Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

Reviewing the 2025 Rookies

Posted April 19th, 2026 | No Comments »

With the Eagles about to add a new rookie class in a few days, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at last year’s class and how they did. It can offer some good perspective. Everyone is an optimist in April, but reality sets in during the season and potential becomes a bad thing if unfulfilled.

Jihaad Campbell was the first round pick. We were shocked the Eagles went with an off-ball LB that early. It was the first time since 1979. Campbell was forced to start because Nakobe Dean was hurt. Campbell started 10 games, finishing fourth on the team with 80 tackles. He had an INT, a FR, 2 TFLs, 1 FF and 3 PDs. He showed a lot of potential, but did have his ups and downs. He showed cover skills. He was a solid tackler. His run defense was up and down, but that comes with adjusting to the pro game. Overall there was a lot to like.

Campbell has a bright future and should be a key player for years to come.

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Safety Drew Mukuba was the second round pick and another guy who got on the field right away. The Eagles saw his playmaking ability over the summer and wanted him on the field. He started 10 games and had 46 tackles, 2 INTs, 3 PDs, 2 TFLs and half a sack. Mukuba did make plays right away, but also had some costly coverage breakdowns early on. As good as the SEC is, NFL QBs are on a much different level and he found that out the hard way. The good news is that he adjusted and played more consistently as the season went along.

Some people might have gotten spoiled by Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Those guys were great from day one. Mukuba is more of a typical player. He showed talent right away, but it took him time to fully adjust to the NFL. I think he’ll be a good safety for the team for the next several years.

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Howie moved out of the third round and took DT Ty Robinson in the fourth. Robinson had an underwhelming rookie season. He played in 11 games, had 5 tackles and 1 QB hit. I went back and looked at my draft notes. I loved his motor and athleticism, but noted that he struggled to get off blocks. Most of Robinson’s PT came in the season finale when starters rested. He showed a good motor and athleticism. But he really struggled to get off blocks.

Don’t get too down on him. Many DL struggle with that early on. OL play in college is erratic. The NFL is much tougher and it takes time to adjust. Nick Sirianni loves to talk about block destruction. That’s what Robinson must focus on this offseason. The good news is that Clint Hurtt is a terrific DL coach. Think about Gabe Hall. He looked completely lost as a rookie and then pushed for a roster spot last year. He made a huge leap. Robinson is more talented than Hall. If he can have the same kind of leap that Hall did, Robinson can be a good rotational DL this season. The potential is there.

The Eagles can’t count on that leap. It doesn’t always happen. They could look to add another DT this week. It is worth noting that Howie Roseman said the Eagles were very high on Robinson and were excited to add him. This is a guy they have high hopes for.

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Mac McWilliams was the first of three fifth round picks. He spent time in the slot and outside over the summer, but never really developed at either spot. Vic Fangio spoke highly of him so this is a player he sees something in. We didn’t see it because McWilliams only played five games in the regular season. He did have a good showing in the preseason.

It will be interesting to see what the Eagles do with him this summer. Do they have him focus outside or in the slot?

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LB Smael Mondon was next up in the fifth. He played in all 17 games, mainly on STs. He finished the season with 11 tackles. He had a terrible preseason debut, missing tackles and really struggling. We all wondered why they drafted this guy. Over the next two games he had 7 tackles and 2 TFLs. He played with more confidence and his tackling was much, much better.

Mondon was a terrific coverage LB in college. He could develop into a good role player and carve out a role in the nickel or dime packages. He’s a solid STer. We’ll see if he can develop into anything more than that.

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Center Drew Kendall was the final pick of the fifth round. He had a solid showing in the preseason, but struggled to be active on gamedays. He only played in seven games, starting the season finale. I thought he looked pretty good. He snapped the ball well. His footwork was good. I thought he was pretty good with his hands, engaging defenders and trying to sustain blocks. He looked good on reach blocks. We didn’t get to see him out in space all that much.

I think the biggest thing for me is that needs to get bigger and stronger. That will help him anchor in the pass game and get more movement in the run game.

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OT Myles Hinton was one of several sixth round picks. He was someone that Jeff Stoutland liked a lot. We’ll have to see what the new offensive staff thinks. Hinton played over the summer and then spent the season on IR. He looked rough in the first preseason game and then was much better the next week.

Hinton has great size. He shows some potential, but still struggled with the speed of the NFL game. He’ll need to take a big step forward this offseason to seriously push for a roster spot. He could be a good candidate for the practice squad.

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Cameron Williams was another OT from the sixth round. The Eagles knew he was a project when they took him. He came out a year too early and fell in the draft. Williams has great size and length. He will show good footwork at times, but really struggles there at other times. He is sloppy with his hands and feet. He’s like a teenager that had a growth spurt and looks uncoordinated due to his new size.

In college Williams was able to win with size, length and strength. His footwork was his weakness. He started the season finale and had some good moments. He relied on his size, length and strength to win. He struggled in known passing situations due to his poor footwork, just like college. Williams does have NFL ability. He is worth trying to develop. But he’s got a long way to go. Playing in the finale probably did him a lot of good. He can study the tape. And he knows what NFL speed is like now.

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QB Kyle McCord and edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland are no longer with the Eagles.

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Let’s go over the UDFAs.

WR Darius Cooper came out of nowhere to have a great camp and earn a roster spot. He has good hands and is tough. He will block. He played in 13 games and finished 9-92 as a receiver. He could be a good WR4 or WR5.

Brandon Johnson played in three games, starting the finale. He can play in the slot or safety. Johnson had a good summer and showed potential. His size and length makes his best fit the slot. That’s a crowded position already so he’ll have an uphill battle for a roster spot. He could be a good fit for the practice squad as a player to develop for the future.

OL Hollin Pierce is massive. Stoutland loved guys like that. I don’t know if the new staff will value size as much. Pierce moved from OT to OG and was up and down with that. I think he’s a long shot to be back. The team has kept him around so they do like him. He moves well for a guy his size so he will have a chance to show what he can do.

I’m also going to mention Willie Lampkin, who the Eagles claimed after he was cut by the Rams. He is only 5-10, 290, but Lampkin is strong, physical and athletic. He spent the season on IR so we didn’t get to see him in green. Really interesting player who could fit at OG or C.

That quickness is legit. His power and leverage are impressive. Should be a very good fit for the new scheme. Can’t wait to see him play this summer.

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For some perspective on the later picks, watch this pre-draft discussion from last April.

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