David Banks-Imagn Images Braden Fiske comparisons are running rampant at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week Ed Oliver and Calijah Kancey were supposed to be “the next Aaron Donald” for the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively. Many across the NFL have attempted to find their own version of Sean McVay and emulate the recent success of the Los Angeles Rams. After an impressive rookie season by Braden Fiske, even one of the best defensive prospects in this year’s NFL Draft is inspiring comparisons to the former second round pick from Florida State: Mason Graham is a likely top 10 pick with similarities Michigan’s Mason Graham has been on draft radars for years. He was part of the National Championship team for the Wolverines with current Rams RB Blake Corum. Graham likely won’t have to wait long to hear his name called on draft day, he’s a frequent top five pick according to consensus boards. Here’s an excerpt of his draft profile from Lance Zierlein. Sound somewhat familiar? Three-technique who provides activity, effort, strength and quickness. Graham’s first-step quickness makes interior disruption inevitable. He has the instant read and response to regularly beat lateral blocks. He’s stout at the point of attack with great leverage and body control but will lose some ground against double teams. Graham’s lack of length makes it tougher for him to find quick wins as a rusher, but he more than makes up for it with his activity level and foot quickness. Harmonious hands and feet are the catalyst for his edge-to-edge counters, while his extended effort and closing burst help him get home. He may not dominate as a pro but his strength, body control and quickness should allow him to play his brand of ball and become a good starter in an upfield defensive front. Graham and Fiske have scarily similar measurables, which made for an easy comparison: Mason Graham, meet Braden Fiske : 2025 #NFLCombine on NFL Network : Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wvWt1RUCvO — NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 27, 2025 My early comp for Mason Graham was Braden Fiske, and these measurements come in super close. Graham does end up edging out Fiske just slightly in each category though. https://t.co/eTO8IE5qnA — Cardiac Cats (@cardiacatsbrand) February 27, 2025 Braden Fiske comp will be all over the TL soon https://t.co/EItSpv1XIz — Amp Wigg (@ShopTalkingWigg) February 27, 2025 It speaks volumes that the Rams were able to acquire Fiske in the second round and a year later it’s probable that a similar player will be drafted around 30 picks earlier. LA felt secure in their assertion that Fiske was a first round player, which explains their willingness and aggressiveness to pay a historical price in a move up for the defender. Every team that had a first round pick passed on Fiske last spring, and now one will part with a top pick in hopes that Graham also finishes his rookie campaign with eight sacks. Once again the Rams are in a position where they are the envy of the NFL. They maybe were the closest in the NFL to finding “the next Aaron Donald” during their replacement of Aaron Donald.
The NFL is already looking for “the next Braden Fiske”
Bengals News (2/28): Dax Hill Position Change?
Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The former first-round pick could have a different role in 2025. Bengals News Cincinnati Bengals starter sounds poised for another position change It sounds like another position change could be on the table for Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Dax Hill. Ample Defensive Line Draft Options Could Face Bengals: ‘What Does The (Game) Film Look Like?’ Darrin Simmons, the Bengals assistant head coach and the NFL’s longest-tenured special teams coordinator, had just got done talking about the impact and difficulty of landing large, agile, and productive defensive linemen Thursday here at the NFL scouting combine before he excused himself and crossed the hotel lobby to congratulate former Bengals running backs coach Jemal Singleton on winning the Super Bowl a few weeks ago with the Eagles. Biggest takeaways from Duke Tobin addressing Bengals personnel questions at NFL Combine Cincinnati Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin spent the majority of his media availability at the NFL scouting Combine discussing the futures of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson. Bengals look to shore up defensive line in latest 2025 NFL mock draft roundup No surprises here. NFL Draft Film Breakdown: Is Tyler Booker Perfect Fit in Bengals’ Quest to Protect Joe Burrow? The Bengals have the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. James Pearce Jr. may’ve ran himself ahead of the Bengals’ first round pick at the NFL Scouting Combine The Cincinnati Bengals made sure to sit down with Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. earlier this week at the NFL Scouting Combine. NFL News 2025 NFL combine stock up/stock down, Day 1: Shemar Stewart shines in draft spotlight The first night of workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, with the defensive linemen and linebackers taking center stage on Thursday. What Travis Kelce’s return to Chiefs might look like in 2025 Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce announced on Thursday that he’s returning to the Chiefs in 2025, saying ”I can’t go out like that” in reference to the Super Bowl blowout. 2025 NFL mock draft: Abdul Carter goes No. 1 despite foot injury; Jayden Daniels gets new weapon in pass game A handful of new faces join the first-round projection as the NFL combine is underway from Indianapolis 2025 NFL Combine: Winners, Losers From Thursday’s Workouts The defensive front seven players got to show off their athletic ability on Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine, with some prospects turning more heads than others. The Justin Tucker Situation Is a Test for the Baltimore Ravens’ “Zero-Tolerance” Policy The NFL is investigating reports of sexual misconduct by the veteran kicker. John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta say that they’re waiting for more information.
