One of my favorite post-NFL Draft activities involves looking at what actual scouts think of the players that the Philadelphia Eagles selected … through the lens of what was said about them before the picks were made.
This article features pre-draft quotes from football executives by way of Bob McGinn’s annual draft series (via Tyler Dunne’s great Go Long substack), The Athletic’s Draft Confidential (via Bruce Feldman), and NFL.com’s draft profiles (written by Lance Zierlein).
Let’s take a look at what insiders had to say about the Eagles’ selections in the 2025 NFL Draft.
JIHAAD CAMPBELL
Campbell was the top off-ball linebacker in McGinn’s rankings.
“He could go in the top 20,” an AFC personnel man said.
[…]
An obvious plus for this year’s class is the number of candidates regarded as capable of wearing the green-dot helmet because they’re equipped to call and direct a defense. “I have six or seven in the top 100,” one scout said. “Only one that isn’t capable of being a green dot is Campbell. (Smael) Mondon and all the others are.”
[…]
“He is all over the field,” one scout said. “Explosive, nasty. They do everything with this guy. He’s a former D-end. He has got bad intentions. He can blitz, cover. Love this guy. Mid-first round.” Underwent surgery for a torn labrum after the combine. “He can roll,” said a second scout. “Plays with range and tackles hard. He’ll take on blocks and can slip ‘em. Best at run and chase. He can run in coverage. Closes quickly as a rusher. Played with good instincts.” Other personnel people didn’t feel his reactions were sharp. “He has a lot of physical traits but I question the instincts part of it,” said a third scout. “Quick twitch, physical, really good size and strength, but the instincts were kind of average. That would be the only thing that would kind of hold me back on him.” A two-year starter, he finished with 184 tackles (16 for loss), 5 ½ sacks and seven turnover plays (the total of interceptions, fumbles forced and fumbles recovered). “He’s like Derrick Johnson from Texas that played for Kansas City,” a fourth scout said. “He wasn’t mentally good but he was so athletic that sometimes when he was wrong he was still right. Campbell is a really talented athlete but questioned his brain. The athlete is dynamic.” The third scout was asked if a linebacker can overcome below-average instincts in the NFL. He replied: “That’s hard. A lot of times the answer is ‘no.’ Sometimes you can improve a little bit. It’s worth taking him at the right spot but not the first round. He’s more like in the 40’s.” Arms were 32 ½ inches; hands were 10 ½, largest at the position. “He put on a show at the combine,” said a fifth scout. “He’s got it all. He’s an inside backer with outside backer flexibility. He’s even got some rush potential people might try to tap into. He’s really only played the spot for a little more than a year so he’s going to get better and better. People question his instincts. I think it was more shifting gears from (Nick) Saban to (Kalen) DeBoer, changing schemes and really being on the field for the first time. I wouldn’t say he was a slow blinker. I don’t think that’s a concern.” Five-star recruit from Erial, N.J. Played wide receiver and defensive end as a senior at IMG Academy.
More on Campbell from The Athletic:
“I think he’s a legit top-20 guy,” said the national scout. “He’s so explosive and plays violent. He’s got all the traits in his body.”
“He’s the best inside linebacker in this draft, by far,” said another NFL defensive coach. He has range, is versatile, has good burst and closing speed. He’s a good space player. Good blitzer. Can slip blocks and get back to a good power position. He is still a little raw. He’s better than Edgerrin Cooper. He’s more explosive and has a really good football IQ. Only knock might be his instincts, and that’s just because he hasn’t played stack backer as much as some of these other guys.”
It’ll be really interesting to see how Campbell fits in the Eagles’ defense.
You don’t love to see questions about his instincts. Athletic tools alone aren’t enough at linebacker; just ask Davion Taylor. But not everyone is worried about the mental aspect of Campbell’s game. He could benefit from more experience playing off-ball linebacker. One would also think Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and inside linebackers coach Bobby King can help his development.
When it comes to medical concerns about Campbell, here’s what Pauline had to say (bold emphasis mine):
Two defensive players routinely tipped to go in the first round are dropping due to medical issues. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has a variety of injury red flags, including a knee issue, which concerns teams. The situation is worse for Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who I’m told has been red-flagged over shoulder injuries that could disrupt his rookie campaign.
Albert Breer also made mention of Campbell’s knees being an issue (bold emphasis mine):
I love Eagles GM Howie Roseman—he’s done a fantastic job. But I’d say his first-round pick this year, Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell, is a little like two years ago with Jalen Carter. In both cases, there was a reason why the guy was available. With Carter, it was a checkered off-field history that Philly felt well-qualified to manage. With Campbell, it’s his shoulders and knees (yes, plural on both counts). And, again, this is one where the Eagles are more equipped to take on the risk than others, because they don’t need the pick to hit.
