We're not so proud that we won't say this. Based on the results, we probably should have given up on NCAA March Madness Tournament brackets and Philadelphia Eagles mock drafts a while ago. Once upon a time, we were on fire. We correctly guessed Derek Barnett and Andre Dillard's selections in Round 1. We got the Miles Sanders thing right when Philly grabbed him in Round 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft
Who the heck knows how these things will play out anymore? We never know until we know, do we? Never in a million years would we have assumed Jalen Carter would have fallen to the Birds at the ninth overall selection in 2023.
It seemed impossible last season for Philly to grab Quinyon Mitchell with the 22nd overall selection. It seemed even more so that they'd land him AND Cooper DeJean. We see how that turned out.
That isn't the point, though. We could butcher the next ten tournament brackets. That won't stop us from guessing about the next three. Then, there's the mock draft thing. That's more about measuring the prospects' value and calculating team needs.
So, how about another discussion about Philly's need for an edge rusher?
Ranking the Eagles most realistic options if they add an EDGE in Round 1.
Brandon Graham retired. Josh Sweat left in free agency. Bryce Huff's addition didn't work out as planned.
Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are coming along, but they need help. Two of the new edge rushers, Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari, are signed to one-year deals.
We're feeling like Philly may take an O-lineman in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That might be the only thing that keeps them from addressing their chief need, adding an edge rusher.
Let's say EDGE is the move at pick 32. Here's our theory, though this is subject to change. There's no way Philly lands Abdul Carter or Mike Green. We're still ironing out how to stack the other top prospects.
Some days, we feel Mykel Williams will be the third selected. On other days, we go with Donovan Ezeiruaku. It will be interesting to see how each NFL team values their skill sets, but until we know for sure, here's a look at Philly's most realistic options for filling their pass-rushing needs, ranked from top to bottom.
1. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee Volunteers
James Pearce Jr. racked 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble during the Volunteers' most recent season. Some disagree on where he may be selected. Most rank him among the top five edge rushers. He's even been mocked to Philly as the 32nd selection.
2. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College Eagles
This is an undersized edge rusher by NFL standards, but that's what they said about Nolan Smith. It's hard to look past what Ezeiruaku, a Consensus All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, did in 2024.
He notched 80 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He's the prototypical 3-4 pass rusher. Might Philly show some interest?
3. Mykel Williams, Georgia Bulldogs
Mykel Williams missed most of September after an ankle injury vs. Clemson in Georgia's regular-season opener. Don't be shocked if he leapfrogs Pearce and becomes the third pass rusher taken during the coming selection meeting in Green Bay.
4. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M Aggies
Nic Scourton has been graded as a first-rounder in some circles and as an early Day 2 selection in others. In our book, that means he's as good an option for Philly at 32 as any.
During the 2024 NCAA season, he racked up 37 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble, and a ton of pressures.
5. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M Aggies
Shemar Stewart would be higher on this list if not for one issue. He's a pass rusher who doesn't generate sacks. You can see why that would be an issue, right?
In each of his three NCAA seasons, he's only racked up 1.5 sacks. Still, to a man and woman, he's ranked among everyone's top ten prospects at the position
By the way, about that March Madness thing, we picked the Duke Blue Devils to win it all this season as the college basketball champion. We'll see about that, but so far, so good on that front. That might get us back on track and fuel a few more prognostications.