The Philadelphia Eagles philosophically have committed to winning along both lines of scrimmage over the past half decade.
Whether that is on the back of a relentless pass rush that sacked Patrick Mahomes six times in the Super Bowl, or continuously investing in offensive and defensive linemen across multiple rounds of the NFL Draft across multiple seasons, winning up front is a core philosophy of general manager Howie Roseman.
That tried-and-true playbook could be the Eagles’ guide in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Ideal Day 3 NFL Draft Prospect Revealed
Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron put together a list of each team’s ideal Day 3 target, including the Eagles emerging from Saturday of the draft with Oregon offensive tackle Anjani Cornelius in tow.
“Cornelius’ issues in pass protection (5.5% pressure rate) at tackle will likely lead to his switch to guard,” Cameron writes for PFF. “However, the Eagles understand that the assignment up front is finding the best five players, regardless of where their experience lies. Cornelius excels as a puller, having produced the second-highest PFF grade on such plays (82.7) in the class. That skill set would be an asset in Philadelphia’s offense, which logged the most counter runs in the NFL last season.”
The Eagles are no strangers to taking on reclamation projects, especially given Mekhi Becton’s success in 2024, in large part to offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland’s prowess as one of the premier assistant coaches in the sport, which could lead Philadelphia to think they can get the best out of Cornelius.
Meanwhile, given the long-term uncertainty about Lane Johnson’s future beyond 2025, Cornelius could spend a season developing on the bench before being pressed into action in 2026 and beyond.