During the 2025 NFL Draft, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman became the center of attention after reacting to a costly trade made by the Atlanta Falcons. The moment, recorded inside the Eagles’ draft room, showed Roseman’s surprise at Atlanta’s decision to re-enter the first round. The video was published on the Eagles’ YouTube series “Unscripted” and quickly went viral.
Initially, the Falcons selected linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick. Later, they orchestrated a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire the 26th pick, surrendering their 2026 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, and a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for the Rams’ 2025 third-round pick and the 26th overall selection. With this pick, Atlanta chose edge rusher James Pearce Jr..
In contrast, the New York Giants traded up to the 25th pick to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart, giving up second- and third-round picks in 2025 and a 2026 third-round pick to the Houston Texans.
Upon learning the details of the Falcons’ trade, he turned to Eagles executive Julian Lurie and commented, “I understand why people aren’t taking our deals.” The reaction, caught on video, drew attention from media and fans, many of whom praised Roseman for maintaining discipline and avoiding overpayment.
Philadelphia, aiming to draft Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, had been working to trade up throughout the first round. Roseman first contacted Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who declined to move from the No. 28 pick. Their exchange was shown in the Lions’ in-house video series “Inside the Den,” where Holmes stood firm, and the Lions kept the pick.
Earlier in the draft, Roseman had made a trade with Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters to move from pick No. 50 to No. 40 and select Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean. Philadelphia sent an extra second-round pick to complete the deal. Washington used the acquired picks to select Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil at No. 50 and Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott at No. 53.
Later, Roseman again reached out to Peters to inquire about pick No. 30. Peters declined, noting there would be an in-division tax for trading within the NFC East. The Commanders used the pick to select Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Roseman, watching live, said, “That’s a great pick.”
96 hours inside the Eagles Draft Room@LincolnFncl | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/STfgCBsSBp
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 3, 2025
Eventually, the Eagles struck a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs to move up from pick No. 32 to No. 31. Philadelphia sent a fifth-round pick to Kansas City. With the 31st pick, the Eagles selected Jihaad Campbell, who had played linebacker at Alabama. The team had graded Campbell as a top-10 player on their board.
Campbell brings versatility to the Eagles’ defense. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio plans to use him in multiple roles, including as a pass-rusher. Campbell is expected to line up at linebacker, on the edge, and in other spots based on matchups. His skill set and athleticism have drawn comparisons to Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.
Analysts, including Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, believe Campbell has the potential to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He is also viewed as a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Philadelphia has never had a player win that award.
The Eagles enter the 2025 season as defending Super Bowl champions. Despite losing players in free agency, the front office remained aggressive and focused during the draft. They avoided overpaying, added a high-upside defender, and preserved future assets. In contrast, the Falcons gave up a future first-round pick and more to draft one spot later than the Eagles.