Malaki Starks: AD Mitchell is one of the toughest matchups I faced in college
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images The star Safety of the 2025 NFL Draft had high praise for the Colts 2nd year Wide Receiver. Could the 2024 2nd Round pick be in for a breakout next year? Malaki Starks has faced a lot of talented Wide Receivers in his collegiate career. Marvin Harrison Jr. Malik Nabers Ladd McConkey Matthew Golden Ryan Williams Ricky Pearsall Luther Burden III Starks himself mentioned the first 4 as some of the best Wideouts he faced in his career, along with one other name Colts fans should be familiar with: 2024 Colts rookie Adonai Mitchell. AD Mitchell at Georgia was special. #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/6vphSYXdk0 — Dawg Muse (@UGAFanatic0) February 17, 2025 Mitchell had a tumultuous rookie season, landing 4th on the depth chart for most of the season but had some opportunities as the WR3 due to injuries at various times to each of the top 3 Wide Receivers on the team. 51 Targets 23 Receptions 312 Receiving Yards 13.6 Yards per Reception 0 TDs Mitchell in particular struggled at the catch point as a rookie, recording 4 drops (14.8%) and not bringing in any of his 5 contested catch attempts. This was in stark contrast to his 2022-2023 seasons in college where he recorded only 1 drop in 103 targets and had a career 44.3% contested catch rate. AD’s catch issues last year stemmed from inconsistent effort at the catch point to extend for the ball, lack of chemistry with the Colts QBs, and a unique route running style and tempo that generates highly consistent separation, but not always at the spots or depths that a play is designed for. Patriots traded picks 34 and 137 to the Chargers for 37 and 110. Chargers took Ladd McConkey, Patriots Ja’Lynn Polk with those round two swaps. pic.twitter.com/DMQsHcroeF — Football Insights (@fball_insights) February 14, 2025 With his top notch separation skills and insane athleticism, it makes sense that he would be a tough matchup for anyone. The 6’2 205lb former Longhorn and Bulldog (Georgia), had the 5th best Relative Athletic Score in NFL Combine Testing history, with 4.34 speed (1.48 10 yard split) and 39.5 inch vertical jump paired with a 136 inch broad jump, showcasing elite levels of speed, acceleration, and explosiveness. Mitchell is still a matchup nightmare in the NFL with a 75th %ile separation rate and 96th %ile single coverage separation rate. But with further discipline in his route running consistency and communication and a improved willingness to extend for the ball and be aggressive at the catch point similar to his collegiate production, he could have a return to form and showcase why his talent was so enticing for the Colts in the 2nd Round. At minimum, he has a big believer in Malaki Starks, who’s high praise as one of the more polished and highly touted Safety prospects in the NFL Draft should not be lightly dismissed. Known for his high football IQ, versatility, coverage instincts, and exceptional athleticism, Starks’ pedigree makes his praise of Mitchell all the more noteworthy. The potential is there, it is up to Adonai to maximize his opportunities.
Raiders draft: Sanders or Jeanty?
Ashton Jeanty | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images NFL writer makes case for Boise State running back star over quarterback We all know how much the Las Vegas Raiders need to find their new quarterback of the future. But they also have other big needs, including at running back. Would the Raiders choose to go with a running back over a quarterback with the No. 6 overall draft pick? A recent mock draft by NFL.com’s Eric Edholm suggests that may be the way for the Raiders to go in the April 24-26 draft. Edholm mocked Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, bypassing Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who Edholm has going to the New York Jets at the No. 7 pick. The thinking is Sanders may not be a great prospect and Jeanty would be a great fit for new Raiders’ coach Pete Carroll, who has said he wants to run the ball on offense. Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks’ heyday offense featured rugged running back Marshawn Lynch in addition to quarterback Russell Wilson. What’s your thoughts? Would take a running back, who may be an instant star, over the need at quarterback?
