Eagles 7-Round Mock Draft: Philly Retools in the Trenches After Free Agency

The Philadelphia Eagles are fresh off a Super Bowl LIX victory in 2024, but the work never stops for GM Howie Roseman. After a whirlwind free agency period that saw key departures and strategic re-signings, the Eagles are turning to the 2025 NFL Draft to solidify their roster. With seven picks in hand, including the 32nd overall selection, Philly is poised to retool in the trenches—offensive and defensive lines—where they’ve historically built their success. This Eagles 7-round mock draft explores how Philadelphia can address critical needs, replace departing stars, and maintain their NFC dominance. What will Roseman cook up in Green Bay on April 24-26, 2025? Let’s dive in.

Free Agency Fallout: Why the Trenches Need Attention

The 2025 offseason brought significant changes to the Eagles’ roster. After locking up linebacker Zack Baun with a three-year, $51 million deal and extending running back Saquon Barkley for two years at $41.2 million, Philly had to make tough calls elsewhere. Defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge rusher Josh Sweat hit free agency, signing massive contracts with the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, respectively. The trade of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans for guard Kenyon Green softened the blow, but it left gaps in the secondary and trenches. Cornerback Darius Slay was released, and aging veterans like Brandon Graham (potentially retiring) signal a need for youth.

The Eagles’ philosophy—build from the inside out—remains intact. Roseman’s past draft successes, like Jalen Carter (2023) and Jordan Davis (2022), underscore his obsession with dominating the line of scrimmage. With 109 combined pressures lost from Sweat and Williams, and an offensive line facing questions beyond stalwarts Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson, the trenches are priority No. 1 in this Eagles 7-round mock draft.

Round 1, Pick 32: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Eagles stay put at No. 32 and snag Walter Nolen, a disruptive defensive tackle from Ole Miss. At 6-foot-4, 296 pounds, Nolen isn’t the biggest interior lineman, but his explosiveness and pass-rush upside make him a perfect fit next to Carter. In 2024, he earned All-SEC honors with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to penetrate backfields. After transferring from Texas A&M, Nolen’s stock soared, and his Senior Bowl performance cemented his first-round status.

Why Nolen? Losing Williams leaves a void in the rotation alongside Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. Nolen’s quickness and play strength mirror Williams’ impact, ensuring the Eagles’ defensive front remains a nightmare for quarterbacks. Roseman loves betting on high-upside trench players late in Round 1—Nolen fits the mold perfectly.

Round 2, Pick 64: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

With Josh Sweat gone, the Eagles need edge depth beyond Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and the underwhelming Bryce Huff. Enter Josaiah Stewart, a 6-foot-1, 249-pound pass rusher from Michigan. Undersized but relentless, Stewart racked up 7.5 sacks in the 2024 playoffs alone, earning the nickname “Tasmanian Devil” for his motor. His speed-to-power conversion and Senior Bowl buzz make him a Day 2 steal.

Stewart’s fit in Vic Fangio’s scheme is seamless—he’s a third-down specialist with the potential to develop into an every-down player. Pairing him with Smith creates a dynamic young duo, keeping Philly’s pass rush potent as they chase another title.

Round 3, Pick 96: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

The offensive line takes center stage in Round 3 with Alabama’s Tyler Booker, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound guard. Mekhi Becton’s free agency departure and Tyler Steen’s unproven status at right guard leave a hole. Booker, a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, brings power and agility to the table, excelling in run-blocking schemes that suit Saquon Barkley’s style. His pass-protection chops—allowing just one sack in 2024—offer stability for Jalen Hurts.

Booker could step in as a Day 1 starter, preserving the Eagles’ tradition of elite offensive fronts. With Lane Johnson aging (34 in 2025), Booker also provides flexibility if Roseman drafts a tackle later to groom as Johnson’s heir.

Round 4, Pick 134: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Speaking of tackles, Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon lands in Round 4 at No. 134. At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, Conerly’s athleticism and quick feet make him a prototypical Eagles lineman under OL coach Jeff Stoutland. He started 25 games at left tackle for the Ducks, but his versatility could see him slide to right tackle or guard in Philly. With Johnson’s career winding down, Conerly is a developmental gem who could take over in 2026 or 2027.

This pick doubles down on the trenches, ensuring Hurts stays upright and the run game thrives. Stoutland’s “Stoutland University” reputation makes Conerly a low-risk, high-reward addition.

Round 5, Pick 161: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

The Eagles finally pivot from the trenches in Round 5, addressing the secondary with Texas safety Andrew Mukuba. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Mukuba’s range and instincts (4 INTs in 2024) make him a versatile free safety who can drop into the slot. Gardner-Johnson’s exit leaves Reed Blankenship as the lone starter, with Sydney Brown recovering from injury. Mukuba’s third-round talent sliding to No. 161 is a steal Roseman can’t resist.

Mukuba bolsters depth and special teams while competing for snaps, maintaining Fangio’s defensive flexibility. He’s not a trench pick, but his value is undeniable.

Round 5, Pick 164: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

Back-to-back fifth-rounders bring Brashard Smith, a 5-foot-9, 192-pound running back from SMU. With Kenneth Gainwell hitting free agency, Smith offers explosive change-of-pace skills behind Barkley. His 2024 stat line—over 1,650 total yards and 18 touchdowns—highlights his speed and receiving ability. While undersized for every-down work, Smith’s elusiveness fits Philly’s creative offense.

This pick isn’t about the trenches but adds a weapon to keep defenses honest, complementing the line’s dominance.

Round 5, Pick 165: Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina

The trenches return in focus with Tonka Hemingway, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive tackle from South Carolina. Hemingway’s 5.5 sacks in 2024 showcase his pass-rush juice, though his size limits him to a rotational role. With Nolen already onboard, Hemingway adds depth and upside, thriving in limited snaps alongside Carter and Davis.

Roseman’s love for stockpiling D-line talent shines here—Hemingway could be a late-round gem like Milton Williams once was.

What This Means for Philly in 2025

This Eagles 7-round mock draft delivers four trench players (Nolen, Stewart, Booker, Conerly) to fortify both lines, ensuring dominance on offense and defense. Mukuba and Hemingway address secondary and rotational needs, while Smith injects offensive dynamism. The result? A roster reloaded for another Super Bowl run, blending youth with Philly’s veteran core.

Roseman’s draft history—nabbing stars like Carter and DeVonta Smith late in rounds—suggests he’ll find value at No. 32 and beyond. The trenches-first approach keeps the Eagles’ identity intact, setting them up to battle NFC foes like the 49ers and Lions.

Conclusion: A Trench-Focused Future

The Eagles’ 2025 draft class, as mocked here, signals a clear intent: retool in the trenches after free agency losses and stay atop the NFL. From Nolen’s disruption to Conerly’s potential, Philly doubles down on what wins championships—line play. As the draft nears, fans can expect Roseman to wheel and deal, but this blueprint keeps the Eagles soaring. Will Ohtani’s “fight” mentality inspire a similar rally in Philly? Stay tuned for April 24—big things are brewing.