The Philadelphia Eagles will be defending their Super Bowl throughout the 2025 season. No team will be the same year to year, and Philadelphia is no different.
They retained a couple of guys, but also used the 2025 NFL draft as an outlet to add upgrades to the team, and that isn't the best news for some veterans on the team. In the fourth round, Philadelphia drafted DT Ty Robinson to bolster the defensive front.
Robinson has the ability and skills to be an effective force as a rookie, and that spells bad news for DT Thomas Booker IV.
Thomas Booker IV Is on Thin Ice for the Eagles
Booker IV re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year, $1.03 million deal after spending the 2024 season with the Birds. He suited up in 17 games (1 start) for Philadelphia, logging 18 total tackles, two QB hits, and one sack. According to PFF, he had a 53.4 overall grade (126th among 219 graded defensive linemen), 54.1 pass rush grade (171st among 219 graded defensive linemen), and 51.1 run-defense grade (114th among 219 graded defensive linemen).
He only managed to play in 16% of the defensive snaps and 7% of the special team reps.
The contract he reserved showcased that Philadelphia views him as a depth piece who would have to earn his spot, but with Robinson now in the fold, Booker IV could be on the chopping block.
During OTAs, the rookie received praise from his fellow teammate Jalen Carter. After a practice, Carter said, "You seen him yet? That boy fire, I ain’t even gonna lie. He’s moving good. He’s a big boy. He’s here and he’s working. I think he’s going to have a big impact this season," in regard to Robinson.
Robinson was a five-year starter at Nebraska, where he lined up all over the defensive front. He's stout at the point of attack with a nice repertoire of pass rush moves to generate pressure when needed. He can win with a bull rush or a rip move to get past blockers.
In 60 games at Nebraska, he compiled 134 total tackles, 26.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, and 12 pass deflections.
He stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 288 pounds. Robinson is physically imposing and has already impressed his coaches and fellow teammates.
Snagging another force upfront in the fourth round looks like great value for Philadelphia, but it doesn't look good for Booker IV. If the Eagles wanted to release him, they wouldn't get him with any dead cap hit either, making that potential decision that much easier.