Every NFL team talks about building through the draft. Some do a better job than others. The Philadelphia Eagles are among the former. They have turned that philosophy into one of the league's defining strengths, and massive returns are expected moving forward. Over the past several drafts, general manager Howie Roseman has consistently invested premium draft capital on defense. He has identified cornerstone players while uncovering late-round contributors to build one of the NFL's youngest and deepest defensive rosters.
What once appeared to be an organizational reset has become a blueprint for sustained success. Looking back while simultaneously glancing ahead, it's difficult to argue with the results. The youngsters have grown up, but the transformation
began before the Eagles' current defensive core fully emerged.
The Eagles began the current foundation's construction in 2022 and 2023
Philadelphia selected Jordan Davis in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, adding another dominant presence to the interior defensive line. The organization later exercised his fifth-year option before signing him to a three-year extension, reinforcing its belief that he remains a foundational piece of the defense. So far,it seems as though they are right.
One after the Davis selection came an even more impactful draft. Jalen Carter was selected and quickly developed into one of the NFL's premier defensive tackles. Nolan Smith was also added and blossomed into one of the league's ascending edge rushers after a slightly slower start to his career.
Seventh-round pick Moro Ojomo became one of the biggest steals of the draft, providing valuable production and helping form one of football's deepest defensive tackle rotations alongside Davis and Carter. Cornerback Kelee Ringo hasn't yet become a full-time starter. Still, he has developed into a valuable contributor and dependable special teams player while continuing to compete for a larger defensive role.
The Eagles struck gold again in 2024
If the 2023 class looked impressive, the following year may have been just as important. Quinyon Mitchell immediately established himself as one of the NFL's promising young cornerbacks, while Cooper DeJean showcased the versatility that made him one of the draft's most intriguing prospects. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt also emerged as another starting-caliber defender capable of expanding Philadelphia's pass rush.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. brought something different.
Beyond carrying one of the franchise's most recognizable names, he quickly embraced a major role on special teams while continuing to develop defensively. The Eagles believe his opportunity for increased snaps on defense could arrive sooner rather than later.
Finding multiple contributors from one draft class is considered a success. Finding several potential long-term starters from consecutive draft classes is how championship-caliber defenses are built.
Every Eagles draft class strengthens the next.
Philadelphia's commitment to youth didn't stop once the defense became one of the NFL's strengths. The Eagles continued adding premium defensive talent in 2025, selecting linebacker Jihaad Campbell and safety Andrew Mukuba to reinforce the next generation of the defense.
Campbell possesses the athletic profile to become another centerpiece, while Mukuba adds range and versatility to an already talented secondary. Linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. has already begun carving out a role on special teams, while defensive lineman Ty Robinson, cornerback Mac McWilliams and edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland enter training camp with opportunities to earn larger roles.
The newest additions aren't replacing established stars. They're competing to become the next wave. Philadelphia's developmental pipeline extends beyond its draft picks. Cole Wisniewski, Uar Bernard and Keyshawn James-Newby now enter that same environment hoping to establish themselves.
Bernard's status as an international player provides the Eagles additional roster flexibility through the league's International Player Pathway program, giving him valuable developmental time without counting against the practice squad limit. Not every young defender will become a starter. History suggests several of them will.
That's become one of the defining characteristics of Howie Roseman's roster-building philosophy. The Eagles don't rely on a single exceptional draft class before looking elsewhere for answers. They continue investing in young defensive talent year after year, allowing one successful class to strengthen the next.
The result is a defense built not only to compete today, but to remain one of the NFL's premier units well into the future. When viewed collectively, Philadelphia's recent investment in youth doesn't look like a series of fortunate draft weekends. It looks like one of the league's most successful long-term roster-building strategies.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How the Eagles built one of NFL’s best young defenses through draft
