You either die a hero, or you live long enough to become the villain. No, wait... Maybe that doesn't apply here. How about a Philadelphia Eagles comp? You either retire from the game, or the game retires you. Okay, that works better than the Batman thing.
It wasn't long ago that we read the average career in the NFL spans about four seasons, the life of that first rookie contract. Those who excel earn extensions. Those who don't retire and coach. That doesn't mean they can't ball. This is just the world's greatest competitive sport, and some of its nature involves looking over one's shoulder.
Welcome to another roster discussion post-draft. We've all pieced imaginary depth charts together. We've drawn a familiar conclusion. Good players will be left off this roster.
Here's the good news. Being mentioned on the hot seat doesn't necessarily mean it's time to hang up the cleats. The bad news is that fate may force some of these guys to continue their careers outside the Delaware Valley.
Philly added ten players during the most recent NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Call us crazy, but a few of the guys on this roster are officially on notice. Our question is this. Will pressure forge diamonds or burst pipes?
Nakobe Dean, linebacker
Though we all had questions initially, Nakobe Dean has earned his wings. A game-clinching interception will often do that for you, but Philly's young linebacker isn't just a one-hit wonder. He's a physical tackler who proved last season that he can lead Vic Fangio's defense as its signal-caller.
With each passing game, we grew more confident in Nakobe's ability. What we struggle with is our confidence that he can stay healthy and endure the rigors of a full season. In year two, he was placed on the injured reserve twice. The first instance came after a Week 1 foot injury.
Dean returned to the lineup in Week 6 but suffered a Lisfranc injury in Week 9. That forced him to miss the remainder of the campaign. Unfortunately, last season also ended prematurely thanks to a torn patellar tendon in his left knee.
Dean says he'll be ready to play soon. Until we hear that from a doctor we're skeptical, but after saying all that, there's more. He enters the final year of the rookie deal he signed in 2022.
Philly drafted Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in 2024. They added Jihaad Campbell during the most recent draft. Nakobe must ball out this season and remain healthy. He certainly isn't assured of a roster spot.
Reed Blankenship, safety
Reed Blankenship is a fan favorite who, with Cooper DeJean, makes up 'The Exciting Whites'. An undrafted free agent who made the roster in 2022, Reed has been a phenomenal addition.
He's the lone man on Planet Earth who can lay claim to having picked off Aaron Rodgers as an undrafted free agent. He's added seven INTs in 30 games since then (all starts), but nothing is guaranteed past this season.
He's scheduled to hit free agency next March. So far, there has been no sign of an extension. Stay tuned because Philly just added another good safety in the form of Andrew Mukuba.
Jordan Davis, defensive tackle
Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni spoke with the media following each day of the NFL Draft. They remained noncommittal about Dallas Goedert and Jordan Davis's statuses, as you'd expect. They also made a point to express their appreciation for both players which shouldn't come as a surprise either.
This 2025 Eagles draft class ignored two positions of need, wide receiver and tight end. We'll see what that means for Goedert. Jordan's situation is very different. Philly drafted an interior defensive lineman (and a damn good one) in Ty Robinson.
Robinson and Davis both stand at six-foot-six, but at 336 pounds, Jordan is 26 pounds heavier than the new guy. By virtue of being a first-rounder, Jordan's rookie deal carries a fifth-year option. That means Philly doesn't need to rush, but it's interesting that they haven't exercised that option yet.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, quarterback
Kyle McCord is an Eagle, and while the third quarterback on the roster isn't always a talking point, this conversation has become more interesting. Dorian Thompson-Robinson arrived by way of a trade involving Kenny Pickett. That didn't have much bearing on the depth chart bacause Tanner McKee is firmly entrenched as Jalen Hurts' backup.
It's hard to imagine any scenario where DTR makes the Eagles' roster. He'll get an opportunity in training camp and during the preseason, but after spending draft capital on McCord, it appears the decision is made.
It seems unlikely that Philly will risk their rookie by placing him on the scout team, so it feels like DTR's release and eventual addition to the scout team feels like the more realistic scenario.
