Nick Sirianni is restructuring the Eagles, and after an off-the-charts 2024 season, there were some concerns about the 2025 NFL Draft. Why? The front office had been mumbling something about budget cuts. But as the draft approached, tensions ran high when it became clear how tough it would be to trade up. Despite all the talks and negotiation efforts, the goal of moving higher in the first round kept slipping away. Every attempt hit a roadblock, and the frustration was palpable as Nick realized how difficult it had become to secure the right pieces for the future. Lastly, it was the Chiefs who decided to trade hands with the Eagles.

The behind-the-scenes video shared by Anthony DiBona on X offers an inside look at the Philadelphia Eagles’ draft day frustration. General Manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie are seen grappling with the reality that their attempts to trade up in the first round have failed. Roseman was agitated, repeating, “Well, everyone’s saying they are trading down, but nobody is trading down. I don’t know what to tell you, Jeffrey. I’m trying.” The tension kept building as Roseman’s efforts to secure a deal with the Chargers, Packers, Texans, and Ravens fell short. At one point, he tells Lurie, “I’m trying. I’m trying,” capturing the palpable frustration of the situation.

This video took place amid the Eagles’ broader restructuring efforts, aimed at managing their salary cap. After a major W in the 2024 season, the Eagles are making necessary adjustments to stay consistent, including the release of veteran cornerback James Bradberry. These moves were a part of the Eagles’ strategy to make room for key signings and extensions, while still maintaining a competitive roster. The team’s front office, led by Howie Roseman, is focused on securing the future, with some difficult decisions ahead. Roseman even admitted during the NFL Scouting Combine that “we can’t keep everybody,” acknowledging the tough choices the team must make. The restructuring included letting go of players like Darius Slay to balance their financial flexibility and long-term success.

Despite the frustration in trying to move up, the Eagles managed to execute a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs after the first round. They swapped their 32nd overall pick and a fifth-round pick (No. 164) for the 31st overall pick. The Eagles utilized the opportunity to move up one spot and grabbed Jihaad Campbell, a versatile linebacker out of Alabama. Known for his explosiveness, coverage skills, and ability to rush the passer, Campbell was high on their board, even with some injury concerns in the mix.. This move allowed Philadelphia to bolster its linebacker corps, securing a player with the potential to make an immediate impact. The Chiefs, in turn, used the 32nd pick to draft offensive tackle Josh Simmons, addressing their need for offensive line depth.

The Eagles’ failure to pull off a big trade didn’t just sting—it shifted their entire game plan. With doors slamming shut across the draft board, they turned to a new path: raw talent and hungry rookies straight out of college. If the vets weren’t the answer, maybe the future was already waiting in the draft room.

Nick Sirianni’s addition of rookies to the Eagles’ ecosystem

The Eagles’ rookie class is built for impact, starting with Smael Mondon Jr. The linebacker out of Georgia was the heartbeat of a defense that won back-to-back national titles. He’s fast, physical, and everywhere at once—whether it’s chasing down runners, blitzing quarterbacks, or locking down the middle of the field. Philly’s defense needed juice, and Mondon brings it.

Then there’s Kyle McCord, a sharp and steady quarterback who led Syracuse with poise and precision. He makes quick reads and throws with confidence. Up front, Myles Hinton adds serious muscle. The Michigan tackle is big, quick on his feet, and ready to keep defenders off his quarterback. Together, these rookies bring fresh energy to a team in transition.

At rookie minicamp, Coach Nick Sirianni shared his approach to working with the new guys. He said, “Yeah, it’s a lot. Rookie minicamp, though, it’s new words for all these guys. It’s new language, all these different things. But, remember, rookie minicamp, we’re not throwing them the whole book. We’re really pulling back, because in my mind it’s really more important to see what they can do as opposed to what they know because they’re not going to know much right now. It’s too fresh. It’s too new.” The goal is to evaluate everyone properly without overwhelming the rookies early on, giving them the chance to show what they can bring to the team.

But Sirianni’s philosophy didn’t always favour the rookies. During his first few seasons in Philly as the coach, rookies mostly watched from the sidelines. Offense, defense—it didn’t matter. The vets got the snaps. But 2024 flipped the script. “We don’t care who is contributing,” Nick said. “The guys that we know can contribute.” And the rookies? They showed up big. Now, those fresh faces aren’t just filling gaps—they’re fighting for starting jobs. Sirianni sees their hunger and is betting big on it. No more baby steps. These rookies are walking into real roles, and fans are watching closely. The bar is high. The question is—can they clear it?