The Next Haul

The Eagles have been active in the second wave of free agency, effectively draft-proofing the roster of glaring needs to eliminate any urge of a potential reach on draft weekend. While some positions on the roster, like edge rusher and safety, remain relatively lean by comparison, the Eagles are in a position of strength, currently armed with nine picks and ample optionality.

With a month to go until the draft frenzy kicks off, here’s my latest stab at forecasting the Eagles’ selections, in my DiCecco Mock Draft 2.0.

Clemson OT product Blake Miller has the athleticism and agility to be an ideal fit in the Eagles’ new blocking scheme.

Round 1, pick No. 23: Blake Miller, T, Clemson

The Eagles waste little time here in furnishing the offensive line room with a future long-term starter. In our first exercise, I pegged Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor as the eventual successor to Lane Johnson, but my initial view has since shifted. While I’m of the belief that Proctor can fit any blocking scheme, the gargantuan tackle probably projects as a better match under previous position coach Jeff Stoutland. In light of the Eagles’ expected changes offensively, specifically when it comes to run designs under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, run game coordinator Ryan Mahaffey and offensive line coach Chris Kuper, a spryer fluid-mover might be preferred.

Miller (6-7, 317) might need to enhance his play strength to consistently anchor at the next level, but his athleticism, lateral agility and footwork — along with an arm length that measures in at 34 1/4″ – would give Kuper a solid foundation from which to mold. Miller, who profiles more as a right tackle, logged 54 starts for the Tigers and set a program record for most snaps accrued over a career (3,778). Miller’s mobility and range figures to pair well with the newly introduced wide-zone blocking concepts.

Round 2, pick No. 54: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Regardless of what becomes of the A.J. Brown storyline, the Eagles need to begin investing draft capital on offense to compensate for the lucrative paydays awaiting some of the team’s defensive cornerstones. I originally listed Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. in this space for our DiCecco Mock Draft 1.0, but Cooper likely comes off the board well before the Eagles make their second pick. At this point in the draft cycle, this feels like a sweet spot for Brazzell II, who produced 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns on 67 receptions last season for the Volunteers. Brazzell II, who began his collegiate career at Tulane, offers the requisite size (6-4, 198) to thrive on the perimeter and his 4.3 speed presents a field-stretching element that could add another dimension to an offense in need of an uptick in explosive plays. Brazzell II also profiles as a quarterback friendly option, in that he’s showcased exceptional body control and attacks the football.

Sure, there’s always natural, built-in skepticism whenever a prospect exceeds his previous production by a wide margin, but Brazzell II projects as a player on the rise, with a skill set that ideally complements the Eagles’ in-house options.

Round 3, pick No. 68: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee

As things currently stand, the Eagles’ pass rush contingent includes Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, A.K. Ebiketie and Jose Ramirez. While there’s still plenty of time for the team to add to this group before draft weekend, the Eagles typically don’t bypass an opportunity to fortify the trenches. With Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas – who profiles similarly to Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto – presumably off the board, the Eagles add a toolsy player with early impact potential in Josephs.

Sporting 34 1/4” arms, Josephs is a lengthy edge defender with plenty of quickness and explosion to his game. He’s also a relatively fluid mover, and at the NFL Scouting Combine noted his ability to drop into coverage. He could stand to bulk up some, but Josephs is a player I like quite a bit in terms of upside, who would appear to be an ideal match for Vic Fangio’s defense. Last season, Josephs racked up 33 tackles (six for loss), three passes defended and two fumble recoveries. Josephs, in 48 games, tallied 9.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss.

Round 3, pick No. 98: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame

I considered mirroring what I’d done previously, and going with Ohio State tight end Max Klare at 68. Instead, in this scenario, the Eagles wait and land value at a deep position. Raridon (6-6, 245) is a big-bodied target with enough speed (4.62) to pull away from linebackers and safeties. Raridon, who creates separation as a route-runner, projects as a three-level threat who can reel in contested throws. He also often fared well as a blocker when necessary, but will likely need to further fill out his frame to withstand the rigors that accompany that job description. It’s worth noting that while Raidon has had knee injuries in the past, he appeared in 28 games for the Fighting Irish over the past two seasons. Limited college production — Raridon last season achieved career highs in receptions (32) and yards (482) — may give some pause, but his 2025 production suggests he’s merely scratching the surface.