Previewing the 2025 NFL Combine: Which defensive backs and tight ends to watch
Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images It’s time for the DBs and tight ends to work out The New York Giants and the rest of the NFL are in draft season! Aspiring NFL athletes will perform at Lucas Oil Stadium in their underwear, testing their movement skills and being measured to their exact size. Yesterday we watched the defensive linemen, edge defenders, and linebackers work out. Today, we have a number of defensive backs and tight ends to watch. Friday’s coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off Friday Feb. 28th at 3 p.m., on the NFL Network. Medical checks CB Benjamin Morrison, Norte Dame The medicals for two cornerbacks are critical: Norte Dame’s Benjamin Morrison and ECU’s Shavon Revel. Morrison missed half the season with a hip injury that required surgery. He was widely regarded as a top cornerback before his injury. He allowed an impressive 45.7% catch rate in college with 12 passes defended and nine interceptions — he intercepted six passes as a true freshman in 2022. Teams became wise and started throwing away from him. Morrison stands to make a lot more money and will shoot up the draft board if his hip checks out medically. [Prospect Profile] CB Shavon Revel, ECU A unique blend of size, length, and explosiveness, along with elite man coverage skills that were on display in 2023. He may not be the most technically sound corner, but Revel allowed just a 43.1% catch rate in college, and his tantalizing movement skills were evident on tape. He’s a sure tackler with a lot of upside, but he tore his ACL in September of 2024. The evaluation of his knee by team doctors will be important in Indianapolis. [Prospect Profile] SAF Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State The Penn State standout safety partially tore his right ACL in Week 2 of the 2024 season. He decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the draft, and he may slide but could be a steal for a team if he’s medically cleared and is the same player as he was before the injury. Winston Jr. is a force in run support and a physical presence. [Prospect Profile] TE Colston Loveland, Michigan Loveland had surgery on his AC joint last month and will not be participating in drills, but the dynamic 20-year-old tight end will be in attendance. Reports suggest that Loveland should be ready for training camp, but medical checks on the shoulder are still necessary to ensure he’ll be fine. When do the Chargers pick, 22nd? Maybe Loveland will reunite with Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado: Dual duty? Hunter is listed as a cornerback and will work out on Friday. The rare prospect is one of the major storylines as the event in Indianapolis starts. Some teams have him higher as a wide receiver; others value him more as a cornerback; and, reportedly, some think he can do dual duty — he’s a bright young player with all the upside in the world, and he’s top-three at each position. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. mocked Hunter to the Giants in his recent mock draft. How much more can Travis Hunter move up draft boards? We may find that out after this weekend. CB Will Johnson, Michigan Johnson did not play up to his 2023 season in his six 2024 appearances before an upper-body injury knocked him out for the rest of the season. He has ideal size at around 6’2, 200 pounds. He has to nail the interview process, test well, and thrive in the movement portions of his drills to possibly reinsert himself on the map as one of the top-two cornerbacks in the draft. CB Jahdae Barron, Texas Barron was a star nickel and sub-package player for the Longhorns for four seasons before making the switch outside — he did not disappoint in his new role! Barron seized outside responsibilities and was one of college football’s most dominant corners in 2024. Some question his vertical speed and size, and questions persist on whether he’s a true cornerback prospect. Fluid movement skills, a good forty-yard dash, and a quick three-cone may silence those questions and place Barron firmly in the first round. CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky Hairston will reportedly run in the 4.3s at the combine after measuring 5-11, 179-pounds at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl. He’s likely to do very well in the broad and vertical jumps. Hairston needs to WOW with his movement skills and transitions at the combine, albeit some of his most significant deficiencies — questionable run support — will not be able to be displayed in Indianapolis. Still, like Barron, Hariston must test well to overcome the natural concerns with their size. CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss Trey Amos is another fringe first-round pick who needs to run a good forty-yard dash to solidify himself in the top 40. Sound testing and movement skills in the drills would answer necessary questions about Amos and could go a long way for the Rebel. ** Sleeper ** CB Darien Porter, Iowa State The 6-2, 197-pound sixth-year senior played a lot of zone coverage for Matt Campbell at Iowa State, but his athletic ability pops on tape. He’s fluid, explosive, and smooth when transitioning and changing direction. His combination of size and how he MAY test at the combine will attract more eyeballs to his tape. Porter dabbled with receiver in college and was a special teams phenom, blocking multiple punts/kicks. He’s a unique player in that he didn’t start his first game until 2024, has less than 700 collegiate plays under his belt, and is 24 years old. He may be on the short-list of players who may run the fastest at this year’s combine. Some questions surround Porter, but he could come away from this weekend a huge winner. Tight Ends Tyler Warren, Penn State Warren caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards with eight touchdowns in 2024 while also being
Vikes Views: Impressive Combine Day 1 Performances
