The 2025 NFL Draft has finally arrived after months of news and rumors. The Philadelphia Eagles know they will be No. 1 on everybody's radar after they won Super Bowl 59.
Regardless, they are looking at adding more talent to the roster and bringing in some young players. While they are picking at No. 32, their division rival Dallas Cowboys, are on the clock at No. 12.
The Cowboys have a huge void at DT since Mazi Smith has been a bust, but since they have another need at WR across from CeeDee Smith, they likely won't go in that direction.
In 34 games, Smith has posted 54 tackles, seven TFLs, and two sacks. In 2023, he had a 49.8 overall grade (151st among 215 eligible defensive linemen) per PFF. It didn't get better in 2024 either, where he had a 34.8 overall grade (207th among 219 eligible defensive linemen).
ESPN's Matt Miller, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, and The Athletic's Dane Brugler all have mocked WR Tetairoa McMillan being the Cowboys' choice at No. 12.
With the wind blowing in that direction, many local Eagles beat reporters have the Eagles trading up for DL Walter Nolen. That would be the logical choice for the Cowboys since they have a major hole at defensive tackle, but it doesn't appear they will go with him. And that would be a blessing in disguise for the Eagles.
10/17 of the local beat writer mocks posted here 👇 project Ole Miss' Walter Nolen. A bunch of us (self included) have them trading up into the early 20's for him.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) April 24, 2025
TBD If Nolen makes it that far, but it's consensus that he is an obvious Eagles player of interest. https://t.co/li1FtErZp5
Eagles Local Writers Think Walter Nolen Will Be the Team’s First-Round Pick
According to Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice, 10 of 17 beat writers had the team taking Nolan. A ton of them had the Eagles trading up to take him, showcasing how many don't believe he will be on the clock at No. 32.
Nolen has an explosive first step with the hands to match. The Tennessee native plays with high energy and is a sound tackler. In his collegiate career, Nolen has logged 114 total tackles, 26 TFLs, and 11.5 sacks.
The potential addition of him to the defensive line would make everyone in Philadelphia ecstatic, while everyone else in the league would be annoyed. If that ends up being the case, the Cowboys will have a part in him getting drafted by the Eagles.