Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman is carving out a legacy. He just continues to re-prove the fact that he’s one of the most successful executives in all of professional sports. He started his professional career as a 2000 salary cap intern with the Eagles. Since then, he has put the finishing touches on what has become an Eastern Conference powerhouse. Roseman has eight selections in the next 2025 NFL Draft. In addition to securing more top picks, he has a staggering 20 total selections over the next two years, placing him in position to make some major moves.
Things were different when Roseman’s journey with the Eagles started more than two decades ago. His first stint as a salary cap intern gave him indispensable experience into the complexities of team management. In the past, he’s been somewhat more behind-the-scenes, working his way up through the ranks, showing an eagle eye for player personnel and draft strategies. His aggressive approach has repeatedly paid off, allowing the Eagles to secure key players and remain competitive in the league.
In Roseman’s tenure, the Eagles have developed a swaggering underdog identity that has won over NFL fans. They are great at aggressively trading away their future first-round picks. Since regaining personnel control in December 2015, Roseman has masterminded 10 trades moving first-round picks. These trades were part of the Eagles’ strategy to move up the draft board. They locked up pivotal players such as quarterback Carson Wentz in 2016, offensive tackle Andre Dillard in 2019, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith in 2021. In both 2022 and 2023, Philadelphia orchestrated masterful trades up to select Georgia defensive linemen Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Those additions made them one of the most talented rosters.
Roseman’s approach to trading is strategic. He looks closely at the team’s draft board and the players still on the board to determine if it’s time to move up or down. And if he has a strong conviction about a particular player, a trade-up is more likely. Likewise, his confidence in that player could really make or break the decision. On the other hand, if there are a number of very good prospects at the same place in the draft, trading down starts to look appealing.
“For me, I think that being aggressive has always been part of my DNA, and I feel fortunate that I have people around me who support that in Coach [Nick Sirianni] and [chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie], and it allows us to take chances and to try to be aggressive.” – Howie Roseman
While fans everywhere start making their plans for next year’s draft picks, it’s Roseman’s commitment to Philadelphia that is most important. During the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade, he famously displayed his dedication to the city after a flying beer can hit him. His heartfelt response assured us that he does in fact “bleed for Philadelphia.” This mood is shared across the league not only among other shocked fans, but speaks to his commitment to assembling a championship-caliber squad.
The Eagles’ new draft strategy appears to be all about flexibility. Roseman has the tools at his disposal, their wealth of resources for him to work with and move around the draft. His ability to consider both moving up and down is a testament to his understanding of team dynamics and player value.
“All those deals are based on the circumstances regarding the situation, what you’re giving up, what you’re getting in return, what your board looks like,” – Howie Roseman
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, speculation continues to build on if Roseman will make a deal to move up or down. ESPN NFL insider, Adam Schefter, thinks the Eagles will trade down this year. He considers trading up a more unlikely scenario. Roseman’s history indicates that he is always looking for new opportunities on draft day. However he decides to proceed, we hope that he remains receptive to ideas.
“When you’re in a situation where you’re at your pick and there’s a guy that you think is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, an unbelievable person, those guys are hard to pass on.” – Howie Roseman
Every draft cycle uncovers the same challenges and thrilling new opportunities. Howie Roseman will need to be aggressive and decisive if he is to be bold enough to mold the Eagles’ future. It’s that diverse experience and strategic thinking that fuels his obsession with the game. This presents him as arguably the most vital piece to tailoring Philadelphia’s draft strategy.
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