PHILADELPHIA − The Eagles victory in the Super Bowl also finalized that they will have the 32nd and last pick in the first round of the NFL draft.
It is only the second time in their history that they will be picking 32nd in the first round. The first time came in 2018, after the Eagles won their first-ever Super Bowl. That year, the Eagles traded out of the first round with the Baltimore Ravens, who used that pick to draft Lamar Jackson, who has since won two MVP awards.
But the deal worked out for the Eagles, too, because they got a second-round pick and fourth-round pick which they used on tight end Dallas Goedert (second round, after another trade) and Avonte Maddox (fourth round).
That deal, however, could be a precursor for what the Eagles do this year. It’s possible that another team might want to trade into the first round for a quarterback because that would give the team the potential of five years of control as opposed to four years for players drafted in rounds 2 through 7.
The Eagles could be a trade partner because they are set at QB with Jalen Hurts, along with backups Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee, who are all under contract for next year at least. By trading that pick, Eagles GM Howie Roseman could get an extra pick in both the early and later rounds.
The Eagles will have needs in the draft, especially if they lose some of their top players in free agency. Remember, the Eagles, as of now, have only $18 million in salary cap space, so they likely won’t be able to pursue big-ticket players.
Here, then, is a look at their biggest needs for their first-round pick, with some potential targets:
The Eagles currently have seven picks, but none are in the sixth or seventh rounds. That’s good in the sense that all seven are in the first five rounds. But the Eagles might also want later-round picks if they see some diamonds in the rough.
Remember, center Jason Kelce was a sixth-round pick in 2011, defensive back Jalen Mills was a seventh-rounder in 2016, left tackle Jordan Mailata was a seventh-round pick in 2018, tight end Grant Calcaterra came in the sixth round in 2022, and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo came in the seventh round in 2023.
Here is where the Eagles are picking in 2025: Note: the order after Round 3 will be set once compensatory picks are awarded based on free agents lost after the 2023 season. The Eagles are not projected to have any comp picks.
Edge rusher: The Eagles are likely to lose Josh Sweat to free agency, and potentially Brandon Graham to retirement. That would leave Nolan Smith, who came into his own, rookie Jalyx Hunt and Bryce Huff, who was a disappointment after signing a three-year deal worth as much as 51.1 million. So it’s possible that the Eagles will use a first-round pick here. Keep in mind that the Eagles are picking at the end of the first round, so Penn State’s Abdul Carter will be long gone.
Defensive tackle: The Eagles appear to be deep here, even if Milton Williams leaves in free agency. But they can always use more. That’s because Jalen Carter played more than 90% of the snaps in 8 out of 20 games, including playoffs. Moro Ojomo and Thomas Booker can fill out a rotation behind Carter and Jordan Davis. If Williams stays, the Eagles will likely look elsewhere early in the draft.
Offensive tackle: Lane Johnson, who’s 34, has committed to returning in 2025. But for a possible successor beyond that, how valuable would it be for an early-round tackle to learn behind two All Pro tackles in Johnson and Jordan Mailata? It worked wonders at center, when Cam Jurgens was able to learn from Jason Kelce.
Tight end: As good as Dallas Goedert is, he missed at least three games in each of the last three seasons, and seven this season. This is considered a strong draft for tight ends, although Penn State’s Tyler Warren will likely be long gone by the Eagles’ pick.
Cornerback: It’s possible that Darius Slay won’t be back, especially if the Eagles can keep Isaiah Rodgers to play alongside Quinyon Mitchell. They also have Kelee Ringo. But it wouldn’t hurt to draft a corner early to compete, or possibly move inside, if the Eagles decide to move Cooper DeJean outside to replace Slay.
Edge rusher: James Pearce, Tennessee; Mike Green, Marshall; Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M; Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Defensive tackle: Kenneth Grant, Michigan; Derrick Harmon, Oregon; Joshua Farmer, Florida State
Tackle: Kelvin Banks, Texas; Josh Simmons, Ohio State; Josh Conerly, Oregon
Tight end: Mason Taylor, LSU; Elijah Arroyo, Miami
Cornerback: Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State; Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame.
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.
