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Brandon Graham’s Hall-of-Fame worthy career with the Philadelphia Eagles could be coming to an end, as the 15-year NFL veteran could consider retirement following a season-ending triceps injury.
That situation, coupled with Bryce Huff’s miserable start in Philly after signing a $51 million free agent contract, should have EDGE defender near the top of GM Howie Roseman’s list both in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ian Valentino of the 33rd Team predicts Roseman will plan for the future at that position by selecting Georgia Bulldogs EDGE Mykel Williams near the end of the first round. Here was was Valentino’s take on Williams as a potential replacement for Graham in Philly:
We know Philadelphia loves Georgia players, and Mykel Williams is a bargain at this point. Bruce Huff has been a bust of a signing, and Brandon Graham is on his last leg. Williams’ motor sometimes runs hot and cold, but his pass-rush tools are awesome. If he hits, Williams can be a Pro Bowler.
Given where the Eagles (12-2) are projected to pick on Day 1 of the 2025 draft, landing Williams would be yet another Roseman steal. The 6-foot-5 force has 14 career sacks over three seasons with the Bulldogs, and he’s currently ranked No. 7 overall on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board for ESPN.
With Huff completely flaming out, and veteran Josh Sweat playing on a one-year contract in 2024, it would behoove the Eagles to add young EDGE talent to pair with the ascending Nolan Smith Jr. Williams could be that guy, and you know he’s on Roseman’s radar — Philly has had more Georgia players on its roster than any NFL team for two years running.
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The Eagles could have other big needs as well, depending on what shakes out with their impending free agents. Linebacker Zack Baun figures to be at the top of Roseman’s list for a potential extension, but defensive tackle Milton Williams and right guard Mekhi Becton deserve consideration as well.
Still, with Haason Reddick gone and Huff a complete non-factor, EDGE remains among the Eagles’ biggest roster needs entering Week 16. Going back to the Georgia pipeline and landing a former national champion in Williams would be a dream scenario, if Williams somehow falls that far in the first round.