We’ve yet to hear that Campbell will be ready to fully participate in offseason practices. The first test will be the Eagles’ upcoming rookie minicamp.
ANDREW MUKUBA
Mukuba was the seventh safety in McGinn’s rankings. He was the third safety selected in this year’s draft.
Started for three years at Clemson before moving to Texas and starting there in 2024. “He played safety this year,” one scout said. “They moved him for a reason. He is probably a better safety. He played more nickel corner last year.” Born in Zimbabwe, immigrating to the U.S. at age 9. “He likes to tee off on people,” the scout said. “That’s what he will do. He’s probably in that third-fourth range. He’s not special. More of a big-hitter type with a (small) body.” Finished with 212 tackles (nine for loss), 23 passes defensed and nine turnover plays. Arms were just 30. “He a free safety-nickel,” a second scout said. “Sixth round.” Four-star recruit from Austin, Texas.
More from The Athletic:
“He is like a missile,” said DB coach No. 1. “He didn’t play very well at Clemson, and I think he’s fighting that perception some. He was playing nickel there. I think he’s a better safety. He has good range in the deep part of the field. He’s very good in the underneath part of the field because he’s twitchy and explosive.
“His slot coverage is solid for a safety. Good tackler, but some of his misses look pretty bad. He pulls the pin and slices people down. I think he’s gonna be a good starter. I think he’s undervalued. I look at some of these mocks and there’s such a wide range to him where he’s behind some other guys, and I’m like, no, I don’t see that. The only knock to me is his weight. He’s 186 and he doesn’t look like the stoutest dude.”
“I like him,” said DB coach No. 2. “He’s slight and narrow, but he is tough.”
Mukuba was a little bit of a reach from a consensus perspective … but not egregiously so. Unless you’re the scout that believed him to be a sixth-round pick.
Mukuba’s ball production really took off in 2024 as he played more safety snaps and fewer slot snaps. He seems to be at his best when he’s playing off and reading the offense from there.
It seems like it could be good if he’s able to add some good weight to his slender frame.
TY ROBINSON
Robinson was the 11th defensive tackle in McGinn’s rankings. He was the 14th DT selected in this year’s draft.
After what scouts said was a semi-disappointing week at the Senior Bowl, he responded with boffo work at the combine. His vertical jump (33 ½), broad jump (9-11) and bench press (28) led the leading D-linemen. “Chance to be a Day 2 selection,” one scout said. “Big body. Thick dude. Really strong and powerful. Plays with an extremely high motor. Empties his tank. Good first step and quickness. Heavy hands. Knocks blockers back. Can club an offensive lineman off his feet. Can pry combo blocks open. Can bull rush a blocker into the quarterback. Has some short-area close and runs well. It’s hard for him to get skinny in a gap because of (his size). When he gets tired his pad level can rise and hand placement can get sloppy and (he) becomes more of a brawler-mauler type. I’d take him over (Yahya) Black because I know what I’m getting. He can play nose and 3-technique.” Tied the Cornhusker record for games played with 60, starting 47. Finished with 134 tackles (27 for loss), 12 sacks and 12 passes defensed. “Takes up space in the run game and high-motor production in the pass game,” said a second scout. “You’re hanging your hat on the strength and the power. He’s played outside but they kicked him inside, and that’s where his home is. I could see him going up there in the third.” Short arms (32 ¼). Hands were 10. “Looks like an NFL lineman,” said a third scout. “Little bit of a straight-line, erect, bull-in-a-china-shop style of play. He’s in the backfield, but then where’s the ball? He’ll crash into the line and then not be able to get the quarterback on the ground. He’ll get faked out or something. He has really got initial quickness and that initial charge, he’s big and he can run. He ran 4.82 at the combine so a lot of people will be going back and watching the tape on him. I’m not saying he’s first round but I definitely could see him going second on measurables alone.” Four-star recruit from Gilbert, Ariz.
Robinson was drafted where he was expected to be taken relative to consensus but these scouts were a little higher on him. Not surprising since he comes off as a real football guy’s guy. His relentlessness definitely stands out when you watch him.
MAC MCWILLIAMS
McWilliams was not included in the top 18 cornerbacks from McGinn’s rankings. He was the 16th CB selected in this year’s draft.
Daniel Jeremiah seems to be higher than most on McWilliams
SMAEL MONDON JR.
Mondon Jr. was LB2 in McGinn’s off-ball linebacker rankings, only behind Campbell.
