Which Eagles Rookies Could Play Right Away?

After shifting toward a more youth-friendly approach in 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles are once again counting on their rookie class to make immediate contributions. Ten players joined the roster via the 2025 NFL Draft, and several have realistic paths to playing time this fall.

First-round pick Jihaad Campbell might be the most impactful. The former Alabama standout was widely viewed as a top-15 talent but slipped to the Eagles at No. 31 due to March shoulder surgery. Whether Campbell lines up primarily as a linebacker or an edge rusher remains to be seen, but he’ll have an opening at linebacker while Nakobe Dean recovers from a torn patellar tendon. Zack Baun is back on a new deal, but Campbell’s athletic upside and versatility give him a clear shot at significant early snaps. Oddsmakers have taken notice, giving him +1500 odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Second-rounder Andrew Mukuba steps into a secondary still adjusting after the trade of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Mukuba will likely battle Sydney Brown—coming off an ACL injury—for the starting safety spot opposite Reed Blankenship. Mukuba’s ball skills and physical playing style have already drawn comparisons to Gardner-Johnson, and his college tape shows a player ready to handle starting reps early. His +8000 DROY odds belie a realistic chance to start Week 1.

In the fourth round, Philadelphia added Ty Robinson, a 24-year-old interior lineman who brings maturity and size to the defensive tackle rotation. With Milton Williams now in Arizona, there are snaps to be won behind Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Robinson should push Moro Ojomo and others for a rotational role by training camp.

Fifth-round pick Mac McWilliams will enter a wide-open competition for secondary depth. With Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers both gone, McWilliams—who played outside corner, nickel, and special teams at Florida State—has a chance to contribute in multiple phases. Expect him to compete with Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson for key backup roles behind starters Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

Fellow fifth-rounder Smael Mondon Jr. likely won’t crack the defensive rotation early, but his special teams prowess (425+ snaps at Georgia) should keep him active on game days. His elite athletic profile could earn him a bigger role if injuries strike at linebacker.

Drew Kendall, a fifth-round center out of Boston College, enters a logjam. With Landon Dickerson likely to remain Cam Jurgens’ backup at center, Kendall’s path to the roster depends on his ability to also play guard. He’s a long-term project who may need a strong preseason to stick.

Sixth-round quarterback Kyle McCord will battle Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the QB3 job behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. McCord’s strong senior season at Syracuse and Philly roots make him an intriguing developmental pick, though he’s unlikely to suit up unless injuries strike.

The Eagles doubled up on offensive tackles in Round 6 with Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams. Hinton brings Big Ten experience and has played both tackle spots, putting him in the mix for the swing tackle role—especially with Fred Johnson gone and Kendall Lamm coming off back surgery. Williams, a physically gifted but raw prospect, is a long-term project likely headed for a redshirt year under OL coach Jeff Stoutland.

The final pick, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, brings impressive sack numbers but joins a crowded edge rusher room. He’ll need to prove his worth on special teams and situational pass-rushing reps to crack the roster.

As the Eagles prepare to defend their Super Bowl title, this rookie class has a significant opportunity to make a notable impact early in the season, particularly Campbell and Mukuba, who are poised to secure starting roles. With several other players contributing as developmental depth and special teams support, the 2025 draft class has the potential to match the impact of last year’s class.

Which Eagles Rookies Could Play Right Away?

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