Nov 9, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Eagles re-signed All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun earlier this week, but could potentially lose edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and right guard Mekhi Becton in free agency, which opens on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.
While the Eagles could backfill some of those potential losses — along with cornerback Darius Slay, who will be released on June 2 — in free agency, they are going to have to hit on some draft picks as well if they hope to repeat as Super Bowl Champions in 2025.
The good news is that general manager Howie Roseman is coming off of a pretty legendary draft class, having taken cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with his first two picks, while getting contributors like edge rusher Jalyx Hunt and running back Will Shipley later in the draft. The bad news for the Eagles is that when you win the Super Bowl, you pick at the bottom of each round. That can make it more difficult to get an immediate impact player.
With all that acknowledged, here's the latest look at where NFL Draft experts believe the Eagles will go with the No. 32 pick in April.
Projection: Jihaad Campbell — Linebacker, Alabama
This mock didn't come before the Eagles re-signed Baun, but Davis says that Campbell is "a tremendous player with a versatile game" that shouldn't be passed up at No. 32.
Campbell had 117 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss and five sacks in 13 games for the Crimson Tide this past season. The 21-year-old was a First-Team All-SEC selection in 2024.
Even with Baun back, Nakobe Dean could miss a significant chunk of 2025 after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee in a Wild Card Round playoff win in January. Campbell has the ability to play inside and come off the edge.
Jihaad Campbell is a name that will gain A LOT of steam next week at the Combine. Freaky burst for his size. Speed for days.
Let him rush the passer! pic.twitter.com/qknSIcYH1S
Projection: James Pearce — Edge Rusher, Tennessee
Reid says that in his mock, Pearce is the top player on the board at pick No. 32. With the likely retirement of Brandon Graham and a real chance that Sweat leaves in free agency, pass rusher also happens to be an area of the roster that needs replenishing.
Over his final two seasons at Tennessee, Pearce recorded 66 combined tackles, 17 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss. He was a First-Team All-SEC selection in both campaigns.
Did James Pearce Jr.'s Combine performance cement him as a first round pick? 🟠@JamesPearceJr10 | @VolFootball pic.twitter.com/T0PsaApqvK
Justin Melo, The Draft Network
Projection: Tyler Booker — Interior Offensive Lineman, Alabama
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported earlier this week that "the preference for Becton is to re-sign with the Eagles in free agency." Surely, the Eagles would like to have Becton — who is only 25 and is about as physically intimidating of a guard as you could have — back. But you can't keep everyone in a sport with a salary cap.
To that end, Melo says that Booker could be a strong replacement if Becton leaves, writing that he "overwhelms defenders with sheer power in a phone booth."
Booker was measured at 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. That's not quite the equivalent of Becton, who is 6-foot-7, 363 pounds. But it's still a giant human being to have sandwiched between Lane Johnson and Cam Jurgens.
#Alabama iOL Tyler Booker has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He only allowed one sack during his three-year career. pic.twitter.com/tqFIonVaQ8
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Projection: Luther Burden III — Wide Receiver, Missouri
Burden had a monster sophomore season with 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. His numbers this past season for the Tigers didn't stand out as much, as he posted 61 catches for 676 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Still, Sikkema has him sneaking into the first round.
Wide receiver may not seem like a huge need for the Eagles, but they are very top-heavy at the position with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both on megadeals. Jahan Dotson didn't have the impact that was expected of him after being acquired from the Washington Commanders, and while he still could take a step forward next year, the Eagles kind of need a cost-controlled third receiver. Burden — a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection — would fill that role.
Luther Burden III Notes:
This is a high-end slot receiver with the versatility to move as a run game chess piece both as a carrier & blocker.
Burden is a smart receiver with good zone feel. He makes acrobatic catches and turns underneath touches into chunk plays at times. pic.twitter.com/sotpfcrEK5
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