Led the linebackers in the broad jump (10-10) and bench press (25 reps). “Not as good as Quay Walker but a good football player,” said one scout. “Georgia’s done a great job producing linebackers. Second and third round, he’s gone. Really good run-and-chase player. Good interior blitzer. Needs to clean up some things going on behind him in coverage but he’s really good in first-level coverage – being able to read and react. I think he relies more on his athletic ability than his instincts.” Limited to 10 games as a senior due to injury. “He got banged up and missed some time so he really never settled in,” a second scout said. “When he was healthy he was more the will linebacker, the fast-flow type versus a heavy-handed, stack blocks, between the tackles type guy. Now the character’s not great on him but, assuming he gets healthier and gets coached up, I think he’s a starter. Second round.” Finished with 212 tackles (18 for loss), eight sacks and just one turnover play. “The body has come a long way,” said a third scout. “It took him time. Holding above 220 has always been a challenge. That was a big key for him this year — to get the weight and hold it. He tests out well, at least in a straight line. More early Day 3 guy but could creep up a little higher if people get excited about the testing numbers. I would say he isn’t (a green dot). I think he did make the calls somewhat this year but I don’t think that’s him in the NFL. They say he’s super intelligent, a guy who makes 3.0 (grade-point average) without cracking a book. That’s the problem. He’s not going to put in a lot of effort. It’s the same way he’s been on the field. The guy’s a great athlete but never spent the time he needed in the weight room and the nutritional aspect, things like that.” Started 32 of 51 games. Arms were 31 ¾. “He can run the middle and cover wide-receiver slots,” a fourth scout said. “He’s got hips and feet like a safety. Not a knock-back tackler. Not great getting off blocks. Not an ideal point player but who gives a f— because his athletic ability is (ideal). Second round for sure.” Five-star recruit from Dallas. Played running back, quarterback and wide receiver in addition to linebacker as a prep.
Seems like there are questions about Mondon Jr.’s desire to be great, which may explain why he fell further than expected.
More from The Athletic:
Georgia’s Smael Mondon Jr. was the leading tackler (76, with eight TFLs) on the 2022 Dawgs national title team as a sophomore. He wasn’t as productive the past two years, although he didn’t have Jalen Carter playing in front of him either. He had 57 tackles in 10 games last year, missing four games with a leg injury. At 6-2, 224, Mondon tested very well in Indy, running a 4.58 with an excellent 1.52 10-yard split to go with a 10-10 broad jump. Our experts were split on him.
“I love him, although I think he’s a little less athletic than I’d like,” said the defensive coach. “He has power in the box. Really good instincts. His football IQ is really good.”
“He looks the part,” said the national scout. “I don’t think the tape is great. I think he just doesn’t anticipate very well.”
Even more from an AFC national scout:
“Played inside some, but he will be a cleanup and cover Will [weakside linebacker]. Just need to make sure his foot checks out in medicals.”
Mondon had surgery on a stress fracture in his foot in spring of 2024. Multiple injury issues caused him to miss seven total games at Georgia.
DREW KENDALL
Kendall was the fifth-ranked center in McGinn’s rankings.
Four-year player started 37 of 39 games at center in 2022-’24. “It’s all positive from the makeup,” said one scout. “He’s a center only without a lot of impressive traits. Maybe he gets drafted based more on pedigree as much as anything else.” His father, Pete (6-4 ½, 292, 5.11), was a first-round draft choice (No. 21) by Seattle in 1996 and started 188 games mostly at guard in a 13-year career. Pete scored 41 on the Wonderlic test; Drew has earned numerous academic honors. “You like his mentality,” said a second scout. “Pete Kendall’s kid, great kid. He’s got all that (bleep) going. He runs well in a straight line. I didn’t think he was a great lateral or change-direction mover for a light-in-the-ass guy. I’m surprised he came out. He probably came out because there are no centers. Kind of like a practice-squad guy. See if you can beef him up.” Arms were 31 ¾, hands were 9 5/8. From Norwell, Mass.
Despite exclusively playing center in college, the Eagles are listing Kendall at “center/guard.” He might need to prove his versatility to stick on the roster. Otherwise, he could go the way of Dylan McMahon being cut as a center-only last summer.
KYLE MCCORD
McCord was QB5 in McGinn’s rankings. He was the seventh quarterback selected in this year’s draft.