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images The Defensive Lineman and Linebackers took the field on the first day of the televised portion of the Combine. The Minnesota Vikings fans and hopefully scouts were particularly interested in the big guys on the DL. Digesting the information from a distance, there were a few performances that stuck out to me. James Pearce Jr Pearce Jr ran a 4.47s 40-yard dash. He had 19 ½ sacks at Tennessee and was already considered to be a late first round pick. The talk is he launched himself into the top half of the first round with the production on tape now lining up with measurable speed. Tennessee DE James Pearce Jr. (4.47u) clocked a FASTER 40 time than: Christian McCaffrey (4.48) Derrick Henry (4.54) CeeDee Lamb (4.50) Amon-Ra St. Brown (4.51) Pearce Jr. is 6-5, 245lbs ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/CJNzNsuSmy — Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) February 27, 2025 Kain Medrano Medrano also impressed with his 4.46 40 time, fastest amongst the linebackers. His 38-inch vertical and 10’5” broad jump aren’t too shabby either. He’s 6’3” and 222 lbs. with running back speed. Medrano isn’t considered a top prospect, but his performance likely ensures he’s drafted. Kain Medrano is the fastest of the LBs : #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork : Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4WRfv4Rw3B — NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025 Shemar Stewart Stewart impressed more with his athleticism than his speed. His 40-inch vertical and 10’11” broad jump might be enough to make him a top 10 selection in April. Zeek Biggers I have to give a shoutout to a guy from my alma mater. The 6’5” 321 lb. big man from GA Tech was 3rd among DTs with a 34.5-inch vertical. Hoping he hears his name called in April. 6-foot-6 ✔️320 lbs ✔️Big hops ✔️ (There’s a reason he blocked 4 kicks the last three seasons ) @ZeekBiggers at the #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork #ProJackets x #StingEm pic.twitter.com/2jVEd34MtA — Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) February 27, 2025 Honorable Mentions Landon Jackson – his 40.5-inch vertical was highest among edge rushers. Ty Robinson – had the fastest interior DL time with a 4.83s 40.
Dolphins free agents 2025: Walk, tag, re-sign – Jake McQuaide
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images The Miami Dolphins cycled through long snappers in 2024. What should they do with Jake McQuaide heading into 2025? We are less than two weeks from the start of the 2025 NFL league year, bringing with it the start of free agency. When the clock strikes 4 p.m. Eastern on March 12, players with expiring contracts will be allowed to sign with new teams. For the Miami Dolphins, there are 32 players scheduled to hit the free agency market. Between now and March 12, the team has to decide what they are going to do with each of those players. Will they allow the player to hit the free agency market? Will they re-sign him to a new contract? Could they use their one franchise or transition tag on the player? Each year, as we progress toward the start of free agency, we ask you those questions about each Dolphins play who might become a free agent. Today, we turn our attention to a player who joined the team late in the year as Miami shuffled through several long snappers. What should the Dolphins do with Jake McQuaide this offseason? You can vote in the poll below, and feel free to head to the comments to discuss your reasoning as well. Last five free agent reviews: Biography Jake McQuaide Position: Long snapper Age (when season begins): 37 Draft: 2011 undrafted free agent signed by St. Louis Rams Experience: 14 years Previous Teams: St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2011-2020) Dallas Cowboys (2021-2022) Detroit Lions (2023) Minnesota Vikings (2024) Miami Dolphins (2024) Note: McQuaide spent two weeks on the Chicago Bears’ practice squad during the 2024 season, but did not play in any games. Pro Bowl/All-Pro: 2016 and 2017 Pro Bowl selection Expiring Contract 1 year, $1.2 million ($164k salary cap number) 2024 Review Vikings4 games played Dolphins3 games played McQuaide was initially signed by the Bears to their practice quad in October, then released two weeks later. The Vikings then signed him to the practice squad in November, promoting him to the active roster late in the month before waiving him in December. The Dolphins then signed him to their practice squad in mid-December, promoting him to the active roster the following day. Miami spent the second half of 2024 rotating long snappers as they replaced Blake Ferguson, who spent much of the year on the reserve/illness list. The Dolphins also used Matt Overton and Zach Triner at the position, elevating them three times from the practice squad before moving on the next player. McQuaide was promoted to the active roster when wide receiver Grant DuBose was placed on injured reserve, playing in three games for the team at the end of the year. 2025 Outlook McQuaide appears to be the veteran long snapper teams look to add when they have an unexpected need at the position. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, he can keep the position stabilized when an injury or illness suddenly pop up on a roster. That would likely be his role again in 2025, with a team looking to add him to the practice squad for a temporary fill-in or the active roster as an in-season replacement. Walk, Tag, Re-Sign? Projected tag value (Special teams): $6.3 million (franchise); $5.7 million (transition) (via OvertheCap.com) Walk. McQuaide was signed to cover the long snapper position for the three games at the end of the season and into the playoffs if the Dolphins had made it. Heading into 2025, the Dolphins will either have Ferguson back or, if the illness issue is severe enough to warrant a roster move, they will look to add a younger player. McQauide is a solid veteran option, but he does not feel like someone Miami plans to bring back.
