This NFL Draft is so imperative for the Philadelphia Eagles to nail that they might have to get creative in finding the right prospect to select in the first round.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been so good over the years at finding the right first-round pick that there is no question about his methods. Something Roseman might want to consider is that the NFL's Next Gen Stats analytics team used data to identify the best selections for teams, and for the Eagles, the best first-round pick is Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.
"With Jaelan Phillips gone to Carolina, the Eagles' current crop of edge defenders mostly consists of rotational pieces. Additionally, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith and new signee Arnold Ebiketie all profile as pure pass rushers rather than strong edge setters; they combined for a 16.3% pressure rate in 2025 (position average: 11.9%) but just a 1.7% run-stuff rate (position average: 2.6%). With that considered, Philly could certainly pursue a well-rounded DE at No. 23. There are seven edge rushers in the top 32 of Daniel Jeremiah's big board, including Mesidor. His 12.5 sacks in his final collegiate season stand out, but his greatest value to the Eagles could be his ability to contain the ground game. The intelligent, sturdily-built Mesidor could rack up TFLs when opponents run outside to avoid Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter."
Analytics show Akheem Mesidor is the right pick for the Eagles
Mesidor was one of the top pass rushers in the nation as he led the Hurricanes in sacks with 12.5 while adding 63 tackles, 55 pressures, 42 hurries, and four forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus had him graded as the third-best edge rusher in the nation with a staggering grade of 92.5.
It's clear after Phillips departed for the Panthers that the Eagles are desperate for depth at edge rusher. Guys like Ebiketie and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are simply not enough to get the team through it at edge rusher, even with Smith and Hunt there.
Adding a guy like Mesidor is an instant game-changer for that defensive line. Even if they don't get 12.5 sacks from him, the pressures and his ability to rush the passer are just as important for the Eagles.
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Don't count the Eagles out of getting it right with their first round pick, no matter who they take, but Mesidor would be a lot of fun to watch in midnight green.