The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense remains a formidable unit as the 2025 season looms, but it’s not without its cracks.

After a championship-winning campaign, the team has taken a hit, most notably with the departure of standout defensive tackle Milton Williams, who signed with the New England Patriots in free agency. This loss has left a gap in the Eagles’ defensive front, and with the 32nd overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, Philly may look to plug that hole with fresh talent.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently highlighted Ole Miss prospect Walter Nolen as a prime candidate for the Eagles at No. 32, calling him a “perfect” fit for the defending champs.

In a piece published Monday, Bowen praised Nolen’s dynamic skill set, writing, “The Eagles could add more disruptive talent to the defensive front with Nolen, an explosive mover who can create backfield havoc. His tape is loaded with impact plays (6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season), and he’d give coordinator Vic Fangio another interior defender with three-down ability. That’s important now that Philly has lost Milton Williams in free agency.”

Nolen, a 6-foot-4, 296-pound force, brings the kind of pass-rushing upside that’s non-negotiable for defensive tackles in Vic Fangio’s scheme. His ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage could make him an immediate asset as the Eagles aim to maintain their defensive dominance.

Last season’s stats—6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss—underscore his potential to step into Williams’ shoes and keep opposing offenses on their toes.

Still, the Eagles’ draft strategy remains fluid. General manager Howie Roseman is notorious for his unpredictable moves, and it wouldn’t shock anyone if he opted to trade out of the first round entirely.

With needs across the roster and a knack for wheeling and dealing, Roseman could pivot in any number of directions—whether that’s bolstering the secondary, adding offensive firepower, or stockpiling picks for the future.

As the draft approaches, the Eagles’ faithful won’t have to wait long for clarity. All eyes will be on Philly when the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, revealing whether Nolen—or another surprise pick—will don the midnight green and join the quest to defend the title.

For now, the loss of Williams stings, but the Eagles’ defense still has the pieces—and the potential—to remain a juggernaut in 2025.

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