The NFL Draft season is always in full swing

 Because it's always Howie time

With Week 1 of the NFL season still a week away and the 2025 NFL Draft eight months off, it's not too early to start assessing the Eagles' draft needs for 2025. Teams typically begin their draft planning by Memorial Day, and we're already approaching Labor Day.

**Premium Positions**

- **Defensive Line:** Howie Roseman's decision to forgo a first-round lineman in 2024 suggests he might address this area in 2025. The Eagles will need to bolster both sides of the line. Brandon Graham's retirement will create a vacancy, and Josh Sweat and Patrick Johnson are also in the final year of their contracts. While it’s too early to label Nolan Smith a bust, it's a position where the Eagles could benefit from adding depth, especially with the 2025 draft shaping up to be strong for pass rushers.

- **Offensive Tackle:** Lane Johnson will be 35 next season, and his backup, Fred Johnson, is 28 and hasn’t started a game since 2021. With Fred Johnson also in the last year of his contract, the Eagles might look to draft a mid-round developmental tackle to build future depth. The 2025 class might not be as deep as the 2024 draft, which the Eagles passed on.

**Depth Positions**

- **Tight End:** The Eagles missed an opportunity to draft a tight end this year, and depth is already an issue. Dallas Goedert, at 29, is older than Zach Ertz was when Goedert was drafted and hasn’t played a full season.

- **Linebacker:** Devin White and Zack Baun will be free agents after this season. While it's possible one could return, it’s unlikely both will.

- **Safety:** Avonte Maddox is on a one-year deal, and James Bradberry is expected to leave next year.

- **Cornerback:** Isaiah Rodgers is on a one-year deal and may not re-sign if he loses his starting role to Quinyon Mitchell. The Eagles likely won’t draft a cornerback early after selecting two in the top 40 last year, but a late-round corner who could potentially convert to safety is a possibility.

- **Running Back:** Kenneth Gainwell is in the final year of his contract.

- **Defensive Tackle:** Milton Williams is also in the final year of his contract.

**Week 1 College Football Watch List**

Here are some key matchups to watch for edge rusher vs. offensive tackle battles:

- **Penn State vs. West Virginia** (12:00 on Fox)

  - **EDGE Abdul Carter (PSU) vs. LT Wyatt Milum (WVU):** Carter, who has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons, could have a challenging day against Milum, who has started at both tackle positions and didn’t allow a sack last year.

- **Georgia vs. Clemson** (12:00 on ABC)

  - **Georgia’s Defensive Line vs. Clemson’s Offensive Line:** Georgia's defensive front is stacked, featuring top prospects like Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker. Clemson's O-line, now led by veteran coach Matt Luke, will be tested against a formidable Georgia defense.

- **USC vs. LSU** (Sunday 7:30 ABC)

  - **LSU’s OT Will Campbell and Emery Jones:** Both are elite prospects, though they might face a less challenging test against a USC defense without top pass rush prospects. LSU’s defense, however, has Sai’vion Jones, who is worth watching.

- **Florida State vs. Boston College** (Monday 7:30 ESPN)

  - **FSU’s Defensive Line vs. BC’s RT Ozzy Trapilo:** FSU’s line, featuring Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr., will be tested by Trapilo, a 6-8 right tackle with significant potential despite a less-than-stellar season last year.

These matchups will offer valuable insights into potential draft prospects for the Eagles in 2025.