Saying Howie Roseman has confused us at times would be a massive understatement. We threw a fit when the Philadelphia Eagles made Jalen Hurts a second-round selection. We asked ourselves how this made any sense when they had just signed Carson Wentz to an extension. You remember... We were all there. It was a rough time.
In our defense, Philly had just overlooked Justin Jefferson in favor of Jalen Reagor. We were home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Let's just say a lot was going on, and can we be honest?
We weren't certain that Howie could be right and the rest of us could be wrong. Admit it!
As it turns out, the Hurts selection wound up being one of the wisest decisions this organization has ever made, and Howie has become a master of his craft.
Three consecutive drafts (2022-24) added several important cogs to the Eagles roster: Jordan Davis, Cam Jurgens, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean, among others.
As if that isn't impressive enough, valuable role players have been acquired like Grant Calcaterra, Jalyx Hunt, Will Shipley, and Moro Ojomo. Ten new Birds joined the nest as part of the 2025 draft class.
Must read: Grading every Eagles 2025 draft pick (with one bold prediction for each)
The new Eagles draft class has turned up the pressure cooker on many of Philly's returning veterans.
Who knows how Howie keeps doing this, but he has again pieced together a solid bunch of rookies. Some of them will sit and learn. Others will settle into being part of a rotation at their respective positions. Some will be leaned upon to contribute early.
It's part of the NFL's nature, that each team will balance camaraderie and competition. Good players won't make this roster. Some guys we expected much from will take back seats to new faces. You can argue among yourselves about the guys on this list and which category you believe they fall in.
Brett Toth, Darian Kinnard, and Matt Pryor, offensive linemen
Darian Kinnard, after signing with the Eagles in February of 2020, became the second player in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls, but there's no guarantee he'll make the 2025-26 roster.
Brett Toth and Matt Pryor are long-time (and on-again, off-again) familiar faces who will again compete for a roster spot, but it feels like they're staring up the depth chart at, not only the starters, but also new guys like Myles Hinton, Drew Kendall, Kenyon Green, and Kendall Lamm.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean
Nakobe Dean returned to the lineup during this most recent season after two trips to the injured reserve in 2023. Unfortunately, his most recent season ended with an injury too.
There are questions about durability, but the addition of two very exciting linebackers (Jihaad Campbell and Smael London), along with the presence of a franchise legend's son, is evidence that Dean, now in a contract season, isn't assured of anything past the final year of his rookie deal.
Safety Sydney Brown
With C.J. Gardner-Johnson's exit, it appeared that Philly was ready to give Sydney Brown his opportunity and an inside track to a starter's role. Philly's decision to draft Andrew Mukuba probably ensures Sydney's headed back to reserve duty and, primarily, a special teams role.
Sydney's spot on the future this season is certain. With this being year three of his four-year rookie deal, his long-term future is anything but so.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Philly acquired a very interesting prospect, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and a fifth-round draft choice by shipping Kenny Pickett off. DTR seemed like the likely QB3 up until the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Birds invested draft capital into Kyle McCord. Just like that, the ceiling for Thompson feels like a spot on the Eagles' practice squad or an opportunity elsewhere.
Edge Rusher Bryce Huff
The Eagles signed Bryce Huff to a three-year deal on March 13, 2024. He missed five weeks of action with a torn ligament. He fell out of favor with Vic Fangio because he never played the run well and wound up being a healthy scratch in Super Bowl 59.
Philly lost Josh Sweat. Brandon Graham retired, but they already have Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt on the roster. In addition, they added Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari in free agency and Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. during the draft.
Jihaad Campbell provides punch for the pass rush, too. Make no mistake. Huff isn't just in danger of losing playing time. He's in danger of losing a spot on the roster.