As of the writing of this article, the Eagles offseason hasn’t gone as planned. The defending champions have lost many key players on the #1 ranked defense including Darius Slay, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Brandon Graham, and CJ Gardner Johnson. Here are a few players that could potentially replace them.
James Pearce Jr, Edge, Tennessee
I’ve been looking at Pearce as a fit for the Eagles since before the season started. Pearce finished the 2024-2025 season with 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 38 total tackles. He finished his collegiate career with 19.5 sacks, 71 total tackles, and 30 tackles for loss. Pearce had a stellar combine performance as well, running a 4.47 second 40 yard dash. The Eagles would most likely need to trade up to take him, but with Pearce’s talent, I would consider trading some picks to be worth it. Pearce has the talent to be a star in the NFL, and the Eagles have shown the ability to develop edge rushers like Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith.
Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker, Alabama
Campbell had an exceptional season for the Crimson Tide in his junior year. He recorded 5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 54 solo tackles, and 1 interception. Campbell was an essential part of Alabama’s defense in 2024, with his best performance coming against LSU in week 9. Jihaad recorded 1.5 sacks, 5 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. However, there are concerns with Campbell’s health. ESPN’s Jordan Reid reported that Campbell suffered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder, and got surgery once Alabama’s season ended. This could potentially be an issue for NFL teams, as Campbell will likely miss OTAs and rookie minicamp this summer. I could still see the Eagles taking him with pick 32 if Campbell’s injury issues cause him to fall.
Tyler Warren, Tight end, Penn State
There have been rumors circulating surrounding Dallas Goedert potentially being traded, which clears up plenty of space for Tyler Warren to replace him.Warren was the best tight end in college football last season, winning the John Mackey award (best tight end) and was a first team All-American. His Penn State background would also make him an instant fan favorite among the many Penn State-Eagles fans, joining Saquon Barkley and Jahan Dotson. Warren is also a threat on the ground, recording 218 yards and 4 touchdowns on 23 carries during the 2024 season. Warren is a projected first round pick, with most analysts projecting him to be drafted in the top 10-20 picks. However, the Eagles have the draft capital to move up in the draft and add Warren to an already stacked offensive roster.
Harold Fannin Jr, Tight end, Bowling Green
Fannin Jr was overlooked for most of the 2024-2025 season. That all changed when Bowling Green took the field for the 68 Ventures Bowl on December 26th 2024. Fannin recorded 17 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown vs Arkansas State. Despite the Falcons losing 38-31, Harold got national attention for his performance, causing many to notice his exceptional stats on the season. Fannin recorded 117 receptions for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had the most receiving yards by any player in college football. Despite these great numbers, Fannin has been projected to fall to the second or third round in the draft. I would love to see the Eagles take him with the #64 pick or even with #32 if the previously mentioned players are not available.