We realize some of you who are a tad younger and only recognize Brian Baldinger as one of the old wise men who break down this game we all love. Older Philadelphia Eagles fans remember him for a two-year stint with the Birds. That ended his playing career, one that started with, of all organizations, the Dallas Cowboys.
'Baldy', as he's affectionately referred to, is as Philly as one can be, which makes sense seeing as how he was born in Pittsburgh but spent much of his youth in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and suburban Philadelphia.
To make long stories short, when Baldy speaks we all listen. Which sparks an interesting discussion. What are his theories about the Birds' Round 1 game plan?
Also read: Eagles mock draft - Changing Philly's priorities edition
Brian Baldinger believes Philly addresses defensive line concerns in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
So, let's take some inventory. Depending on who you listen to, the Eagles have been predicted to take everything in Round 1 from wide receivers and safeties to highly-touted edge rushers and offensive linemen who can eventually take over for Lane Johnson.
Baldy agrees more with much of the latter theory. He suggests something typically seen by studying Philly's current business model. During a recent on-air discussion about Philly on NFL Network, he cast his vote for a defensive lineman/edge rusher and even went so far as to name Tennessee Volunteers standout James Pearce.
Tennessee is a familiar NFL farm system, one Philly has visited from time to time. They found two other former Vols there, franchise legend Reggie White and former first-rounder/Super Bowl champion Derek Barnett.
Here's what Lance Zierlein recently mentioned about Pearce in his 2025 NFL Draft profile of the edge rusher:
"Pearce is a tight-hipped, linear pass rusher with explosive take-offs and good speed-to-power but a lack of bend to flatten at the top. His high pressure rate is partially derived from an instinctive feel for positioning, allowing him to work around protection for quick wins into the pocket.
He’s very long but narrow through his hips, so the build-out of his frame might be limited. Pearce knows how to play around blocks and has the speed to close and tackle, but his base is naturally narrow and lacks bend. He’ll need to improve his strength and technique as an NFL run defender. Despite those concerns, Pearce’s length, twitch, and rush production create a higher ceiling."
Zierlein also compares Pearce to Odafe Oweh of the Baltimore Ravens and gives the former Vol a grade of 6.40, meaning the incoming rookie will "be a good starter within two years". In three seasons at Tennessee, Pearce notched 71 total tackles, 19.5 sacks, a pick-six, two pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in 39 career games.
If that translates to the NFL, Pearce can evolve into a better version of Derek Barnett which should make the team that drafts him very happy.