Philadelphia Eagles' Draft Prospects: Who's on the Radar?
Tuesday, April 01, 2025
In evaluating the Philadelphia Eagles' draft prospects, you're considering both defensive upgrades and offensive line reinforcements - both require focus. Key picks, like the 32nd and 64th, offer potential to strengthen their roster with strategic additions.
You might be wondering how impact players like Derrick Harmon or Maxwell Hairston could elevate the Eagles' defense—or how a versatile offensive lineman like Josh Conerly could strengthen the front line. In short, what moves are the Eagles preparing to ensure both instant impact and long-term success? Let’s take a closer look at the strategy shaping their next big moves.
Key Takeaways
- Derrick Harmon from Oregon, a versatile D-lineman, is a key defensive prospect for the Eagles' draft strategy.
- Josh Conerly of Oregon, with quick feet and long arms, is a top target for offensive line reinforcement.
- Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State is noted for his sack potential and is on the radar for edge-rushing capabilities.
- Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston is considered for his speed and interception ability to strengthen the secondary.
- Running backs Braelon Allen and Ashton Jeanty are low priorities but notable for their explosive running and missed tackles metrics.
Draft Position Highlights
The Eagles enter the 2025 Draft with prime positioning. Holding the 32nd overall pick, they may trade back—a move they've made before. Top targets include an edge rusher, safety, or cornerback.
With eight picks in the first five rounds, they have plenty of ammo to move up if needed. The 64th pick offers flexibility for either selection or trade.
In a prior move, they acquired RB D’Andre Swift from Detroit by trading a 2025 fourth-rounder and swapping 2023 seventh-round picks. Pick No. 96 in Round 3 gives them further leverage, while multiple Day 3 selections, including a fourth-rounder from Detroit, add valuable options for depth or deals.
Smart trading has bolstered their wriggle room—and provided an opportunity for moves that could ultimately impact the Philadelphia Eagles odds heading into the season.
Defensive Prospects to Watch
With the Eagles primed to bolster their defense in the upcoming draft, it's essential to keep an eye on standout prospects capable of impacting various positions. For defensive tackle, Derrick Harmon of Oregon stands out. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 313 pounds, he recorded 45 tackles and led all defensive tackles with 55 QB pressures.
Harmon's versatility, playing from zero to five techniques, complements the Eagles' line alongside Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. On the edge, Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State shows promise with 12.5 sacks in 2023 and 9.5 this last season. Despite limited football experience, his CrossFit background hints at untapped potential. Hassanein, known for his impressive power and athleticism, could develop into a formidable force if given proper mentoring and time to refine his pass-rushing moves. At linebacker, Jay Higgins from Iowa has a talent for dissecting plays, though he'll need athletic improvements to shine.
Offensive Line Targets
When contemplating the linchpin of any successful offense, the importance of solid offensive line prospects becomes clear.
The Eagles are eying Josh Conerly from Oregon, a top-50 pick known for his quick feet and long arms but needing improvement in hip flexibility. Marcus Mbow from Purdue offers versatility, with his tight-end-like agility making him a better fit at guard. His nimbleness helps him quickly cut off defenders from the backside.
Anthony Belton of NC State stands out with his towering 6-6 frame, projected as a valuable Day 2 pick with significant growth potential under Jeff Stoutland.
Ultimately, Jalen Travis presents a strategic option to cover swing tackle roles, thanks to his substantial size and adaptability.
Running Back Options
Considering the Eagles' current roster, running back may not be their top draft priority given the presence of Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley. However, exploring options like Braelon Allen and Ashton Jeanty could add depth. Allen, at 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, is an explosive and physical runner, rarely going down on first contact. Jeanty, smaller at 5-foot-8 1/2, is ultra-athletic and second in FBS for missed tackles forced. FanDuel NFL player insights highlight both backs as potential value picks with unique upside depending on scheme fit.
For versatility, Jaydon Blue offers excellent pass-catching abilities and can stretch the field effectively despite needing to bulk up.
While these prospects bring distinct strengths, the Eagles seem more focused on bolstering other positions, like cornerback and offensive line, so these running backs may remain under consideration rather than immediate priorities.
Potential Trade Scenarios
Running back options might remain secondary for the Eagles, given their strong roster presence with Barkley and Shipley, but the front office is always strategizing for an edge.
The Eagles have been proactive in using trade scenarios to their advantage. For instance, they acquired RB D'Andre Swift via a trade involving a 2025 fourth-round pick and a seventh-round swap.
They've been busy, too, trading third-round picks and extra seventh-round picks to nab WR Jahan Dotson and QB Kenny Pickett. These trades demonstrate a focus on adding talent without solely relying on new draft players.
The Eagles have also stockpiled future assets, including eight picks in the 2025 Draft, indicating strategic planning for sustained success in the upcoming seasons.
Overall Draft Strategy
The Eagles showcase a knack for frequently turning challenges into opportunities, and this year's draft strategy appears no different.
The team is eyeing the 32nd overall pick, thanks to recent draft trends. That position offers broad flexibility to address losses in the secondary—like Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, impacting the Eagles once top-ranked passing defense.
The Eagles might target Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston for his speed and interceptions or explore safeties like Malaki Starks to fill glaring gaps. The team also cannot afford to overlook the offensive line: visits from talents like Josh Conerly Jr. and Anthony Belton suggest a focus on depth, crucial for your future competitiveness.
A strategic mix of youth development and athletic prowess guarantees you're not just filling vacancies but fortifying your roster's foundation.
The Eagles: Draft for Today, Build for Tomorrow
As the Eagles gear up for the draft, they're looking at more than just names on a board—it's a calculated strategy to blend long-term vision with immediate impact. From potential defensive anchors like Derrick Harmon and Maxwell Hairston to offensive line stalwarts such as Josh Conerly, every prospect on their radar reflects a deliberate approach to sustained success.
The team's draft capital and recent trades show they're not just reacting to needs—they're planning ahead, crafting a roster that can compete now and evolve for seasons to come. With strategy at the forefront, the Eagles aren’t just drafting players—they’re shaping their next era of dominance.