Eagles Eye Blockbuster Draft Move to Pair Nolan Smith with Star Edge Rusher

Philadelphia, PA - April 21, 2025 - The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX triumph, are poised to make a splash in the 2025 NFL Draft to solidify their elite defense. With Nolan Smith emerging as a cornerstone edge rusher, GM Howie Roseman is targeting Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku to form a dynamic pass-rushing duo, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The move aims to replace the production lost with Josh Sweat’s departure to Arizona and ensure the NFL’s No. 1 defense (17.8 points allowed per game in 2024) remains dominant.

Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, erupted for 6.5 sacks in the regular season and a franchise-record 4 postseason sacks, including a standout performance in the Super Bowl. His speed and agility make him a perfect fit for Vic Fangio’s scheme, but the Eagles need a complementary edge rusher to pair with Travon Walker, whose power-based style (10 sacks in 2024) contrasts Smith’s finesse. Jalyx Hunt shows promise (2 sacks as a rookie), but Bryce Huff’s likely trade to San Francisco and the short-term roles of Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche leave a gap.

Enter Ezeiruaku, a 6’2”, 250-pound dynamo who recorded 16.5 sacks, 60 pressures, and 37 solo tackles in 2024, earning All-American honors. His PFF pass-rush grade of 88.7 and 14.8% pass-rush win rate rank among the NCAA’s best, drawing comparisons to Sweat’s disruptive prime. “Ezeiruaku’s burst and bend are elite,” said NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. “He’d be a nightmare alongside Smith.”

Roseman, who hinted at draft-board movement with his comment, “We don’t have 32 first-round grades,” is reportedly eyeing a trade-up from pick No. 32 to the mid-20s, potentially with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (pick 25). The cost could involve pick 32 and a 2025 fourth-rounder, leveraging the Eagles’ eight draft picks (three in the top 100). With $60 million in cap space, Philadelphia can absorb future contracts while addressing other needs like cornerback or safety.

“Nolan needs a running mate,” Fangio said. “We want relentless pressure, and Ezeiruaku fits that mold.”

The Eagles’ recent signing of Ndamukong Suh to replace Milton Williams shows their urgency to fortify the front. Pairing Ezeiruaku with Smith could recreate the Sweat-Graham synergy, ensuring Philadelphia’s pass rush (41 sacks in 2024) remains a force. As the draft kicks off April 24, Roseman’s bold vision promises another championship-caliber defense.