2025 NFL Combine Day 2 media recap: Gritty cornerbacks abound
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NFL Trade Rumors: Eagles willing to “make a big swing” for Myles Garrett
Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images Also: Philadelphia “may get outpriced” for Zack Baun? Myles Garrett to the Philadelphia Eagles trade rumors certainly aren’t dying down as NFL free agency approaches. Earlier this week, ESPN had a report on the Eagles’ interest in Garrett. Now it’s The Athletic’s Diana Russini who’s saying that Howie Roseman could “make a big swing” for the Cleveland Browns’ star pass rusher. Here’s an interesting exchange between Russini and Chase Daniel on Friday’s Scoop City podcast: RUSSINI: “There are a lot of teams in on Zack Baun. He’s going to be expensive for Philadelphia, if they want to do it. I just think they may get outpriced there.” [….] “I think they’re going to make an effort here. But here’s what some people are saying right now. That Howie’s willing to move on from some of these guys because he’s looking to make a big swing, and take a big swing. And that big swing would be for Myles Garrett. So, some of these guys that you think are a sure thing, may not be sure things to return to Philly. […] Would you put it past Howie Roseman going after Myles Garrett? No way. All they want to do is build and build and build in the area and the areas that got them to the Super Bowl and in the Super Bowls past. […] Look, but, is Cleveland going to move him? At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to that. And Myles Garrett is not open to negotiating with the Browns on a new contract. DANIEL: So, say Myles Garrett gets traded. What does trade compensation look like from the team trading for him? In terms of just the pure picks having to give up. I know they’re going to have to re-sign him but the picks given up. RUSSINI: Yeah, they’re definitely going to have to do a new deal, and he wants to be the highest paid player at that position. That’s quite obvious. But let’s just look at the Khalil Mack, that was two 1s, a 3, and a 6. And they had a second-round and a fifth-round pick that they gave back. But I don’t think it’s going to be that big. DANIEL: Not two 1s, right? RUSSINI: No. No. That’s too much. I don’t think it’s going to be that much. A few things to unpack here: Interesting to hear that Baun has a robust market and that the Eagles could get outpriced for him. It was previously reported that the Eagles have made signing Baun ahead of free agency their priority. I’d be pretty surprised if the Eagles let Baun walk out the door. It’s no surprise to see the Eagles interested in Garrett. And not only because they have a need at edge rusher. But because he’s an incredibly dominant force that the Eagles have seen up close in joint training camp practices over some of the past few summers. They saw him single-handedly ruin their ability to even get anything going on offense in practice one day. Garrett is the kind of player you move heaven and earth to acquire. Players of his caliber are rarely available. The Browns continue to say they won’t trade Garrett. The feeling here is that they’ll have to budge at some point. Based on historical precedent, expecting the trade to cost less than two first-round picks is not crazy. Of course, Garrett is so good that this might be an exception. And the Eagles’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is obviously one spot away from a second-round selection since Philly won Super Bowl LIX. The feeling here is that it’s more likely the Eagles do NOT acquire Garrett and they DO retain Baun. But I’m never going to say never with Howie in the mix. I don’t doubt he’ll try hard to make it happen.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73932872/2198621016.0.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "The Linc – Saquon Barkley files to trademark “Shayshawn Barkley”")
The Linc – Saquon Barkley files to trademark “Shayshawn Barkley”
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links … Eagles star Saquon Barkley files to trademark his alter ego Shayshawn Barkley – Philadelphia Business Journal Saquon Barkley is at it again, trademark-wise.The Philadelphia Eagles star’s latest trademark application, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday, seeks the rights to the phrase “Shayshawn Barkley.” The nickname came from an on-the-street interview with a Commanders fan after a November game that went viral online. