Howie Roseman’s Eagles First-Round NFL Draft Picks: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis

POLICY WIRE — Philadelphia, USA — As the 2026 NFL Draft draws near, the Philadelphia Eagles are once again a significant point of discussion, with General Manager Howie Roseman anticipated to execute further strategic maneuvers aimed at fortifying their already competitive Super Bowl-contending roster.

The initial round of the draft is traditionally where franchises seek to secure future Pro Bowl talent or establish long-term starters. Roseman’s history with draft selections, spanning from 2010-2014 and 2016-present, includes both notable successes and some misses. Currently holding the 23rd overall pick, the team is reportedly considering a potential trade up. This comprehensive review delves into every first-round selection made by the Eagles’ general manager during his tenure in Philadelphia, highlighting both his triumphs and challenges in identifying talent. For a broader perspective on upcoming draft strategies, explore insights into other team’s preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Evaluating Recent Draft Classes (2025-2023)

2025 NFL Draft — No. 31 Overall: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Jihaad Campbell marked the first off-ball linebacker chosen by the Eagles in the first round since Jerry Robinson in 1979. Hailing from Erial, New Jersey, Campbell earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2024, leading the Crimson Tide with an impressive 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. Despite a shoulder procedure sidelining him for much of the offseason, he quickly made an impact at training camp, stepping in for an injured Nakobe Dean.

As a versatile rookie with significant potential, Campbell participated in all 17 games, starting 10, accumulating 80 tackles, one interception, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. His 76.2 grade from Pro Football Focus placed him 13th among 88 NFL linebackers, providing the Eagles with comfort in allowing Nakobe Dean to pursue free agency.

2024 NFL Draft — No. 22 Overall: Mitchell, CB

The Eagles notably bolstered their cornerback position with their initial two selections in the 2024 draft, a move that significantly contributed to a dramatic defensive turnaround. Quickly establishing himself as a premier young cornerback in the NFL, Mitchell ranked third among all NFL cornerbacks with 16 forced incompletions, trailing only Zyon McCollum (17) and Denzel Ward (17). He also secured third place in yards allowed per coverage snap (0.8), behind Pat Surtain (0.6) and Derek Stingley (0.7), among players with at least 600 coverage snaps. By 2025, he had already earned an All-Pro distinction.

2023 NFL Draft — No. 9 Overall: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Philadelphia possesses the option to extend Jalen Carter’s tenure by exercising his fifth-year option, providing additional time for the team. Teams face a May 1 deadline to decide on the fifth-year option for their 2023 first-round picks. Over three seasons, Carter has recorded 108 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles, though shoulder injuries in 2025 somewhat impeded his progress. He appeared in just 12 games during the 2025 season due to these injuries and was ejected from the season opener for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Despite these setbacks, Carter was Philadelphia’s sole Pro Bowl starter last season. His impressive statistics included 33 tackles, 41 quarterback pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Navigating player injuries and performance challenges is a common theme across professional sports, influencing critical team decisions and strategic adjustments.

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2023 NFL Draft — No. 30 Overall: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

Nolan Smith, a first-round pick now eligible for an extension, should remain focused on his fifth-year option. Following a season where he missed seven games, Smith accumulated 20 tackles, two sacks, and 33 pressures across 452 snaps. The current value of his fifth-year option for 2027 stands at $14 million.

Pivotal Selections and Their Legacies (2022-2020)

2022 NFL Draft — No. 10 Overall: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Following a trade with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia moved up to select Jordan Davis. The former Georgia All-American defensive tackle made headlines at the 2022 NFL Combine, clocking a 4.78-second 40-yard dash while weighing over 330 pounds. Despite missing several games due to an ankle injury, Davis’s impact was undeniable, earning him a spot on the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team with 18 total tackles, four quarterback pressures, one tackle for loss, and one pass defended.

Last spring, Davis was one of three Eagles players for whom Roseman had to decide on exercising their fifth-year option or allowing them to enter free agency. While consistently a strong run-stopper, Davis had not surpassed 600 snaps in a season before 2024. In that year, he recorded 27 tackles (15 solo), 1.0 sack, and two passes defended across all 17 regular-season games. His postseason performance saw an increase in production, with six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense, over four playoff appearances.

2021 NFL Draft — No. 10 Overall: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

The former Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith, proved to be an exceptional asset for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, finally providing the offense with a genuine No. 1 wide receiver in 2021. Smith amassed 240 catches for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns during his initial three seasons in Philadelphia. He broke the Eagles’ rookie receiving yards record (916) in 2021, surpassing DeSean Jackson, and set a new team record for single-season receptions by a wide receiver (95) in 2022. Since signing his extension, Smith recorded 68 catches for 833 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 Super Bowl season, followed by 77 catches for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. Cumulatively, since that time, Smith has accounted for 145 catches, 1,841 yards, and 12 touchdowns.

