Looking back at the 2025 NFL Draft for the Philadelphia Eagles, it wasn't the worst draft class they have had, but it didn't quite have the impact fans were hoping for.
First-round pick Jihaad Campbell and second-round pick Andrew Mukuba ended up being solid contributors and starters on defense. Outside of them, though, the Eagles really didn't have anyone else that excited them.
ESPN decided to revisit the 2025 NFL Draft and examine how different the picks would have been with the information available to fans. The Eagles' picks in the first two rounds would have been completely different.
Eagles' redraft for 2025 looks very different from original picks
If the Eagles didn't trade up one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs to get Campbell, ESPN Eagles beat reporter Tim McManus has the team instead going with current Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts.
Original pick: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (KC pick from PHI trade)
New pick: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
"Jihaad Campbell had a quality rookie season, but the Eagles could pivot here for a playmaker at a position of need. Watts had five interceptions -- tied for second most in the NFL -- while posting 11 passes defensed and 96 tackles. It's hard to pass up that type of production."
This would obviously mean the Eagles would pass on Mukuba in the second round, but this would have been the better option. While Mukuba is not a bad pick, Watts had a much better season between the two. Mukuba was given a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 58.7, ranking 73rd out of 98 safeties in the NFL, while Watts got a grade of 72.4, ranking 19th out of 98 safeties.
As for the Eagles' second round pick, with Mukuba out of the picture, Philly would next target current New England Patriots guard Jared Wilson.
Original pick: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
New pick: Jared Wilson, G, Georgia
"After taking a safety in the first round, Philadelphia looks to bolster an offensive line that didn't live up to its high standards in 2025. Wilson started 16 games, including the playoffs, for the Super Bowl-bound Patriots. He played at guard and can play center as well. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland could have used that versatility in a front with health issues along the interior."
With the Patriots this year, Wilson allowed seven quarterback hits, four sacks, and committed three penalties in 784 total snaps. He might have been able to help Landon Dickerson get some rest instead of battling through injuries, and could have been a replacement for Cam Jurgens at center when he was out.
As for Campbell and Mukuba, Campbell dropped out of the first round and went 36th overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round. Mukuba was not picked in the first two rounds.
Read more: Everyone and their mother is begging Eagles to re-sign this key free agent
One year is way too early to determine whether the Eagles got their picks right, but the alternatives aren't the worst.