2 minutes ago, austinfan said:

"We can find backups. We could find backups in August, we can find backups on our team."

This is the key to understanding Howie's draft philosophy, scrubs are always available, as UDFAs, SFAs, waiver wire, late round pick trades, off your PS.

I think by "starters" he means guys in the group of 30 something players who get most of the snaps, so not just the every snap guys, but key reserves, NCB, Pass rush specialists, blocking TEs, #2 RB, 3rd WR, and top ST guys. About 35 or so.

The other 18 roster spots can be filled by scrubs and prospects on red shirt seasons. With the new PS rules, you can stash a few marginal veterans as short-term injury replacements and reserve roster spots for prospects with upside.

So he doesn't worry about positions in the draft, he's looking for players who can become part of that impact game day group.

He talked a bit more. He's talking about high ceiling guys with good traits. Basically said they are going to draft low ceiling guys just to be backups. Obviously most players don't hit their ceilings or the team misjudged what that ceiling is often

12 minutes ago, Waiting4Someday said:

They seem to have more faith than I expected in Ringo. I mean Adoree is a good backup plan in 2025, but it doesn’t seem like they wanted to close the door on Kelee in 2026 with a premium pick.

I have a feeling at 18 the staff was debating calling Seattle about moving up for Barron.

9 hours ago, mattwill said:

Looking at the current O-Line complement:

We have the five starters plus Green and Keegan at guard, plus Pryor, Lamm, Toth and Kinnard at Tackle.

Today we added Kendall at Center/Guard and Hinton, Williams and Pierce at Tackle. Kendall almost surely makes the 53-man as the Center backup.

Toth and Kinnard and Pryor almost surely go to the Practice Squad. Keegan is a roster lock. That is seven on the roster and Green, Lamm, and the three rookie tackles.

The rookie Tackles need practice reps so they probably all three make the 53-man and one of Green and Lamm goes on IR … probably Lamm, since Green needs the full Stoutland U treatment just like the rookies do.

You can't just stash guys on IR. The league frowns upon that, you have to have a legitimate injury.

Though teams do try to game the system, it's expensive, since you have to pay the player on IR and his replacement.

And if you're too obvious, a chance of getting investigated and losing a draft pick.

I think we're getting a little too held up looking at this position by position. Vic seems as if he values versatility in his players. In Hunt, Baun and Campbell we've got guys who can drop and rush the passer to some degree. Mukuba and Dejean are players that theoretically can slot into multiple DB positions. All guys grabbed in the past 2 years under Vic. So it's a bit harder to project what players will fill what roles in what formations etc IMO.

Worst case they got a starting LB, rotational DT, and at least a Maddox replacement. That's not a bad draft.

Next year looks to be WR, TE, OT, DE, and maybe safety. Hopefully, not CB.

28 minutes ago, Sack that QB said:

I hate that they had such a good draft

Drop carter and alexander next to lawrence? Thats a dangerous d line

3 minutes ago, ToastJenkins said:

I hate that they had such a good draft

Drop carter and alexander next to lawrence? Thats a dangerous d line

Yep, their defense, especially their Dline will be good....but....their offense will still blow so not worried at all. Dallas is gonna Dallas and Washington is going to take a step back.....this still should be the Eagles division for the next 2 to 3 years.

6 minutes ago, Wentz_Era said:

I have a feeling at 18 the staff was debating calling Seattle about moving up for Barron.

How the board fell they had opportunities to get aggressive in the 2nd/3rd rounds to grab some values vs consensus at CB, but chose not to. Our first 3 picks were an ‘A’ to me, so I’m not put out at all - BUT if Howie used some resources to sneak in another top 100 pick for an outside CB that might have been cool (but maybe not possible as I think he’s been blackballed by the league).

Right now I still think they have to do something more at Edge before the season starts. Josh Uche sucks, I just assume he either won't make the team or won't contribute. Huff sucks and can't get on the field. So I really only look at the rotation as Nolan, Hunt, Ojulari. We'll see how they use Campbell. I suspect at off ball LB who sometimes rushes the passer.

Pounding the table for Za'Darius Smith who can give this team a veteran presence and just give them more productive depth. A one year deal to chase a ring. I'm not comfortable going into the season with what they have right now at all. If this was a rebuilding year, ok, but not in a repeat season. Way too many questions for a position that important.