2020 NFL Draft — No. 21 Overall: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

This particular selection has often been cited as a long-standing criticism of Roseman’s draft philosophy, notably altering his approach to future drafts. Jalen Reagor concluded his Eagles tenure with 64 catches for 695 yards and three touchdowns in 28 games, including 24 starts, after being the 21st pick in the 2020 draft. After being released by the Vikings post-2022 season, Reagor joined the New England Patriots’ practice squad before their Week 1 matchup against Philadelphia. In 2023, New England head coach Jerod Mayo cut ties with Reagor after he used social media to critique the Patriots’ roster decisions. He played in 11 games for New England in 2023, catching seven passes for 138 yards with no touchdowns.

Reagor’s selection at No. 20 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft stands in stark contrast to Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who was drafted later. Overall, Reagor registered 72 catches for 799 yards, five touchdowns, and 61 punt returns for 488 yards. In his first six seasons with Minnesota, Justin Jefferson accumulated 499 catches for 7,476 yards (15.0 avg) and 41 touchdowns, earning four All-Pro nods and four Pro Bowl selections.

Early Era Selections and Lasting Impact (2019-2010)

2019 NFL Draft — No. 22 Overall: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

The Eagles traded up to secure Andre Dillard in 2019, though he initially served as a backup to Jason Peters. Dillard missed the entire 2020 season due to injury and was expected to claim a starting role upon his return. However, Jordan Mailata significantly improved over the next year and a half, ultimately winning the starting position. Dillard is currently a free agent after stints with the Titans and Packers.

2017 NFL Draft — No. 14 Overall: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

A former star from the University of Tennessee, Derek Barnett made important contributions as a rookie during the Eagles’ 2017 championship run. Nevertheless, he did not meet Philadelphia’s long-term expectations during his initial three seasons and was eventually traded to the Texans.

2016 NFL Draft — No. 2 Overall: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

As a second-year player, Carson Wentz was on a trajectory toward an MVP award before suffering a torn ACL against the Rams. His career has since been marked by fluctuations, with Wentz most recently serving as the primary backup to Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. During his time with the Eagles, Wentz achieved a passer rating of 89.2, accumulating 16,811 yards, 113 touchdowns, and 50 interceptions across 68 games.

2014 NFL Draft — No. 26 Overall: Marcus Smith, EDGE, Louisville

Marcus Smith’s tenure in Philadelphia lasted just three years, and he never started a single game for the team. Smith appeared in 37 games for the Eagles, recording only four sacks, with his final NFL game taking place in 2018.

2013 NFL Draft — No. 4 Overall: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

One year after drafting Fletcher Cox, the Eagles selected Lane Johnson with the No. 4 pick, a decision that has seen him develop into arguably the best right tackle in the NFL. Johnson has successfully navigated two PED suspensions, earning numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, along with multiple contract extensions.

2012 NFL Draft — No. 12 Overall: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Cox, now 33, completed 12 NFL seasons after being chosen by the Eagles in the first round of the 2012 draft. In 2023, Cox demonstrated his continued prowess as an interior pass rusher, delivering 33 tackles, five sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss. He earned Pro Bowl honors every season from 2015 to 2020 and re-signed with Philadelphia in the 2023 offseason on a one-year, $10 million deal. Cox retired with a career total of 348 solo tackles, 164 assists, 69.5 sacks, and 14 fumble recoveries. He secured six Pro Bowl selections and won a Super Bowl championship.

2011 NFL Draft — No. 23 Overall: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

Known for his remarkable story as a firefighter, Danny Watkins played two seasons in Philadelphia, appearing in 23 games (18 starts) for the Eagles. Watkins played only one game for the Dolphins in 2013 and has not been in the league since.

2010 NFL Draft — No. 13 Overall: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

While some attribute his selection to Andy Reid, Brandon Graham emerged as a pivotal leader both on and off the field, undoubtedly destined for the Eagles’ Ring of Honor. The 35-year-old Graham holds the third spot on the Eagles’ all-time sack list (75.5) and is tied with Seth Joyner for second in team history for forced fumbles (21). Graham also surpassed Chuck Bednarik’s record for the most seasons played with the franchise (15).

Graham initially retired last offseason following the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over the Patriots after 15 seasons in the NFL, but Philadelphia successfully persuaded him to return from retirement in October. He recorded three sacks and eight tackles in nine games, also playing significant snaps on the interior to help compensate for an injured Jalen Carter.