The pursuit of excellence in the NFL often hinges on a team’s ability to identify and secure top-tier talent through the annual collegiate draft. For the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles draft picks are not merely a collection of names but the lifeblood of their sustained competitiveness, a cornerstone of their “building through the trenches” philosophy, as well as a vital part of their long-term vision.
This article will thoroughly explore the Eagles’ draft strategies, their historical successes and challenges, their evaluation process, recent trends, and how they leverage the draft to stay at the forefront of the league as of the 2025 season.
Understanding the NFL Draft: A Primer
Before delving into the specifics of the Eagles’ approach, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental mechanics and importance of the NFL Draft.
What is the NFL Draft?
NFL teams choose qualified college football players during the NFL Draft, which takes place each year. It serves as the primary mechanism for injecting new talent into the league, with teams selecting players in reverse order of their previous season’s standings, with the worst team picking first.
This aims to promote competitive balance. The draft consists of seven rounds, with each team typically having one pick per round, though these picks are frequently traded.
The Eagles’ Draft Philosophy: “Building Through the Trenches” and Beyond
The Philadelphia Eagles, under the leadership of General Manager Howie Roseman, have developed a distinct and often aggressive draft philosophy. While it has evolved over time, some core tenets remain consistent:
Pillar 1: Prioritizing the Trenches
Historically, the Eagles have emphasized building strong offensive and defensive lines. This “trench warfare” mentality recognizes that control of the line of scrimmage is fundamental to both offensive and defensive success in football.
They consistently invest high draft capital in offensive linemen, defensive tackles, and edge rushers. This was evident in their 2023 draft with Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, and continued with defensive line additions like Ty Robinson in 2025.
Pillar 2: The Athleticism Mandate (RAS Scores)
A significant trend in the Eagles’ recent draft strategy is their unwavering commitment to acquiring elite athletes, particularly at premium positions. The Relative Athletic Score (RAS) has become a key metric. RAS is a composite score that compares a player’s athletic testing results (such as 40-yard dash, vertical jump, bench press) to historical results at their position, on a scale of 0 to 10.
As per an analysis on Reddit regarding the draft philosophy of the Eagles, an astonishing 61% of players drafted by the Eagles from 2023 to 2025 had a RAS of 9.00 or above, which is almost twice the reported NFL average of approximately 31% during the same period.
This indicates a clear prioritization of athleticism as a baseline requirement. For instance, in 2025, many of their pre-draft visits included prospects with high RAS scores, signaling their continued emphasis.
Pillar 3: Strategic Aggressiveness and Trade Versatility
Howie Roseman is renowned for his aggressive approach to the draft, often willing to trade up to secure a coveted prospect or trade down to accumulate additional assets. This flexibility allows them to maximize their draft capital and ensures they can land players they have high conviction in.
The 2025 draft saw them trade up one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs to select Jihaad Campbell, demonstrating this aggressive philosophy. They also engaged in multiple trades to acquire additional picks in later rounds.
Pillar 4: Embracing Value and “Worst-Case Scenario” Planning
General Manager Howie Roseman has stated that the Eagles’ draft strategy begins with considering the “worst-case scenario” for each pick. This means being comfortable with the player’s floor, ensuring that even if they don’t reach their absolute ceiling, they will still be a productive NFL player.
This focus on value and mitigating risk helps them avoid significant busts. Roseman also consistently emphasizes the inherent value of draft picks themselves, highlighting their utility for drafting players, trading for veterans, or packaging to move up.
Notable Eagles Draft Successes and Challenges
The Eagles’ draft history is a tapestry of remarkable hits and some regrettable misses, showcasing the inherent unpredictability of the NFL Draft.
Iconic Successes:
Donovan McNabb (QB, 1999): The franchise quarterback for over a decade, leading the Eagles to multiple NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance.
Brian Dawkins (S, 1996): A Hall of Fame safety, one of the most beloved and impactful players in franchise history, drafted in the second round.
Jason Kelce (C, 2011): A future Hall of Fame center, drafted in the sixth round, epitomizes the Eagles’ ability to find exceptional value late in the draft. His intelligence, leadership, and athletic prowess revolutionized the center position.
Lane Johnson (OT, 2013): A perennial All-Pro right tackle, a cornerstone of the offensive line, drafted fourth overall.
