The storied draft run of Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman on the defensive side of the ball in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. And now, with the majority of the young core of Philadelphia defenders approaching that non-rookie contract neighborhood, a new duo of offensive playmakers has been ushered in by Roseman via this past draft.
It's all added up to an interesting roster dynamic, as a priority on getting younger has seemingly shifted over to the offense, with a top-flight base of veterans creating a diverse and deep roster overall.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz ranked each team by top under-25 talent, with the Birds landing just about in the middle of the pack, nestled in at 18th overall.
"Several members of the Eagles' great defense aged off our list this year: In addition to the 25-year-olds named above, there are defensive linemen Moro Ojomo, Byron Young and Jalyx Hunt."
"There's still some younger talent remaining. Safety Andrew Mukuba and safety/nickelback DeJean are both 23. Campbell doesn't turn 23 until February. On offense, it's all about the 2026 draft picks. Tight end Eli Stowers is 23, while wide receiver Makai Lemon and offensive tackle Markel Bell are both 22."
Key parts to Eagles' 18th ranked players under 25
Jihaad Campbell could be the key for youthful group on defense
While DeJean has fast become an established star, Campbell is positioned to earn plenty of acclaim in his own right. The former first-rounder just needs to stay healthy, and if he remains a fixture in the starting unit, big things are expected from the rangy Alabama linebacker.
A pivotal second season awaits Mukuba at safety, who showed serious upside but struggled with focus and lapses in coverage. With the reliable veteran Reed Blankenship no longer running next to him at safety, Mukuba must seize the opportunity in front of him.
Makai Lemon leads the new faces in Philadelphia's offense
Offensively, there lies limitless upside in the additions of both Stowers and Lemon in the passing game. Bell is also fresh to Philadelphia at 22 years of age, but he figures to be a bit more of a developmental piece at tackle. For Stowers - and especially Lemon - who immediately project into the starting group, the chance to quickly make an impact is glaring.
New York Giants break top 10, lead NFC East under-25 ranking
Taking a glance around the NFC East, Schatz's rankings include the New York Giants at 9th, with Dallas coming in at 24th and Washington right behind the Cowboys at 25th.
As we've recently discussed, New York's moves in both draft selections and free agency have clearly placed the franchise on a significant upswing, nailing recent picks and systematically building a roster that can once again give Philadelphia fits this coming season.
Read more: One burning Eagles question asked should be circled by Saquon Barkley
While Dallas and Washington have older groups of top playmakers, Philadelphia and New York currently appear to have the strongest collection of ascending talent within the NFC East.
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