This season's rookie class for the Philadelphia Eagles has worked out pretty well for the team so far, with a few players starting.
Eagles' first-round pick Jihaad Campbell did well replacing Nakobe Dean while he was recovering from his 2024 knee injury, but has since lost playing time with Dean dominating on the field. With Dean injured again, Campbell might be getting more playing time.
Speaking of injuries, second-round pick safety Andrew Mukuba was developing well and getting better in coverage before he broke his ankle and was placed on IR. With his return being unknown, Mukuba might not return this season, but he should be a starter again next year.
While some have been role players, one guy might never get the right opportunity to play for the Eagles' defense, and might end up not being as good a player as general manager Howie Roseman had hoped.
Eagles' fifth-round pick might not be able to make as much of an impact on the team
During the preseason, Eagles' rookie fifth-round pick linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. had some nice moments and was able to lock up a spot on the roster. Mondon and everyone else knew going into the season that he might not get much playing time, especially once Dean returned from his injury.
This season, Mondon has played just 14 snaps on defense and has played 66% of the special team snaps for the Birds. He has racked up eight tackles in 15 games.
The depth at linebacker is going to be near-impossible for Mondon to ever play with Dean and Zack Baun as starters, and Campbell in the rotation. Eagles fans can't forget that Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and the great job he did in the preseason as a starter, with Baun and Dean out with injuries.
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While Mondon was a nice option for a linebacker in the group, he might end up being a special teams player, but it remains to be seen whether it will ever be more than that.