Key Highlights
- National Champion edge rusher Derrick Moore is a dream draft target for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- The Eagles have a history of adding defensive talent through the draft, particularly in recent years.
- General manager Howie Roseman has shown a preference for stockpiling defensive linemen.
Derrick Moore: The Dream Target
You might think this is new, but…
Derrick Moore, the four-year starter at Michigan who led his team to the National Championship in 2023 and was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2025 after racking up impressive stats, has been labeled a dream draft target for the Philadelphia Eagles. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report made this claim with confidence.
Philadelphia’s Drafting Legacy
The Eagles have a history of adding defensive talent through the draft, particularly in recent years. Two starting-caliber corners—Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean—in the first two rounds of the 2024 draft are just one example. Both were named All-Pros in 2025.
Adding linebacker Jihaad Campbell and safety Andrew Mukuba in the first two rounds last year also shows a commitment to building the defensive side of the ball. Both players appear poised to take on big roles for the team, just like Moore could do.
Howie Roseman’s Strategy
General manager Howie Roseman has earned the reputation as a master at hoarding defensive linemen. “If you have followed the Philadelphia Eagles at all in recent years, then you know that general manager Howie Roseman hoards defensive lineman like a squirrel filling a tree with nuts ahead of winter,” Davenport quipped.
Stockpiling talent on the defensive line has served the Eagles well in the past. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
The Pass Rush is Key
Given the uncertainty about Jaelan Phillips’ future in Philadelphia, it would be logical for the Eagles to bolster the pass rush early in the draft. Plus, you can never really have too many edge rushers in today’s NFL.
As it stands, the Eagles will have eight selections in the ’26 draft, and all eight of those picks come in the first five rounds, so the Birds should have an opportunity to really stock up at several key positions of need, including edge rusher. Roseman has earned the benefit of the doubt from Philly fans when it comes to his draft selections, so it will be exciting to see what he decides to do in April.