Backed up C.J. Stroud at Ohio State in 2021-’22. Started 12 games in ’23 before being pushed aside by coach Ryan Day after a 30-24 loss to Michigan, his only setback in 12 starts. Started 13 games for the Orange last year. “I don’t understand how Ohio State dismissed McCord and brought (Will) Howard in,” one scout said. “He has a better arm than Howard. He throws it pretty well. He threw for all that yardage (NCAA-leading 4,779) at Syracuse and sort of reinvented himself. He’s definitely going ahead of Howard and (Quinn) Ewers. He’s probably going ahead of Dart. Look. He’s overcome adversity with the transfer. It was probably tough watching Ohio State win it (national championship) with a guy who’s less than you.” Finished with a passer rating of 105.0 in 37 games, including 26 starts. Career record was 22-4. “Those fans and that (Columbus) media market can be tough and they just threw him out the door,” a second scout said. “But this is a pretty damn good quarterback. Ultra-high character guy. Very bright, humble, leader, all that’s solid. Has very clean mechanics, good compact throwing motion, the ability to change his arm slot and improvise when he has to work around obstacles. Has a nice snappy release and good arm talent to make all the throws. He needs to do a better job of manipulating the defense with his eyes. The biggest knock I have, and this is probably what showed up at Ohio State, is when pressured he doesn’t always step up and throw it well. He falls away and drifts in the pocket too much. But the good throws are really good.” Rushed for minus-142 yards and three TDs. Hands were 9 ½. Tenth in the Heisman voting, best finish for a Syracuse player in 24 years. “He left Ohio State because he couldn’t play,” a third scout said. “Now we’re trying to make something out of him? He can’t play.” His father, Derek, played quarterback at Rutgers from 1988-’92. Five-star recruit from Mt. Laurel, N.J., who won three state titles. Numerous academic honors.
Harsh ending aside, lot of positive feedback here. Fun to see that one scout thought McCord should’ve gone ahead of New York Giants first-round pick Jaxson Dart.
McCord will likely beat out Dorian Thompson-Robinson to be the Eagles’ QB3 in 2025. We’ll see if he can ever develop into more than that.
More from The Athletic (bold emphasis mine):
Q: Who is your sleeper [quarterback] that you don’t think is getting talked about enough?
Passing game coordinator No. 2: “I think Will Howard has a chance. It’s hard to call a guy who just led his team to a national title a sleeper, but I don’t think a lot of people are talking about him. I like the efficiency with which he operates. I kind of like (Syracuse Kyle) McCord. He doesn’t move great, but he’s accurate and I think he can replicate that.”
MYLES HINTON
Hinton was the 10th offensive tackle in McGinn’s rankings. He was the 14th OT selected in this year’s draft.
Started 15 games at right tackle for Stanford in 2021-’22 before transferring. At Michigan, he was benched in 2023 after five starts for the national champions before bouncing back to start 10 games at left tackle in ’24. “He’s got first-round talent,” one scout said. “He’s huge, he’s incredibly long. Now, putting it all together, I don’t know. He is a complete roll of the dice. If this guy had Will Campbell’s makeup he’d be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Not because he’s a bad kid. Not mean, not aggressive or violent. He’s finesse all day. He gives up on too many plays. But when this guy does it right … sometimes when he’s wrong he’s still right because he’s too big and too athletic. This guy could be a red (solid starting) player if he had a higher give-a-shit factor.” Described as a “true renaissance man” by his coach in high school. Marine biology major with environmental interests. Avid fisherman. His father, Chris (6-4, 276, 4.85), moved from outside linebacker to tight end to tackle during his career at Northwestern before being the No. 4 pick in the 1983 draft. He went on to play 13 seasons at tackle and make seven Pro Bowls. Myles’ younger brother, Christopher (6-3 ½, 304, 5.29), made 19 starts at defensive tackle for Michigan. Having played seven games in two seasons, he remains on the Chargers’ roster. “I don’t think he’s much,” said a second scout referring to Myles. “The dad was really good. His dad was probably even a better athlete than the kid. When Chris Hinton came out they said he was a little soft coming out of Northwestern. One thing about Chris Hinton, he was tough.” Arms were 34 1/8, hands were 10 ¼. Just 19 reps on the bench press. Myles, a four-star recruit from John’s Creek, Ga., also competed in basketball and track as a prep and won a state championship in the discus.
If there’s someone who can help bring the best out of Hinton, it could be Jeff Stoutland.
CAMERON WILLIAMS
Williams was the 11th offensive tackle in McGinn’s rankings. He was the 18th OT selected in this year’s draft.
Said one scout: “Played right tackle there. Not a very good athlete. Struggles with movement. Put him inside. In the playoffs he was getting run by.”
More from an NFC area scout:
“Rare size-length component at play, so you have to give him the benefit of the doubt with more experience.”
The book on the 21-year-old Williams is that he has tools but he’s pretty raw. A great candidate to enroll in Jeff Stoutland University.
ANTWAUN POWELL-RYLAND
Couldn’t find anything on APR.
UNDRAFTED ROOKIE FREE AGENTS
MAXEN HOOK
Hook was the 12th safety in McGinn’s rankings. 18 safeties were selected in this year’s draft.
Said one scout: “He played the old monster back position. I would say third round on the high side and no later than the fourth. I can see where somebody might identify with him and say, ‘Hey, this guy can be the glue that can hold it together back there.’”
More from an AFC national scout:
“He’s big and fast and he’s going to be a stud on special teams.”
