Creating A Dream Team

by Marc Narducci | Apr 23, 2025

There used to be the notion that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman didn’t draft particularly well, but he has proven to be adept at all phases of player procurement. That is why Roseman should find himself in the Hall of Fame one day.

As the draft takes place April 24-26 in Green Bay, the Eagles will look to replace several players who were lost this offseason in free agency.

One thing is for sure, look for Roseman to do his usual maneuvering during the draft.

Remember last year, Roseman traded with none other than division foe Washington to acquire cornerback Cooper DeJean in the second round.

That move, along with drafting Quinyon Mitchell in the first round, helped solidify a secondary that was a major part in the Eagles winning their second Super Bowl, with the first coming after the 2017 season. Both teams were built by Roseman and it’s safe to say that neither would have won the Lombardi Trophy without all the moves that Roseman made.

The move with Washington for DeJean was classic Roseman, trading several draft choices, while receiving others back. Washington traded the 2024 second round pick (which the Eagles used to select DeJean 40^th overall). The Eagles also received a 2024 third round selection and 2024 fifth round pick.

In exchange, Washington received a 2024 Eagles second round pick (50^th overall), a 2024 second round pick (53^rd overall) and a 2024 fifth round pick (161^st overall).

Washington used that No. 50 overall pick for defensive back Mike Sainristill, who enjoyed a great rookie year, so it worked out for both teams.

Here are the Eagles selections for this year’s draft:

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Round 1, Pick 32
Round 2, Pick 64
Round 3, Pick 96
Round 4, Pick 134
Round 5, Pick 161 (from Houston)
Round 5, Pick 164 (from Cleveland)
Round 5, Pick 165 (from Washington)
Round 5, Pick 168

Who will the Eagles draft this year? It’s tough drafting at the bottom of the first round, but that is the price anybody would accept for winning the Super Bowl.

The Eagles lost defensive tackle Milton Williams and defensive end Josh Sweat, so going for a defensive lineman is a definite possibility. Tight end could also be a choice, especially if Dallas Goedert is indeed on the trading block.

A tight end such as LSU’s Mason Taylor could interest the Eagles in the second round, although they would likely have to trade up to draft him.

As for the first round pick?

Our prediction is Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

The Eagles likely would have to move up to draft Nolen. If he is there at No. 32, he would be a player who could fortify the defensive line.

At the NFL Combine, he was listed as 6-4 and 296 pounds. Nolen is the type of quick defensive tackle in the Jalen Carter mold.

He won’t turn 22 until October.

Nolen, who began his career at Texas A&M, appeared in 13 games this past season for Mississippi and had 48 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

He would be a nice addition and fill an area of need for the Super Bowl champs.

Photo: Walter Nolen / Courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics

Author: Marc Narducci

Creating A Dream Team

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