The Philadelphia Eagles’ draft strategy is a topic of discussion as the NFL Draft approaches. General manager Howie Roseman has a history of trading up or down in the first round, having done so in seven of the past 10 drafts.
Eagles’ Draft Tendencies
It’s unlikely that the Eagles will actually draft at No. 23. However, this doesn’t make analysis futile. The Eagles sometimes trade up a few spots to secure a desired player or trade down if multiple players are in a similar tier.
There’s also a chance that the Eagles will select a player they didn’t anticipate being available. This occurred with Jihaad Campbell last season and with Quinyon Mitchell in 2024.
Kenyon Sadiq: A Top Prospect
Kenyon Sadiq of the Oregon Ducks is considered the consensus top tight end prospect in his class. He has an impressive athletic profile, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 241 pounds, with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 43 1/2-inch vertical jump, and a 133-inch broad jump.
Sadiq is also one of the youngest prospects in the draft. While tight end may not be a priority position, Sadiq’s talent could be a valuable addition to the Eagles’ offense. Selecting Sadiq would be the Eagles’ biggest investment in a tight end in the draft since Keith Jackson in 1988.
The success of Brock Bowers in 2024 and the relative success of Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland last season show the upside of a first-round tight end. Sadiq lacks prolific college production, but his tools and tape make him a high-level prospect.
Other Potential Picks for Philadelphia
Howie Roseman values upside and physical attributes when making first-round selections. This makes lineman, Proctor, an appealing option. He possesses traits that cannot be taught: 6-foot-7, 352 pounds, 33 3/8-inch arms with a vertical jump that lands him in the 90th percentile.
Proctor has started 40 games and is still only 20. He could become Lane Johnson’s eventual replacement.
The Eagles could consider 10 players who have come up in different mock draft simulations. There’s a real chance that a number of them are off the board. There could be 15 options to consider and it might not be sufficient. That’s the reality of drafting No. 23.
There is a good chance that the Eagles take somebody they didn’t expect to drop. It’s easier to have a targeted approach in the top half of the draft.
The Eagles’ draft strategy remains fluid, with potential trades and unexpected selections always a possibility.