As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles are in full preparation mode. They have eight total picks, all within the first five rounds, and currently hold the 32nd overall pick. General Manager Howie Roseman is once again leading the draft strategy. Known for his aggressive style, Roseman is expected to stay flexible, watch the board carefully, and be ready to act when opportunities arise.
This is not the first time the Eagles have picked at No. 32. In 2018, they traded that pick to the Baltimore Ravens, who used it to draft Lamar Jackson. The Eagles used the return package to select Dallas Goedert, Avonte Maddox, and Miles Sanders. This year, Roseman is preparing for a similar approach: wait, evaluate, and respond.
At his pre-draft press conference, Roseman stressed the need for patience. According to him, trading up into the top 10, 15, or even 20 is difficult. The draft value chart confirms this. The 32nd pick is worth nearly 300 points less than the 19th pick. Even if the Eagles package picks No. 32, No. 116 (third round), and No. 134 (fourth round), they could only move up to about pick No. 23 or 24. So, the team is more likely to stay near the back end of the first round unless a valuable player unexpectedly drops.
Philadelphia’s draft plan centers on the defensive line, especially the interior. The Eagles lost Milton Williams in free agency. He signed a $26 million average annual value deal with the New England Patriots. Williams had developed into a key piece of the rotation, so his departure leaves a major need.
Jalen Carter remains the star of the group. He was a second-team All-Pro last season and is now viewed as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Jordan Davis also started all 17 games in 2024 and played in all four playoff games. He totaled 27 tackles, one sack, and two passes defended during the regular season, with two more sacks in the postseason. However, his snap count decreased as second-year player Moro Ojomo gained playing time. Davis’s role is under review, especially with his fifth-year option decision coming in May. If the Eagles decline it, 2025 could be his last season in Philadelphia.
Ojomo showed real upside as a pass rusher last year, and the coaching staff hopes he can continue that progress. Behind them are young options like Byron Young, who was claimed off waivers from Las Vegas in August 2024 but did not play last season, and Gabe Hall, a long, undrafted defensive tackle from Baylor who earned praise in practice. However, none of these players are currently projected to be direct replacements for Williams.
Because of this, the Eagles have hosted several interior defensive line prospects ahead of the draft. Tyleik Williams from Ohio State, T.J. Sanders from South Carolina, and Shemar Turner from Texas A&M were all brought in for visits. Each player fits a different role. Williams is a strong run defender, Sanders is a Day 2 target with balance, and Turner offers power and versatility. The Eagles also showed interest in Coziah Izzard from Penn State during his pro day.
This year’s draft class is especially deep at defensive tackle. Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant from Michigan, Walter Nolen from Ole Miss, and Derrick Harmon from Oregon all project as early-round picks. Nolen is one of the most athletic interior defenders in the class and has drawn comparisons to Jalen Carter in style. Grant, a massive nose tackle, specializes in batting down passes and creating inside pressure. Graham stands out for his effort and motor. Harmon adds a mix of size and movement.
In the next tier, Alfred Collins from Texas, Darius Alexander from Toledo, and Joshua Farmer from Florida State bring different strengths. Collins, at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, is a top run-stopper. Alexander and Farmer offer developmental potential. Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M is another name to monitor, though he carries a boom-or-bust label. A small school name that’s received some attention is Joe Evans from UTSA.
Roseman has made it clear that building strong defensive and offensive lines remains a top priority. Since 2016, the Eagles have drafted 26 linemen, including both sides of the ball. Roseman pointed out that interior pressure is one of the fastest ways to disrupt a passing offense and that production in that area is expensive in free agency. Drafting linemen is more sustainable in the long term.
While the defensive line is the main focus, the Eagles may also use draft weekend to make trades involving current players. Tight-end Dallas Goedert could be moved. He turns 30 this year, is entering the final year of his contract, and carries an $11.8 million cap hit with no guaranteed money. Goedert only played 10 games last season, totaling 42 catches for 496 yards and two touchdowns. He’s missed 15 games since 2022.
Another possible trade candidate is defensive end Bryce Huff. After signing as a top free agent in 2024, Huff only managed 2.5 sacks and was inactive during the Super Bowl. Injuries and rotation issues limited his role.
Cornerback Eli Ricks may also be available. He’s only 23, has excellent length, and has been mentored by Darius Slay and James Bradberry. Still, with other corners rising, Ricks could be traded for picks.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson is another name to watch. The Eagles traded for Dotson before the 2024 season, sending Washington a 2025 third-round pick and two seventh-rounders in exchange for Dotson and a fifth-rounder. In 2024, Dotson caught 19 passes for 216 yards and rushed once for 13 yards in 17 games. Despite the limited production, he played 649 offensive snaps as the No. 3 receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