On 4/25/2025 at 9:20 PM, TEW said:

The big problem I see is size. 185 is scary small. And it's not like he's a freak athlete at that weight. If he can put on muscle without hurting his speed, then it will work out fine. If not, he might just be too small and get bullied.

My thoughts exactly regarding Makuba. I really like watching him play, you can see the football knowledge, skills, and athleticism, there is no doubting those traits. Size should be the only concern, he's coming in 20lb lighter than C.J. which is where I have seen him expected to backfill for the Eagles. I hope he has a great career, good footbll player. I can't see him adding more than 10 - 15 lbs without some agility/speed drop-off. He should be a good pro at that weight though. Good pick, maybe a bit early as I saw him projected as a third round pick in a few projections but his football intelligence and fearlessness is fun to watch, just stay out of Derrick Henry's way.😀.

25 minutes ago, pgcd3 said:

The Eagles seem to be throwing s against the wall for S yet paper thin at CB

That’s old school thinking. Eagles have three positions in the defensive backfield, OCB, S and DB. The DB is a quasi nickel/S position. That’s Coop. The DB can swing to nickel, dime and even counter to a S role. That position kind of cross trains. Both selected DBs have that sort of ability. Look at Cine and CastroFields. Both ran sub 4.4 forties. Both have the athleticism that suggests a S/CB level of play is possible. Noticed when they drafted both Mukuba and McWilliams, they were announced as DBs. I think what Fangio and Harper crave is versatility. Makes it easier to disguise coverages.

So you see paper thin at CB, I see Ringo, Q, Jackson, Cooper, McWilliams, all capable at OCB. Only player I don’t see as capable to play the DB (nickel/S role) is Ringo. I think all the other Ss/DBs can play the DB role or the S roles. I find it interesting that with the UDFAs, the announcement suggests Brandon Johnson (5’9” 180) as a S signee. Signing a nickel as a S suggests they want to see if he has the chops for the DB role.

Projected 2025 Depth Chart – Training Camp

Offense (24)
QB(3): Hurts, McKee, Thompson-Robinson/McCord
RB(3): Barkley, Shipley, Dillon/Johnson Jr
FB (1) VanSumeren
TE(3): Goedert, Calcaterra, Bryant/Granson
WR(5): Brown, D. Smith, Dotson, Wilson, Smith/Marshall
OL(9) Mailata, Dickerson, Jurgens, Steen, Johnson
Kendall, Lamm, Green/Keegan, Kinnard/Williams/Pierce/Hinton

Defense (25)
DT(5): Carter, Davis, Ojomo, Booker, Robinson
Stack LB(4): Baun, Campbell, Mondon Jr, Trotter Jr
Rush LB(5): Smith, Huff, Hunt, Ojulari, Uche/Johnson/Powell-Ryland
S(5): Blankenship, Mukuba, Brown, Cine, McCollum
CB(6): Mitchell, DeJean, Ringo, Jackson, Ricks, McWilliams

Specialists (4)
K: Elliott
P: Mann
LS: Hughlett
PR/KR: Williams

 

[b]PUP[/b]

Nakobe Dean

---

General Thoughts

• Lots of depth on both LOS. 10OL only make it at the expense of one less defender. We don't have a true NT on the roster outside of Davis, so I would either extend him or pick up his option. If he doesn't meet weight though, I get it.

• Deepest LB core we've had since 2015 (Hicks, Kendricks, Alonso)

• Good competition at DB: Jackson vs. Ringo, Brown vs. Mukuba. True competition.

• Steen vs. Green vs. Keegan will be something. My gut says Green wins, as Stout seems to dislike Steen.

• Rush LB/EDGE is a weird group. I would pencil this in as our first or second pick in the 2026 draft.

• The WR/RB depth is the worst part of the team. RB3 and WR4-5 specifically should be upgraded by/during training camp. I expect WR to be a top 100 pick next year. You could talk me into WR in RD1 next year too. Specifically, I'd like to find a WR5 with actual speed. I'd give Agholor, Chark or Schwartz a call.

• It's nice to finally have a real KR/PR on the roster with juice.

The schedule is brutal, but no reason why we can't go 11-6.

1 minute ago, bpac55 said:

I dunno, the draft picks are going to push the lower tier guys off the team. Makuba makes Tristan McCollum easier to cut. McWilliams takes Avonte Maddox's spot. Campbell and Robinson both fill holes.

