With Howie Roseman’s draft picks, the Philadelphia Eagles set the bar for Super Bowl rosters, leaving fans wondering who will be the next big star.

The Philadelphia Eagles have solidified themselves as one of the most successful franchises in the NFL over the past decade, thanks in no small part to their General Manager, Howie Roseman. A mastermind behind the team’s roster construction, Roseman’s savvy decisions in the draft have allowed the Eagles to remain perennial contenders, culminating in a Super Bowl win in 2017 and a trip back to the big game in 2023. His ability to build championship-caliber teams through strategic draft picks has set the bar for other franchises, and as the Eagles look to the future, the question remains: who will be the next big star to help bring them another Lombardi Trophy?

I. The Importance of Howie Roseman in Shaping the Eagles’ Super Bowl Success

Howie Roseman’s tenure as the Eagles’ GM has been marked by periods of tremendous success and some tough lessons learned. His early years with the team were a mix of ups and downs, but his evolution as a talent evaluator and roster architect cannot be overstated. Roseman’s foresight in constructing a well-rounded team paid off in 2017 when the Eagles made their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NFL history, defeating the heavily favored New England Patriots.

In the lead-up to that Super Bowl, Roseman’s draft picks were central to the team’s success. Players like Carson Wentz (2016) and Derek Barnett (2017) made significant contributions, with Barnett’s game-winning sack in the Super Bowl sealing the victory. Wentz, although injured by the time the team made their Super Bowl run, had been the MVP front-runner that season, showcasing the importance of investing in a high-quality quarterback through the draft.

The 2017 Super Bowl was a culmination of years of building through the draft and free agency, but it also set the foundation for how the Eagles would continue to approach roster construction. Even after that historic win, Roseman maintained a keen focus on the draft, ensuring the team remained competitive by making strategic picks that addressed both short-term needs and long-term potential.

II. Roseman’s Strategic Draft Picks Post-Super Bowl LII

In the years following their Super Bowl triumph, the Eagles have not rested on their laurels. Roseman’s decision-making through the draft has kept the Eagles relevant in the NFC, even as they faced salary cap challenges and turnover in key positions. His ability to mix high-profile draft picks with under-the-radar selections has created a team that is both deep and talented.

Take, for example, the 2020 draft. With the 53rd overall pick, the Eagles selected quarterback Jalen Hurts from Oklahoma, a choice that raised eyebrows at the time due to the team already having Carson Wentz as their starter. However, Hurts’ leadership, mobility, and growth as a passer turned him into one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL. By the 2023 season, Hurts was leading the Eagles back to the Super Bowl, demonstrating that Roseman’s foresight in adding a dynamic quarterback to the roster was a brilliant move that paid off in spades.

In addition to Hurts, the 2021 draft class has been pivotal in maintaining the Eagles’ success. DeVonta Smith, selected at No. 10 overall, provided a much-needed weapon at wide receiver, giving Hurts a reliable target to complement an already strong offensive line and running back group. Landon Dickerson, another second-round pick in 2021, shored up the offensive line, which has been one of the best in the league. These picks, among others, have ensured that the Eagles remain a Super Bowl contender year after year.

While free agency and trades have certainly played a role in the Eagles’ roster construction, it is Roseman’s continued ability to find impactful players in the draft that has ensured sustained success. By avoiding the trap of “reaching” for needs and instead focusing on the best available talent, Roseman has created a team that can withstand the ebbs and flows of NFL seasons.

III. Key 2023 and 2024 Draft Picks: The Next Big Stars for Philadelphia

Looking ahead, Howie Roseman’s draft selections in 2023 and beyond will be crucial in determining the future of the Eagles. In 2023, the team made several picks that could prove to be foundational pieces for years to come.

With the 9th overall pick in the 2023 draft, the Eagles selected defensive tackle Jalen Carter from Georgia, a player with immense potential but who came with concerns surrounding his off-field issues. However, Carter’s talent on the field is undeniable, and he’s already been projected as a future defensive star capable of anchoring the Eagles’ defense for years to come. Paired alongside veterans like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham, Carter has the potential to develop into one of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL.

In the same draft, the Eagles selected linebacker Nolan Smith, also from Georgia, in the first round. Smith, known for his explosive athleticism and pass-rushing ability, is poised to add an element of speed and explosiveness to the Eagles’ defense. His combination of edge-rushing skills and coverage abilities gives the Eagles another versatile weapon in a defense already stacked with talent.

These picks, along with others, demonstrate Roseman’s continued commitment to building a well-rounded roster that can contend for championships year in and year out. Looking ahead to the 2024 draft, the Eagles will have an opportunity to further strengthen their team. While predicting future stars is never an exact science, expect Roseman to continue using his impeccable draft acumen to bolster both the offense and defense, ensuring that the Eagles remain one of the league’s top teams.

IV. The Eagles’ Winning Formula: How Roseman’s Draft Strategy Sets the Bar for Other Teams

What sets Howie Roseman apart from other NFL general managers is his ability to combine short-term success with long-term sustainability. His draft strategy focuses not only on filling immediate needs but on constructing a team that can remain competitive for years. Unlike other teams that overpay for veterans or make panic trades, Roseman’s philosophy centers around building through the draft, ensuring that the Eagles are never in a position where they’re forced to make desperate moves.

Roseman’s approach to drafting players with high character, intelligence, and work ethic is another key element of his strategy. While other GMs may focus exclusively on physical attributes or highlight-reel moments from college, Roseman has consistently prioritized players who fit the culture of the Eagles—a hardworking, team-first mentality. This has resulted in a roster that is not only talented but cohesive, as players buy into the system and play for one another.

Additionally, Roseman’s ability to make trades that complement his draft selections is another factor that sets him apart. For example, his decision to trade up for DeVonta Smith in 2021 was a brilliant move, as it secured a top-tier wide receiver while maintaining flexibility with the rest of the draft. His trades often emphasize getting value, and the Eagles are rarely caught in situations where they overcommit to a single player or position group.

Other teams can look to Roseman’s philosophy as a model for how to build a Super Bowl-caliber roster. The balance between investing in both young talent through the draft and experienced players via free agency or trades has allowed the Eagles to remain competitive without mortgaging their future. This adaptability and foresight are what set Roseman apart as one of the best general managers in the NFL.

V. The Future of the Eagles: Who Will Be the Next Big Star?

As the Eagles look toward the future, the next big star on the roster could already be on the team, waiting to break out. Jalen Hurts is undoubtedly the face of the franchise and will be the cornerstone around which the team is built for the next decade. But beyond Hurts, there are several players poised to become household names in the coming years.

DeVonta Smith is emerging as one of the best young wide receivers in the league, with the potential to become a true No. 1 receiver for Hurts. His precise route running and ability to make contested catches have made him a key piece of the Eagles’ offense. On defense, players like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith have the potential to develop into Pro Bowl-caliber players, anchoring the Eagles’ defense for years to come.

Roseman’s ability to continue drafting and developing talent will ensure that the Eagles remain competitive long after their Super Bowl appearance in 2023. The next big star for the Eagles could very well be one of the players currently in the pipeline—whether it’s a rookie making an immediate impact or a second-year player taking the next step toward stardom.

Howie Roseman’s draft strategy has set the bar for other NFL teams seeking to build Super Bowl-caliber rosters. By combining shrewd selections with an eye toward the future, Roseman has created a team that consistently competes at the highest level. As the Eagles look toward the future, the franchise’s continued success will depend on the continued development of its young stars and the continued excellence of its GM. One thing is certain: Howie Roseman’s impact on the Eagles is undeniable, and the next big star is always just a draft away.