2025 NFL Draft: Who Should the Eagles Draft?

This Thursday, the NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The NFL’s latest prospects will represent their new home with a fitted cap on draft night. What will my hometown Philadelphia Eagles do on draft night? I will discuss the Birds' needs and who they should select in their first two picks.

The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles have lost significant pieces on the defensive side to free agency, including cornerback Darius Slay Jr., defensive end Josh Sweat, and defensive tackle Milton Williams. They are looking to rebuild a Philadelphia defense that carried them to a Super Bowl victory last season. There are also reports that the Eagles are open to trading tight Dallas Goedert this offseason, with him entering his last year of his contract in 2025. The Eagles will pick 32nd, 64th overall for their first two picks.

ROUND 1 (Pick 32)

Walter Nolen - DT

Walter Nolen is a 6’4” 300 pound interior lineman out of Ole Miss. The Tennessee native introduced himself to top prospect lists after putting together an All-American season in 2024. Nolen led the charge for a rush defense that ranked 2nd in rushing yards allowed in the FBS. Nolen racked up 14 tackles for loss, while causing disruption in the passing game with 6.5 sacks. Nolen’s stat line does not reflect the impact he had on one of the top defenses in the FBS. In 2024, the Rebels set school records in sacks (52) and tackles for a loss (93). Nolen’s athleticism and relentless motor gave his teammates opportunities to get into the backfield.

Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman has been the best GM in recent years and has displayed an uncanny ability to recognize collegiate talent. If Nolen is selected by the Eagles, it would be the second SEC interior defensive lineman Roseman has picked in the first round (Jalen Carter). I do not see Nolen making an immediate impact on this roster, but working with players like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis will be great for his development.

ROUND 2 (Pick 64)

Mason Taylor -TE

Mason Taylor has Pro Football Hall of Fame in his bloodline. Taylor is the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, and nephew of Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas. 

Taylor was third team All-SEC selection in his junior season and finished his career in Death Valley with a bang. Setting career highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (546) in 2024. Taylor was productive in his career at LSU, setting school records in receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,308) for a tight end. 

Taylor has ball skills that are unusual to see out of a player his size. Taylor’s ability to line up on the line, in the slot, or out wide makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses. His fluidity as a route runner and ball tracking skills make him a tough cover. He is also crafty when he gets the ball in open field situations. Taylor racked up over 700 yards after reception in his college career. If the Eagles move on from veteran tight end Dallas Goedert, Taylor would be competing for a starting spot as a rookie in training camp.

ROUND 3 (Pick 96)

Tory Horton - WR

Horton would make an insane trio with A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. Horton has true WR1 potential but has dealt with injuries and should be available at this point. Horton has great size at 6'3" and 195 pounds with good IQ and route running. Moving Devonta Smith to a full-time slot and keeping Horton on the boundary would make mismatches with CB2s and should have Horton being productive as soon as he gets on the field.

These two selections could be the future of this franchise. The Eagles do a good job developing young talent, so I am looking forward to seeing how these prospects adapt to the NFL landscape. Excited to see what Howie has up his sleeve this year, as the Eagles look to make another deep odor run in 2025.

Thank you for reading!

Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)