There’s growing buzz around the idea that the Philadelphia Eagles could make a major move in the upcoming NFL Draft, and one analyst sees a potential blockbuster deal on the horizon.
Armed with a wealth of draft capital over the next two years, the Eagles are in a prime position to move up the board. But what might that look like? NFL.com draft expert Chad Reuter laid out one intriguing scenario in his latest mock draft, predicting that Philadelphia strikes a deal with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire the No. 26 overall pick.
With that selection, Reuter projects the Eagles would take Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, a 2024 All-American who’s ranked No. 26 overall by ESPN.
“No. 26 – Philadelphia Eagles (via projected trade with Rams): Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss,” Reuter said. “Nolen’s burst and relentless motor make him an ideal replacement for Milton Williams, who departed in free agency after contributing to the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. Philadelphia sends a second-round pick to Los Angeles in exchange for this pick and a third-rounder.”
Nolen could be a timely addition to help bolster the Eagles’ pass rush, especially after the recent departures of Milton Williams and Josh Sweat. In 2024, the standout defensive lineman tallied 6.5 sacks and 48 total tackles, showcasing both disruption and consistency.
ESPN analyst Steve Muench praised Nolen’s skill set, noting: “Nolen recorded 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season. He’s an elite run defender with versatile techniques, whether slipping blocks or shedding them outright. He penetrates the backfield, splits double teams, and shows the range and effort to chase down plays. He’s also developing as a pass rusher, with strong hands and savvy footwork.”
With his athleticism and upside, Nolen could be a cornerstone piece on a revamped Eagles defensive line. The question is: Should Philadelphia pull the trigger on a deal like this?
