🦅 2025 NFL Mock Drafts: Who Will the Eagles Pick First?

Breaking Down Every Major Prediction for Philly’s First-Round Pick

As the 2025 NFL Draft creeps up faster than a Cowboys fan hiding their jersey at the Linc, Eagles Nation is locked in on one burning question - Who will Howie draft first this year?

We scoured the web’s best mock drafts—from ESPN-level experts to fan-driven diehards—to bring you a no-nonsense breakdown of who’s getting mocked to the Birds in Round 1.

Quick Recap: The Eagles' Draft Position

Depending on who you ask, Philly is either picking at No. 32 after a Super Bowl win (NFL.com, CBS, SB Nation)…
Or they’re trading up to steal another SEC stud (Hi, Walter Nolen 👀).

Let’s get into it.

 

Most Popular Pick: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)

Mocked by: NFL.com, CBS Sports
Position: Defensive Tackle
School: Ole Miss
Projected Pick: 26–32

What They’re Saying:

“A prospect everyone can't believe fell to [the Eagles].” – CBS Sports
“Perfect replacement... after helping power the Eagles’ Super Bowl run.”

Edge Rusher Depth: James Pearce Jr. & Shemar Stewart

James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)

Mocked by: SB Nation (Bleeding Green Nation)
Pick: 32
Why: “Fast-rising pass rusher with Eagles DNA. Total trench dog.”
If Haason or Sweat needs backup—or a future replacement—Pearce fits the mold.

Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M)

Mocked by: NFL.com (Daniel Jeremiah)
Pick: 32
What DJ said: “More disruption than production... like Nolan Smith was.”

 

Wild Card: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)

Mocked by: Fansided
Why this makes sense:
Dallas Goedert may not be around in 2025. Loveland is a 6’5” baller who can block, catch, and probably run over a small cornerback just for fun.
And let’s be honest—having another big-bodied target for Hurts would be filthy.

Bonus Picks: The Georgia Pipeline Lives On

Multiple mocks (not just these) flirted with more UGA defenders, including:

• Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia) – USA Today

• Malaki Starks (S, Georgia) – NFL.com alternate mocks

“Georgia North” is alive and well in South Philly.

 

What This All Means (aka Howie’s Big Brain Play)

The consensus trend is clear:

• DEFENSE. DEFENSE. DEFENSE.

• Specifically: D-line or EDGE

• If a top TE or offensive playmaker somehow slides, don’t be shocked by the pivot

Howie Roseman doesn’t just draft based on need—he drafts based on value.
If someone like Nolen is still there, you bet he’s snatching him up faster than a Wawa hoagie on gameday.

 

Final Word from the Tailgate

Whatever happens Thursday night in April, one thing is guaranteed:
Philly will either be pumped, furious, or both. And we’ll be here yelling about it.

Hit that cooler, pour a Yuengling, and tag us in your draft night takes @PhillyDrinkers.

 

🦅 Fly Eagles Fly, and for the love of God, draft someone from Georgia.