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts playfully referred to the running back as “Shayshawn Barkley” during his speech outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art following the team’s Super Bowl parade on Feb. 14. Barkley’s trademark filing was first reported on X by attorney Josh Gerben of IP law firm Gerben Perrot. Should the Eagles keep Milton Williams? – BGN OUTLOOK: If the salary cap didn’t exist, the Eagles keeping Williams would be a no-brainer. He’s an ascending defensive lineman who only turns 26 in April. He’s extremely athletic. He’s only missed one game in his entire career. Williams deserves to get paid … and he likely will. But given that the Eagles have limited resources to work with, I just don’t think spending them on Williams is the right play for them. With reports that Osa Odighizuwa, who is in a similar position to Williams, could make over $21 million per year … Williams is about to get PAID. Again, I believe Williams has earned his money. But this is a guy who had half of a sack in 2023. He played better than that number would suggest, to be clear. But Williams isn’t a player the Eagles MUST keep. Especially when 1) there are other defensive tackles who can excel playing next to Carter, 2) the Eagles have a potential in-house replacement for Williams in Moro Ojomo, and 3) the 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with DT talent. It’s unfortunate the Eagles can’t keep Williams but letting him walk is the right call for them. His departure will help the Birds when it comes to acquiring compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. 2025 NFL free agency: Projecting one signing for every team – ESPN Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Khalil Mack (LAC). If Josh Sweat leaves and Brandon Graham retires, the Eagles are going to need some pass rush help. This seems like the perfect place for a well-regarded veteran to chase a championship ring, so let’s put the 34-year-old Mack here. There’s no question that Mack had a down season in 2024, despite making another Pro Bowl. He dropped from 17.0 to 6.0 sacks and his pass rush win rate dropped slightly from 13.8% to 13.0%. He had 53 pressures in 2023 but 41 pressures in 2024. Despite these drops, there’s still a lot of pass-rushing talent here, and the Eagles can use Mack as more of a rotational, targeted player. Michael Irvin says Myles Garrett to the Eagles would be ‘scary for the NFL’ – NBCSP While it seems like somewhat of a long shot right now, the possibility staggers the imagination. Cleveland Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett has said he wants to be traded from his team. To this point, Browns management has stood firm on not moving him and attempting to sign him to an extension. But Garrett wants to win, something he hasn’t done much of in Cleveland. And these impasses tend to go the way of the player, rather than the team. So … Eagles? Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Michael Irvin was on the talk show “Speak” recently and the topic of Garrett taking his talents to South Philly came up. “Let me tell you something. The thought of getting Myles Garrett – and I don’t know what you got to give up to get a Myles Garrett – but the thought of a Jalen Carter and a Myles Garrett on a defensive line is just scary for the NFL,” Irvin said. Traits vs Stats – Iggles Blitz Two years ago I studied an athletic, undersized pass rusher from Georgia. The more I watched tape of Nolan Smith, the more I fell in love with his potential. He ran 4.39 and had a 41-inch vertical at the Combine. Great workout numbers. The problem is that Smith was only 6-2, 238. That is small for an edge rusher. You would prefer someone up in the 6-3, 250 range. Smith didn’t have the frame to add much bulk so you were going to have to live with his size. He also didn’t have great stats. Smith finished his career with 11.5 sacks. He never had more than 3.5 in a season. There are some reasons for the lack of production. Schemes aren’t as simple as they used to be. UGA doesn’t have rushers flying off the ball play after play. Good defenses rotate a lot. College offenses also do a lot of quick throws, making it tough to get sacks. Smith had Top 10 potential, but fell to pick 30. I think things worked out okay for Smith and the Eagles. I brought up this story because there are going to be some challenging evaluations in this draft class. Eagles GM Howie Roseman allowed himself to enjoy the 2nd Super Bowl victory — but he doesn’t view it as validation of a potential Hall of Fame career – PHLY It’s not a stretch to imagine Roseman one day wearing a gold jacket – or at least earn that consideration. He has now built two Super Bowl rosters with two different starting quarterbacks. Only four other general managers have accomplished that feat: Bobby Beathard, Al Davis, Ozzie Newsome, and George Young. Each is in the Hall of Fame. (Newsome made the Hall as a player.) Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie called Roseman a “Hall of Fame GM” in a corridor outside the locker room after the Super Bowl, just steps away from where Roseman danced with that cigar. “I mean this: To me, I feel like I’m in
