The Philadelphia Eagles have become one of the best franchises in the league as general manager Howie Roseman follows a simple principle — building the team from the lines out. And because of that approach, the Eagles boast one of the top offensive and defensive fronts in the NFL.
On the offensive side of the ball, four of their five starters are homegrown in Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson. They parted the seas for Saquon Barkley in his historic 2024 season where he became just the ninth running back of all-time to rush for 2,000 yards. All four linemen have been a Pro Bowler or a first- or second-team All-Pro selection.
On the other side of the ball, three out of the last four first-round picks have been defensive linemen in Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith. Carter has emerged as one of the best defensive tackles in the game, accumulating 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles while earning second-team All-Pro honors. Smith, meanwhile, rebounded from a disappointing rookie season, tallying 6.5 sacks in 2024.
With free agents Josh Sweat (edge rusher) and Milton Williams (defensive tackle) likely to find paydays somewhere else, a team insider believes the Eagles will address the defensive line once again in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Related: Insider predicts Philadelphia Eagles will reunite Vic Fangio with young edge rusher if Josh Sweat leaves
Team insider predicts Philadelphia Eagles will draft All-American
Walter Nolen, Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena predicts the Eagles will take Ole Miss All-American defensive tackle Walter Nolen with the 32nd overall pick.
“Nolen’s frame (6-3, 300 pounds) is similar to Williams’ (6-3, 290), and Nolen also has versatility in where he can position himself along the line of scrimmage. The majority of Nolen’s snaps in 2024 were within the interior (432) but he logged a significant sum at defensive end (130), according to Pro Football Focus,” Kubena reports. “After spending his first two seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen flourished into an All-American game-wrecker at Ole Miss, amassing 6.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries while being named a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in college football.”
Over 35 college games, Nolen collected 11.5 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. At the NFL combine, Nolen ranked second among defensive tackles in production score, 18th in athleticism score, and second overall in total score, according to Next Gen Stats.
“Nolen has NFL-starting size but won’t blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up. He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack. He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength, and doesn’t need to be schemed for,” writes NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein. “The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick-win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro. Nolen’s blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman.”
The Eagles currently have $22.6 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com, so it seems more likely they’ll look to upgrade the defensive line through the draft rather than making a big free-agent splash. They’ve already committed significant resources elsewhere, giving Barkley a record-breaking extension one year into his deal to make him the first $20 million-a-year running back, while bringing back All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun on a three-year, $51 million deal.
Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Nolen could develop into a star. He also won’t be overworked, benefiting from Philadelphia’s proven defensive line rotation system — a perfect environment for a young talent to flourish while learning from established veterans.
Related: Philadelphia Eagles insider proposes team reunite with two-time Pro Bowler if Milton Williams bolts in free agency