Green Bay, WI – April 25, 2025 – Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman is eyeing a hometown hero in the 2025 NFL Draft to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson, sources told ESPN’s Tim McManus. The Philly-born safety could ignite Lincoln Financial Field with Super Bowl LIX champs.
The Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson to Houston, leaving a gaping hole at strong safety. Reed Blankenship holds the free safety spot, but Sydney Brown’s inexperience (PFF grade 65.4) demands a dynamic starter. Roseman’s fix: a local star.
This 6’0”, 195-pound prospect, a Philadelphia native, dazzled at Texas with 5 interceptions, 6 pass deflections, and 41 solo tackles in 2024. His PFF coverage grade of 80.4 and 4.45-second 40-yard dash scream playmaker potential.
“We love Philly grit,” Roseman said. The prospect’s Top-30 visit with the Eagles, per @JamesSimoneNFL, signals intent. Projected for Round 2-3, he could land at pick No. 64, filling Gardner-Johnson’s shoes.
The Eagles, with $60 million cap space and six picks post-Jihaad Campbell’s selection, need secondary depth after losing Darius Slay and James Bradberry. “He’s a culture fit,” coach Nick Sirianni said, eyeing Vic Fangio’s scheme.
Philly fans, buzzing from A.J. Brown’s car-theft saga and Grant Calcaterra’s drama, crave a local hero. “A Philly boy at safety? Electric,” tweeted @PhillyFaithful. The prospect’s versatility mirrors Gardner-Johnson’s 6 interceptions in 2024.
Roseman’s draft prowess, seen in Dallas Goedert’s extension, fuels optimism. “He’ll ignite the secondary,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said. A four-year, $8 million rookie deal keeps cap flexibility for moves like signing Budda Baker.
As the draft unfolds, picks like No. 165 may target a cornerback. Drafting this Philly son could unite the city, replacing Gardner-Johnson with a hometown sparkplug ready to chase another Super Bowl.
