starks is a well-rounded safety who excels at everything. A clever, high-ceiling defensive back with excellent play recognition. He can run with any receiver and does well versus tight ends. Overall, Starks wears the G on his helmet. It’s hard to go against the Georgia system. He will be an excellent safety at the next level, with the potential to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball.
Shemar Stewart
Stewart's productivity has not been outstanding, but the attributes he possesses are extremely unique. He recently produced one of the best combine performances of all time, earning a perfect 10/10 Relative Athletic Score. I'm prepared to bet on this player because of his tools. He doesn't have to play right away and can develop and learn in a good system to be successful.
Josh Simmons
Despite his injuries, I believe Simmons is a top-25 prospect in this draft. According to reports, he is recovering ahead of schedule and will be ready for the start of the season. He's a tremendously athletic player with ideal size and length, with experience playing both left and right tackle. If everything goes well with his medicals, he may be a plug-and-play offensive lineman. However, with the Eagles, he could learn behind two excellent tackles, Lane Johnson & Jordan Mailata, along with an All-Time coach, Jeff Stoutland.
Wyatt Milum
Milum possesses the physical profile, strength, and football IQ to be an early starter in the appropriate scheme. For a person his size, he has incredible detection on rush attempts as well as outstanding body control. Arm length may be a question mark, but it hasn't stopped him thus far. Has played around 700 snaps this season and has not allowed a single sack, quarterback hit, or pressure. Overall, Milum has the potential to be a very good starter in the future if he is placed in the appropriate situation.