1 minute ago, DoWorx said:

Hate to say it but this has been a pretty garbage draft for the Eagles

31 minutes ago, DEagle7 said:

I think we're getting a little too held up looking at this position by position. Vic seems as if he values versatility in his players. In Hunt, Baun and Campbell we've got guys who can drop and rush the passer to some degree. Mukuba and Dejean are players that theoretically can slot into multiple DB positions. All guys grabbed in the past 2 years under Vic. So it's a bit harder to project what players will fill what roles in what formations etc IMO.

Good point. Been reading about Mac and he can play inside and out. And might be better than we think. A bit short but they describe him as all dog.

23 minutes ago, NYEagle said:

Yep, their defense, especially their Dline will be good....but....their offense will still blow so not worried at all. Dallas is gonna Dallas and Washington is going to take a step back.....this still should be the Eagles division for the next 2 to 3 years.

With the major caveat that they didn't have much ammo, I thought the Commanders had a solid draft. Needed up the OL and I liked their Amos and Lane picks. We'll see but they (unfortunately) emphasized protecting Daniels this off-season which was by far the most important thing for them to do.

Stackhouse went to GB

Just now, DEagle7 said:

With the major caveat that they didn't have much ammo, I thought the Commanders had a solid draft. Needed up the OL and I liked their Amos and Lane picks. We'll see but they (unfortunately) emphasized protecting Daniels this off-season which was by far the most important thing for them to do.

The Commanders had a lot of luck last year, they had a lot of one year free agents, Daniels is good but....there will be tape on him now....and, their schedule (like the Eagles) is brutal. It wouldn't shock me to have the NFC East winner be 12-5, 11-6'ish....and it definitely wouldn't shock me to see the Commanders with a 9-8'ish record.

26 minutes ago, Diehardfan said:

Worst case they got a starting LB, rotational DT, and at least a Maddox replacement. That's not a bad draft.

Next year looks to be WR, TE, OT, DE, and maybe safety. Hopefully, not CB.

I really wanted Harmon in the 1st as I saw him as player that could be valuable on every down with a balanced skill set and good size. Ty Robinson offers that versatility as well; he doesn’t have 34” arms like Harmon but he’s a beast and I would’ve been OK with him at 96. He’s the kind of guy that will help us get to 3rd down, so Baun and Campbell can be unleashed.

22 hours ago, HazletonEagle said:

depends how good you mean. I thought Grasmanis was decent.

B Allen was decent as well.

22 hours ago, greendestiny27 said:

Williams out and Robinson is a major downgrade

Yes it is for now. Let's see what happens over time. Sweat to Ojulari is also a major downgrade as well.

24 minutes ago, Miami said:

Good point. Been reading about Mac and he can play inside and out. And might be better than we think. A bit short but they describe him as all dog.

Mac is 5'10" with under 30" arm length. I really hope he is not on the outside. Slot maybe safety is fine.

I find the delusion over the Cowboys draft kind of hilarious. They had the worst 1st round pick at 12. Its like they traded 12 to the Eagles for 31 straight up.

For the early picks that matter, they stayed tiny on defense.

They still have the worst RB room in the league.

B- mock draft results

C+ draft for what that team needed

The Cowboys got a little better but DC and NY lapped them and Philly was not far from their draft with the 32nd pick in each round.

They look like the 4th place team and bottom 8 in the league

I have a feeling Ty Robinson is quickly going to become a fan favorite. A lot to like about this kid. Guy’s a beast too…looking forward to seeing him next to Carter

8 minutes ago, McMVP said:

I have a feeling Ty Robinson is quickly going to be some a fan favorite. A lot to like about this kid. Guy’s a beast too…looking forward to seeing him next to Carter

Give me the numbers back!

34 minutes ago, eaglestime34 said:

Yes it is for now. Let's see what happens over time. Sweat to Ojulari is also a major downgrade as well.

It's Sweat to year-2 Hunt and year-1 Hunt to Ojulari.

Just like it's Williams to Ojomo and Ojomo to Robinson.

Just now, Connecticut Eagle said:

It's Sweat to year-2 Hunt and year-1 Hunt to Ojulari.

Just like it's Williams to Ojomo and Ojomo to Robinson.

I understand and agree with you. The way it was worded it was those players replacing sweat and Williams.