With the offseason underway, everyone knows what that means: it's draft season.
It may be about three months away from the 2026 NFL Draft, but it's never too early to start looking at mock drafts and who each team can go for. The Philadelphia Eagles have this mindset as they are already looking for that next hidden gem in the draft.
A source told The Philly Special Show Eagles writer Anthony DiBona that the Eagles spoke with Central Michigan defensive end Michael Heldman at the Hula Bowl. The Hula Bowl is one of the postseason games in college football where players showcase their skills to NFL scouts before the draft.
Eagles could get stellar developmental pass rusher in Michael Heldman
Heldman is one of the rare college football players who played all five seasons at Central Michigan, which speaks to the kind of character he has. He's coming off the best statistical season of his career with 48 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks in 13 games with the Chippewas.
Throughout his five-year career, Heldman racked up 120 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks in 52 games. He was named a First Team All-MAC selection this past season.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, there might be the question that Heldman is undersized for a defensive end, which could play a role in where he lands in the draft. While there aren't many draft projections on it, consensus seems to be that he is a Day 3 pick or an undrafted free agent.
Despite that, he has proven to be a smart player who has gotten better over the years. Heldman has shown great speed off the edge and can get to the quarterback.
As for how he would fit the Eagles' defense, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio isn't afraid of an undersized edge rusher, as he has gotten a lot of success with them. The development of Jalyx Hunt is a perfect example of a small school guy who, despite his undersized frame, has done it all, from rushing the passer to dropping back into coverage. Former seventh-round pick Moro Ojomo is another example of a Day 3 defensive lineman who became a dominant force in the league.
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Philadelphia has had good luck of late, finding great talent late in the draft from smaller schools and making them into consistent starters in the NFL. Heldman would need time to develop, but this defense is so deep and talented that he has time to grow into a solid foundational player if the Eagles want him.