Eagles lauded for one of NFL Draft’s biggest steals: ‘Howie Roseman did it again’

Ryan OLeary

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Eagles lauded for one of NFL Draft’s biggest steals: ‘Howie Roseman did it again’ image

The 2025 NFL Draft was all about value for GM Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles.

In what was viewed league-wide as a weak rookie class overall, the Eagles opted for an intriguing strategy. Instead of aggressively moving up the board inside the top 100 picks, as Roseman has done plenty throughout his long tenure in Philly, the Eagles traded out of the third round completely and loaded up on Day 3 selections.

MORE: Eagles NFL Draft grades: How Philly's 10-player class is viewed by Mel Kiper Jr., other experts

Philly wound up making seven combined selections between Rounds 5 and 6, including some upside dart throws like Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord at pick No. 181 overall. Draft analyst Marcus Mosher of 33rd Team sees the team’s best value coming much earlier, however. 

Mosher named Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft, opening with the tagline: “Howie Roseman did it again.

“He took an SEC defender widely regarded as a top-15 player in this class and scooped him up with the No. 31 pick,” Mosher continued. “Campbell fell due to a shoulder injury, but he’s an incredibly gifted linebacker at his best when going downhill. Campbell’s athleticism and versatility are perfect for today’s NFL, and he fits well into Vic Fangio’s defense. His game isn’t all that different from Zack Baun's, but with more athleticism and pass-rush prowess. Campbell will likely be a Day 1 starter in Philadelphia and can make their defense even more dynamic.

“It’s no wonder that Philadelphia is among the best drafting teams in the NFL. They get so much value each year with every premium selection.”

MORE: Experts weigh in on Philly’s trade with Chiefs for LB Jihaad Campbell

Again, the Eagles opted for a more cautious early-round approach this year, so it’s a good sign that respected analysts like Mosher are loving the first of their two top-100 selections. Campbell profiled as a prototype off-ball linebacker in the NFL, but given their needs on the outside and the presence of All-Pro Zack Baun, Campbell could see plenty of work on the EDGE as a new chess piece for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

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Per draft expert Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports: “Campbell is an incredible value at this point in the draft, but the Eagles have a bit of a logjam at linebacker with Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun. Regardless, Campbell and Baun give Philadelphia a ton of size and speed in the middle of the field and gives the Eagles versatility in terms of their front seven.”

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.