With the Eagles needing help at safety, Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley could be an ideal early Day 3 pick for them.

Round 4, pick No. 114 (from Falcons): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

The safety room will be without mainstays Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown, who land with the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. With the shakeup, the contingent is now comprised of Drew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, J.T. Gray and Andre’ Sam. Versatile DB Michael Carter II will be in the mix and is a name to file away, and second-year pro Brandon Johnson — like Carter II, a nickel by trade — moonlighted at the position late last season. Similar to edge rusher, the Eagles could bolster the room between now and the draft, but I have them adding to the position early on Day 3.

Wheatley (6-3, 203) comes with rare size for the position, complementing his athleticism. Pairing his range with a ball-hawking cover man in Mukuba would arm Fangio with increased optionality. Wheatley last season produced 74 tackles (two for loss), an interception, a pass defended and a fumble recovery over 12 games.

Round 4, pick No. 137: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

The Eagles earlier this month extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis and a sizeable payday looms for centerpiece Jalen Carter. But when forecasting the future, it’s fair to wonder if they can also invest in fellow defensive tackle Moro Ojomo. The team selected Ty Robinson in the fourth round last spring and fourth-year pro Byron Young provided quality depth last season, but adding another young player to the interior ensures long-term security.

I considered going with another defensive tackle here in Penn State’s Zane Durant, but ultimately went in a different direction. McClellan (6-4, 313) is strong at the point of attack, displays the active hands needed to disengage from linemen and his eight tackles for loss last season highlight McClellan’s effectiveness behind the line of scrimmage. He’s also made strides as a pass rusher, as evidenced by his career-high six sacks in 2025. The Missouri product projects as a rotational piece equipped to handle volume if necessary.

Round 5, pick No. 152 (from Falcons): Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M

In my estimation, the most understated Eagles free agent departure might be veteran offensive lineman Brett Toth, who inexpensively offered depth along the interior, along with invaluable experience. That said, this class is ripe with replacements, such as Zuhn III. The Texas A&M product was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Aggies, but at 6-foot-6, 312 pounds — and sporting 32 1/2” arms — Zuhn III projects as a center/guard at the next level. He may not boast the desired athleticism for this offense, but the versatility and experience make for an appealing Day 3 swing.

The Eagles like to take developmental QBs on Day 3. North Dakota State’s Cole Payton could be the next for them.

Round 5, pick No. 178: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

The Eagles last week traded a 2027 seventh-round pick for veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, and No. 2 Tanner McKee currently remains in the fold, but the Philadelphia quarterback factory churns on with this selection. The Eagles have never shied away from targeting a developmental arm in the draft, Kyle McCord being the most recent example, and I suspect they return to the well. In Payton (6-3, 233), the Eagles would be getting a tough, dual-threat quarterback with intriguing arm talent. Payton, who didn’t become a full-time starter until last season as a fifth-year senior, passed for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also averaged 5.7 yards per carry. He’ll enter the league with a minimal sample size and fairly raw, but there are tools there worth developing.

Round 6, pick No. 197: Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo

The Eagles signed cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Jonathan Jones in free agency and roster an abundance of holdovers expected to contend for depth roles, but what’s one more to add to the mix? Fuller, who at the NFL Scouting Combine made mention of Quinyon Mitchell’s influence in shaping his game and preparing for what’s ahead, collected 29 tackles (2.5 for loss), 11 passes defended, an interception and a fumble recovery last season for the Rockets. Fuller sports a prototypical frame for the perimeter (6-1, 200), plays the position with a physical edge and has demonstrated a habit of competing through the catch. There are areas of his game in need of refinement, such as ball-tracking, but Fuller represents late-round upside who could challenge for a depth position.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com