PHILADELPHIA — Howie Roseman wants draft prospects for the Philadelphia Eagles to learn from the recent retirements of Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox, who were key players for the team.
The general manager of the Eagles, wants potential players like DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, and Brandon Graham to continue to receive new contracts and significant earnings years after joining the team.
The main idea in both cases?
“It’s a great success story for us to be able to draft guys and sign them to extensions,” Roseman stated. “I think it’s a great message to our team that if you come here and do the right thing, you don’t have to leave. Unfortunately we’ve lost two players, two of the greatest Eagles in the history of our franchise who retired, but they played with one franchise.
“I think that’s legacy. To be able to have players that are able to do that, when other players see that, I think that’s a big part of building culture.
And creating a consistent winner.
Roseman and the scouts have had more successful picks than unsuccessful ones in recent drafts, which is one of the reasons the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl in the 2022 season and started last season with a 10-1 record before struggling towards the end.
Jalen Hurts has already become one of the best steals in franchise history, as he was picked as the second-round QB at No. 53 overall in 2020. Smith, who recently signed an extension with $51 million in guaranteed money, is still considered a bargain from the 2021 first-round. Jordan Mailata went from being an Australian rugby player to a seventh-round pick in 2018 and is now one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter was the No. 9 pick last season and finished second in the voting for 2023 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Eagles are aiming to make successful picks once again when the draft begins on April 25. They currently have the 22nd pick in the first round and the 50th and 53rd overall picks in the second round. They also have five other draft picks, for now. Roseman likes to trade picks and has the necessary depth to make more draft-night maneuvers in exchange for future draft picks.
NEEDS
Adding to the offensive line.
With Cam Jurgens expected to take Kelce’s place at center, the Eagles need assistance at right guard. Both veteran guards, Lane Johnson (2026) and Mailata (2025), have contracts that will expire in the next few years, and the team's strong offensive line has contributed to their success.
While Smith and A.J. Brown make up one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL, the Eagles have had difficulty finding a No. 3 receiver in recent years and may seek to discover an overlooked prospect in the later rounds. They could also use another tight end to support Dallas Goedert.
“This is the only profession where you take someone out of college and you expect them to be great,” Roseman noted. “And if they’re not great, you criticize them for not being great. We strongly believe that we have to develop these players. They come in with a skillset, but they are works in progress. We have a great coaching staff, great player development staff, and strong support staff to help develop these players.”
DON’T NEED
The Eagles have their quarterback situation covered with Hurts and backup Kenny Pickett.
They also do not require a top running back because they have signed free-agent running back Saquon Barkley from the Giants.
“GEORGIA” EAGLES
Eagles fans should watch tight end Brock Bowers, offensive tackle Amarius Mims, cornerback Kamari Lassiter and wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
Why?
They all excelled at Georgia, a popular choice for the Eagles in recent years.
Since 1943, the Eagles have selected 26 players from Georgia — including three last season and two more in the 2022 draft.
The Eagles were the first team to pick five defensive players from the same school over a two-year period in the modern draft era.
