UNDERRATED OPTIONS: Philadelphia Eagles BEST DRAFT FITS people aren’t talking about enough!
When it comes to the NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have never shied away from making bold decisions. General manager Howie Roseman is widely known for his aggressive moves, draft-day trades, and penchant for building through the trenches. Every year, the spotlight lands on first-round headliners or flashy prospects. But history has shown that true Super Bowl-caliber rosters are often built on the back of mid-to-late-round selections—players who fly under the radar until they become essential pieces.
The Eagles’ current roster is loaded with veterans on both sides of the ball, but depth, youth, and long-term upside will be key in the 2025 NFL Draft. While names like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Brock Bowers dominate mock drafts, there are several underrated prospects who would fit perfectly in Philadelphia’s system—and they’re not getting the attention they deserve.
Let’s break down some of the best draft fits for the Eagles that people aren’t talking about enough, sorted by need, scheme fit, and potential long-term impact.
1. Javon Foster – OT, Missouri
Why He Fits:
Lane Johnson isn’t getting any younger, and while the Eagles have faith in Jordan Mailata and have invested in depth, the right side of the line needs a future-proof plan. Javon Foster has quietly put together a dominant career at Missouri and boasts the kind of athletic profile that Jeff Stoutland can mold into a future starter.
At 6’5”, 320 pounds, Foster has the movement skills to play tackle but could also kick inside early in his career, adding valuable versatility. The Eagles have consistently valued offensive line talent on Day 2 and Day 3, and Foster is a plug-and-play prospect with upside who’s flying under the radar.
2. Khristian Boyd – DL, Northern Iowa
Why He Fits:
Boyd isn’t from a Power 5 school, so he’s automatically overlooked, but the 6’4”, 330-pound lineman brings raw power, leverage, and an attitude that fits the Eagles’ defensive line room to perfection. With Fletcher Cox retired, and Jordan Davis still working toward consistent dominance, depth is needed in the interior.
Boyd impressed at the Shrine Bowl and offers a low-risk, high-reward pick who could carve out a key rotational role. Philadelphia loves trench guys, and Boyd could thrive in their hybrid front, especially as a 1-tech or shaded nose.
3. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. – CB, Louisville
Why He Fits:
The cornerback room remains a long-term question mark. Darius Slay and James Bradberry are aging, and while Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks are developing, the need for slot and boundary depth remains high.
Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is a scrappy, physical corner who excels in zone coverage and brings versatility to play nickel. He has strong instincts, is a reliable tackler, and profiles similarly to Avonte Maddox—a key Eagles contributor who has struggled with injuries. Brownlee would fit seamlessly into Philly’s aggressive secondary philosophy and could become a special teams ace immediately.
4. Jha’Quan Jackson – WR, Tulane
Why He Fits:
With DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown locked in as WR1 and WR2, the Eagles still need a reliable slot option with speed and YAC ability. Enter Jha’Quan Jackson, the do-it-all receiver from Tulane.
Jackson is electric with the ball in his hands and has the skill set to be a dynamic WR3. He also offers return value, which could be vital after the departure of Britain Covey. Jackson’s quickness and short-area burst fit perfectly into the Eagles’ horizontal RPO game, especially when defenses over-commit to the run.
5. Cedric Gray – LB, North Carolina
Why He Fits:
Linebacker continues to be a low-investment position in Philly, but new DC Vic Fangio’s system demands versatility and field awareness. Cedric Gray is not getting the buzz of some other backers, but he has been incredibly productive in the ACC, leading UNC in tackles the past two seasons.
Gray is instinctive, fast enough to play sideline-to-sideline, and possesses the coverage chops to hang with tight ends and running backs. He’s an ideal candidate for a Day 3 selection who could outperform his draft position quickly—especially in a defense that asks its linebackers to diagnose quickly and drop into zone.
6. Kitan Oladapo – S, Oregon State
Why He Fits:
Safety is quietly one of the most pressing needs on the Eagles’ roster. Reed Blankenship has flashed but is still inconsistent, and the depth behind him is razor thin.
Kitan Oladapo is a hybrid box safety who could become a Swiss army knife in Fangio’s scheme. At 6’1”, 210 pounds, he can drop down into the slot, blitz off the edge, or play single-high in pinch situations. He brings physicality and football IQ that mirrors the mold of Malcolm Jenkins—a longtime Eagle fan favorite.
7. Cody Schrader – RB, Missouri
Why He Fits:
Philly’s RB room is headlined by Saquon Barkley now, but durability concerns always loom. Cody Schrader, the former walk-on turned All-SEC workhorse, is being overlooked because of his age and lack of elite traits—but his vision, contact balance, and pass protection are elite.
He’s a gritty player who would endear himself to the city immediately. Think of him as a Boston Scott-type who could step in and contribute when needed, especially in short-yardage and third-down situations. Schrader may not have breakaway speed, but he does everything well.
8. D.J. James – CB, Auburn
Why He Fits:
D.J. James is one of the smoothest cover corners in the SEC, but because of his smaller frame, he’s not projected as a Day 1 or Day 2 pick. That’s where the Eagles could swoop in.
James is sticky in man coverage, with fluid hips and excellent anticipation. He lacks elite size, but makes up for it with tenacity and refined technique. He could be developed behind Slay and Bradberry with the potential to become a nickel or boundary corner in Year 2.
9. Theo Johnson – TE, Penn State
Why He Fits:
Dallas Goedert is still a top-tier tight end, but the Eagles have lacked a reliable TE2 option since Zach Ertz was traded. Theo Johnson brings size (6’6”, 260), athleticism, and Big Ten production that should interest Howie Roseman.
Johnson is underutilized in mocks due to Penn State’s conservative offense, but he tested extremely well at the Combine. His ability to stretch the seam and block inline makes him a dual-threat weapon. Pairing him with Goedert would give Jalen Hurts another massive target and create more 12-personnel flexibility.
10. Tanor Bortolini – OL, Wisconsin
Why He Fits:
The Eagles love versatile offensive linemen. Bortolini played center, guard, and tackle during his time at Wisconsin and held his own in the Big Ten trenches. He would be a perfect developmental pick to stash behind Cam Jurgens or even challenge for a starting guard role down the road.
With Jason Kelce gone, interior depth will be vital. Bortolini brings high football IQ, toughness, and technique to one of the league’s best OL rooms—under the tutelage of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, the sky’s the limit.
The Eagles are never a team that sticks strictly to the consensus big board. Howie Roseman has built his reputation on finding value where others hesitate. As Philly eyes another Super Bowl run, the front office must not only draft for the present but also groom the next wave of stars.
While flashy first-round names dominate headlines, it’s these underrated, under-discussed, high-upside players who can quietly turn into fan favorites and franchise staples. Whether it’s the next Jordan Mailata, Jalen Mills, or T.J. Edwards, the Eagles know how to find gold in the later rounds.
Come draft weekend, don’t be surprised if some of these names end up in midnight green—because in Philadelphia, being slept on is just more motivation to dominate.
