One obvious NFL-ready trait for each Eagles 2025 draft pick

USA Today

06-05-2025

One obvious NFL-ready trait for each Eagles 2025 draft pick
It has been nearly three months since the confetti fell. The Philadelphia Eagles have since hosted their second victory parade. Then came another NFL Scouting Combine, Pro Days, and Top 30 visits, which led to another NFL Draft.
Many in the football world continue to admire Howie Roseman's exceptional talent, and rightfully so. He entered the most recent NFL draft with eight draft picks. As expected, "Howie things" unfolded, involving trades and other strategic moves. In the end, he worked his magic, resulting in a ten-player draft class and an additional fifth-round pick for next April.
Smoke cleared. Dust settled, and time has flown again. In a snap, we've already placed a bow on another rookie minicamp. It's hard to contain the excitement because every time we check these guys out, we fall more in love with their potential. Dare we say it? Howie has taught yet another masterclass.
Each Eagles 2025 draftee's most elite trait
Jihaad Campbell may prove to be one of the 15 best players in this draft class once we dive headfirst into the regular season. Ty Robinson tips the scales at 288 pounds, yet he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.83 seconds. We could spend the next three months breaking down film and intangibles (and we will), but for now, to tide you over, here's what we're hearing is each 2025 Eagles draftee's most NFL-ready trait.
Jihaad Campbell, EDGE/Linebacker
Round 1, Pick 31 - Best asset: VersatilityWe've beaten this discussion to death. We've done so for good reason. This young man is an athletic freak.
Is he an edge rusher who plays the linebacker position or vice versa? He claims to be both and simply describes himself as 'a football player'.You know what? That's a spot-on assessment!
Andrew Mukuba, Safety
Round 2, Pick 64 - Best asset: Coverage instinctsAndrew Mukuba isn't going to bring the wood like C.J. Gardner-Johnson used to, but C.J. can't cover like this 2024 Third-Team All-SEC nod either. Both have a knack for making plays and forcing turnovers, and that's going to endear this young man to the City of Brotherly Love very quickly.
Ty Robinson, Defensive Tackle
Round 4, Pick 111 - Best assets: High motor and physicalityTy Robinson doesn't just hit people. He runs over and through them. He won't take plays off, and that will quickly win the hearts of Eagles fans and the city he plays in.
His violent nature as a pass rusher and how he finishes tackles will transform game days into an all-out Valentine's Day session. We repeat, just in case you missed the announcement. Birds fans are going to love this kid!
Mac McWilliams, Cornerback
Round 5, Pick 145 - Best asset: Short-area athleticismGo ahead and slot this young man as the favorite to win the backup slot corner position behind Cooper DeJean. At five-foot-ten and 191 pounds, it's hard to imagine him playing on the outside.
He possesses decent speed, having run a 4.41-second 40-yard dash. He changes direction well. He breaks on the ball quickly. This isn't the guy you want in bump-and-run coverage, as he's a better zone than man corner, but he guards well enough and isn't scared to stick his head in on physical tackles.
Smael Mondon, LB
Round 5, Pick 161 - Best asset: Big-game readyYet another find from Philly's farm system in Athens, Smael Mondon won't be phased by playing in the bright lights of Lincoln Financial Field. He's battle-tested, which is essential as we expect the Birds to continue playing deep into the playoffs.
If you're looking for other elite traits, here are a few. He pursues with the best of them. He plays well as a cover LB, but more so in zone coverages, although he's also an above-average man-to-man cover backer.
Drew Kendall, Center/Guard
Round 5, Pick 168 - Best asset: FootworkDrew Kendall isn't going to wow you or anyone else athletically. That's okay because the cerebral part of his game will make you fall in love with him.
He understands what he's supposed to do as a run blocker, though he seems more of a mauler than a road-grader. His understanding of body control will make any dance instructor proud. His knowledge of angles will please his former geometry teachers.
Kyle McCord, Quarterback
Round 6, Pick 181 - Best asset: Pocket presenceOne of those phrases that sometimes attaches itself to quarterbacks that we can't stand hearing is 'he holds onto the ball too long'. We won't have to express that concern about Kyle McCord very often.
He's closer to Tanner McKee than Jalen Hurts and Dorian Thompson-Robinson athletically, but he also feels where blitzes are coming from. He buys time well. Poise and confidence are among his other impressive traits.
He played in pass-heavy offenses at Ohio State and Syracuse. Still, his final season at the collegiate level proved he wasn't as inconsistent as we had seen during his time with the Buckeyes. That bodes well for him moving forward because, at the risk of sounding disrespectful, his weaponry with the Orange wasn't as elite as he had in Columbus.
Myles Hinton, Offensive Tackle
Round 6, Pick 191 - Best asset: Fluid despite a huge frame
Myles Hinton plays well in a phone booth but can get out in space and make things happen during running plays, thanks to his athleticism. His father was a former NFL All-Pro tackle, so if nepotism works as it should, the Birds may have a refined reserve that they can unbox in an emergency.
Cameron Williams, Offensive Tackle
Round 6, Pick 207 - Best asset: Prototypical NFL sizeWilliams weighs 317 pounds and stands 6 feet 6 inches. He has desirable physical traits, but he will need Jeff Stoutland to help him achieve them.
That's okay. That's why NFL teams employ position coaches. Stoutland U has a nice pupil here. He can, at times, give ground to more powerful defenders. Footwork could be better, but he has shown some ability as a pass protector and seems careful when clearing alleyways on running downs.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, EDGE/Outside Linebacker
Round 6, Pick 209 - Best asset: Pass rushing We could discuss Antwaun Powell-Ryland's ability as a pass rusher until the cows come home. No, wait. We've already done that. Oh well... How about another discussion?
He plays with proper pad level and drives blockers back into the quarterback they're supposed to protect. He uses his hands well. His array of moves makes him relatively unpredictable.
He isn't the speediest guy we've seen on tape, but he has still managed to tally 25.5 sacks over the past two seasons. If that translates well to Vic Fangio's defense, watch out!