Fletcher Cox (DT, 2012): A dominant defensive tackle, a key piece of the Super Bowl LII championship defense, drafted 12th overall.
Jalen Hurts (QB, 2020): Drafted in the second round as a project, Hurts has developed into an MVP-caliber quarterback, leading the team to a Super Bowl and multiple playoff appearances. This exemplifies the team’s ability to develop talent.
Jalen Carter (DT, 2023): Despite off-field concerns, the Eagles drafted Carter ninth overall, and he immediately made an impact, becoming a dominant force on the defensive line and a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year. This shows the Eagles’ willingness to trust their scouting and infrastructure.
Quinyon Mitchell & Cooper DeJean (CB/S, 2024): Both first and second-round picks in 2024, respectively, immediately solidified the secondary and were strong contenders for Defensive Rookie of the Year, transforming the Eagles’ pass defense.
Practical Tips for Understanding Eagles Draft Buzz
For fans and analysts alike, navigating the flurry of pre-draft information can be overwhelming. Here’s how to cut through the noise and understand the Eagles’ likely moves:
Follow the RAS: Pay close attention to prospects with high Relative Athletic Scores, especially those mocked to the Eagles. If a player scores exceptionally high, they are often on the Eagles’ radar.
Monitor Power 5 Connections: Keep an eye on players from SEC and Big Ten schools. The Eagles’ preference for these conferences is well-documented.
Identify “Eagles Type” Players: Look for players who embody the “trench” mentality – strong offensive and defensive linemen. Also, note players with reported high football IQ, versatility, and strong character.
Understand Trade Scenarios: Howie Roseman is a master of draft-day trades. Be prepared for the Eagles to move up or down, especially if a player they covet falls or if they can acquire additional capital. Familiarize yourself with draft pick value charts to understand the implications of potential trades.
Don’t Overreact to Mock Drafts: While mock drafts provide valuable insights, they are speculative. The Eagles rarely tip their hand, and their actual selections often surprise analysts.
Focus on Positional Needs, But Prioritize Talent: While the Eagles have clear positional needs, they often prioritize drafting the best available talent, especially in the early rounds, even if it’s not at their most pressing need.
FAQ
What is the Eagles’ general philosophy when it comes to draft picks?
The Eagles generally adhere to a “building through the trenches” philosophy, prioritizing offensive and defensive linemen. They also heavily emphasize athleticism (often looking for high Relative Athletic Scores or RAS), targeting players from top collegiate conferences (especially the SEC and Big Ten), and employing an aggressive strategy of trading up or down to maximize draft capital and secure players they highly covet. Character and football IQ are also key considerations.
How do the Eagles use analytics in their draft process?
The Eagles are known for their advanced use of analytics, led by Assistant GM Alec Halaby. They integrate data analysis with traditional scouting, using metrics like RAS to evaluate athleticism objectively. Analytics help them identify undervalued traits, predict NFL success, assess risk, and optimize draft pick value for trades. This data-driven approach informs their decision-making throughout the entire draft process.
What is the Relative Athletic Score (RAS) and why is it important to the Eagles?
The Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is a metric that condenses a player’s physical measurements and NFL Combine/Pro Day testing results into a single score from 0 to 10, comparing them to other players at their position. The Eagles place a strong emphasis on high RAS scores, with a significantly higher percentage of their draftees boasting elite RAS scores compared to the league average. This indicates their belief that superior athleticism provides a higher ceiling and better translates to NFL success.
How has the Eagles’ draft strategy evolved in recent years (as of 2025)?
As of 2025, the Eagles continue to prioritize defensive talent, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary, as seen in their 2024 and 2025 draft classes. They also consistently invest in offensive line depth.
A notable evolution is their strong adherence to the RAS metric and their willingness to take calculated risks on high-upside players with immense physical tools, even if they have some non-legal “red flags” or require development. Their aggressive trade philosophy to acquire more draft capital or move up for specific players also remains a consistent trend.
Final Thoughts
The art and science of the NFL Draft are complex, but the Philadelphia Eagles have consistently demonstrated an acute understanding of how to navigate its intricacies for sustained success. Their commitment to building through the trenches, prioritizing elite athleticism, leveraging analytics, and an aggressive yet calculated approach to trades has cemented their status as one of the league’s most consistently competitive franchises.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Eagles’ focus on developing young talent through their meticulously planned draft process will remain a critical factor in their pursuit of future championships.
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