The Eagles came into the 2025 NFL Draft with eight picks and left with ten new players-thanks, in large part, to some classic Howie Roseman maneuvering. Coming off a free agency period that saw 12 players walk, Roseman restocked the shelves with a mix of SEC toughness, offensive line depth, and a local quarterback with a big arm and even bigger expectations. Now, with the season in the books, it’s time to assess how Philly’s rookie class fared in Year 1.
Let’s hand out some grades and see where the Eagles hit, where they missed, and where the jury’s still out.
Round 1, Pick 31: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama - B
When the Eagles jumped up one spot in a trade with the Chiefs to take Jihaad Campbell at 31, it marked the first time since 1979 that Philly used a first-round pick on an off-ball linebacker. That’s not a move this franchise makes lightly, but Campbell made a strong case for why it was the right call.
The New Jersey native was a force at Alabama-117 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and five sacks in 2024-and he brought that same juice to the NFL. Campbell played all 17 games, starting 10, and racked up 80 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a recovery.
His 76.2 PFF grade ranked 13th among all NFL linebackers, which is no small feat for a rookie. He’s already looking like a foundational piece, and his emergence gives the Eagles flexibility with Nakobe Dean hitting free agency.
Not a home run yet, but a solid double off the wall.
Round 2, Pick 64: S Andrew Mukuba, Texas - B
Mukuba’s rookie campaign was shaping up to be a breakout before a fractured ankle in a tight loss to Dallas sent him to injured reserve. Prior to the injury, he was everywhere-two interceptions, 46 tackles, a half-sack, and three passes defended. He also posted an 81.5 run defense grade, sixth-best among all safeties per PFF.
At 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, Mukuba plays bigger than his frame and brought a Swiss Army knife versatility to the Eagles’ secondary. His absence was felt down the stretch, but the flashes were real. If he comes back healthy, Philly might have landed a long-term difference-maker at safety in Round 2.
Round 5, Pick 145: CB Mac McWilliams, UCF - Incomplete
McWilliams was a late-round flier who played just 28 total snaps, with most of his action coming on special teams. He appeared in five games and logged 25 snaps in the third phase. Too early to tell what the Eagles have here, but he’ll need a strong offseason to stay in the mix for 2026.
Round 5, Pick 161: LB Smael Mondon, Georgia - C+
Another Georgia Bulldog joins the flock-Mondon became the eighth former Dawg on the Eagles’ roster. While he didn’t contribute much defensively (just 14 snaps), he carved out a niche on special teams with 303 snaps and 10 tackles.
His 84.8 special teams grade was a bright spot, and that kind of effort can keep a player around while he develops on defense. There’s potential here, but it’s still in the developmental phase.
Round 5, Pick 168: C/G Drew Kendall, Boston College - Incomplete
Kendall saw 89 snaps in a backup role at center, which is about what you’d expect from a late-round interior lineman in Year 1. He didn’t look overwhelmed, but he also didn’t get enough reps to make a definitive evaluation. He’ll be in the mix for a bigger role next season, especially with some potential turnover looming on the interior.
Round 6, Pick 181: QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse - D
The Eagles took a swing on McCord, the former St. Joe’s Prep star who set records at Syracuse after transferring from Ohio State. But the hometown reunion didn’t quite pan out-McCord didn’t make the 53-man roster and spent the year on the practice squad before signing with the Packers.
It’s tough to hit on late-round quarterbacks, and McCord didn’t show enough to stick. Still, no harm in taking the shot, even if this one didn’t land.
Round 6, Pick 191: T Myles Hinton, Michigan - Incomplete
Hinton’s rookie season never got off the ground. The former Michigan and Stanford tackle was placed on Injured Reserve with a back injury before the season even started.
He was designated for return but never made it back to the field. There’s still intrigue here-Hinton has size, pedigree, and versatility-but he’ll have to prove he can stay healthy before the Eagles can count on him.
Round 6, Pick 207: T Cameron Williams, Texas - Incomplete
Williams made the initial 53-man roster and looked like a potential steal, but a shoulder injury after Week 1 landed him on IR. At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, he’s a mountain of a man who anchored a Texas offensive line that was a Joe Moore Award finalist.
Pre-draft buzz had him as a top-30 talent, and several analysts ranked him among the top tackles in the class. There’s upside here, but like Hinton, he’ll need to get healthy to tap into it.
Round 6, Pick 209: OLB Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech - F
Powell-Ryland came in with All-American accolades from Virginia Tech, but he didn’t stick in Philadelphia. After being released, he landed on the practice squad but didn’t make an impact. For a team that’s been looking to inject youth into its pass rush rotation, this was a missed opportunity.
Final Thoughts
This draft class gave the Eagles two clear building blocks in Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba-both of whom showed they can be high-level starters. Beyond that, the class is filled with "wait and see" prospects. Injuries robbed them of early evaluations on Williams and Hinton, while special teams standouts like Mondon and McWilliams flashed just enough to earn another look.
It wasn’t a franchise-altering draft, but it was a necessary one. After losing a dozen players in free agency, the Eagles needed to reload with young, cheap talent-and they did just that.
If a few of these incomplete grades turn into contributors next season, this class could quietly become one of Roseman’s better efforts. For now, it’s a mixed bag-with real potential to trend up.