The Philadelphia Eagles are in the spotlight as they gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, which kicks off on April 24. With trade rumors swirling around veteran tight end Dallas Goedert and the potential for significant roster changes, the Eagles are poised to make impactful decisions that could shape their future.
Rumors suggest the Eagles are considering trading Goedert, who has been a key player in their offense. CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr highlighted Goedert as one of 12 players who could significantly impact the draft landscape due to trade chatter. "Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles)," Kerr said. "The Eagles continue to say Goedert is still on their roster right now, but the veteran tight end has one year remaining on his contract and an extension isn't likely. Philadelphia could seek one of the top-end tight ends in this draft, which may lead to an eventual Goedert trade for more picks." With the draft just days away, the Eagles could potentially move Goedert to acquire a Day 2 pick, signaling a shift in their offensive strategy.
If Goedert is indeed traded, the Eagles will likely look to fill the tight end position early in the draft. Three prospects stand out as potential replacements at No. 32 overall: Colston Loveland from Michigan, Mason Taylor from LSU, and Elijah Arroyo from Miami.
Colston Loveland is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in this year's draft class, having played three seasons at Michigan. He recorded 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns across 39 career games. In 2024, he had a productive season, tallying 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. However, while Loveland excels as a pass catcher, his blocking skills remain a concern.
Mason Taylor from LSU presents a more balanced skill set, combining size, athleticism, and football IQ. Over his three-year collegiate career, Taylor amassed 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns, setting a new benchmark for tight ends in Tigers history. In the past season, he recorded 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 9.9 yards per catch. Unlike Loveland, Taylor's abilities as a receiver are complemented by his strong blocking skills.
Another intriguing option is Elijah Arroyo from Miami, who brings versatility to the table as both a receiver and a blocker. Arroyo had a breakout year in 2024, catching 35 of 47 targets for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.9 yards per catch. His combination of catching and blocking skills aligns well with what the Eagles may seek in Goedert's eventual replacement.
As the Eagles assess their tight end options, they are also eyeing defensive prospects, particularly Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes it is unlikely that Nolen will be available when the Eagles pick at 32. "I would say it's unlikely that he falls that low," Jeremiah stated. "He's just too explosive and in a passing league, I can't see him getting there." Nolen had a standout season in 2024, recording 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, earning consensus All-American honors. Jeremiah speculated that Nolen could be a top 15 pick, which would make it challenging for the Eagles to land him.
Jeremiah also mentioned Shemar Stewart as another explosive player the Eagles could target, indicating that the team has the flexibility to trade up if necessary. With eight picks in the 2025 draft and a projected 12 in the 2026 class, the Eagles have the resources to maneuver for a player like Nolen or Stewart if they fall within striking distance.
On April 18, Daniel Jeremiah provided further insights into the Eagles' draft strategy during a conference call. He emphasized the team's strong position, stating, "I would also say with where they are as a team and the roster, they’re in pretty good shape. They have a ton of picks." This abundance of draft capital allows the Eagles to be aggressive in their pursuit of top talent.
In addition to their tight end and defensive line considerations, the Eagles are also addressing their safety position. The team has struggled to draft successful safeties since Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman in 2010. Reed Blankenship, an undrafted free agent, became a full-time starter in 2023, but the Eagles are still in need of a long-term solution.
Georgia's Malaki Starks has emerged as a potential target for the Eagles at safety. Starks, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 197 pounds, ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine. He has the versatility that the Eagles value, having played both safety and nickel during his time at Georgia. Jeremiah praised Starks, saying he could be an outstanding free safety who can roam and make plays. With six former Bulldogs already on the Eagles' roster, Starks could seamlessly integrate into the team's defensive scheme.
The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson last month, further amplifying their need for a safety. Coach Nick Sirianni mentioned that the team has several options, including giving Sydney Brown, drafted in the third round in 2023, a chance to earn the starting role. However, Brown has only started one game and may not be the long-term answer.
As the draft approaches, the Eagles find themselves at a pivotal moment in their franchise's history. With trade rumors swirling around Goedert and the potential to draft both offensive and defensive talent, the decisions made in the next week could have lasting implications for the team's future. Whether they opt to trade Goedert or draft a new tight end, the Eagles are clearly preparing for a transformative draft that could reshape their roster.
