Eagles may find their answer at linebacker on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft in highly-touted Georgia Bulldogs star
The Philadelphia Eagles have several position needs to address heading into the 2025 NFL Draft and one of them is at linebacker. The Eagles looked better at linebacker in 2024 than they did during their disastrous 2023 season, thanks to Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. But outside of those two, there really isn't anyone who […]
The Philadelphia Eagles have several position needs to address heading into the 2025 NFL Draft and one of them is at linebacker.
The Eagles looked better at linebacker in 2024 than they did during their disastrous 2023 season, thanks to Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. But outside of those two, there really isn't anyone who stands out, which is why they will more than likely be looking to bolster the position next week.
Knowing the Eagles love their Georgia Bulldogs, they could target Smael Mondon Jr. on Day 3 of the draft.
​In 51 games with the Bulldogs, Mondon amassed 212 total tackles, including 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and one interception. Mondon also showcased his versatility in pass defense, logging five pass breakups.
Here is what NFL Network's draft analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about Mondon Jr. in his official scouting report:
Mondon is physical and can run. He’s quick to flow downhill and challenge blocks with good pop. He’s inconsistent to diagnose and flow accurately to his fits, but he has good pursuit speed to range and tackle to the sidelines. He pursues the action with focus and leverage. Mondon becomes tackle-ready quickly in space. He’s effective on passing downs with good coverage and blitz talent. The run game instincts could slow him early in his career, but he’s a battle-tested, three-down option with special teams value and starting potential.
Between Mondon Jr.'s athleticism and versatility, he would align perfectly with Vic Fangio's defense.
It also helps that Mondon Jr. would reunite with six of his former Georgia teammates.
"It would mean everything," Mondon told reporters at the Reese's Senior Bowl in February, "Going in there and seeing all of those familiar faces, it would feel good."
Mondon Jr. is projected to be drafted on Day 3 early in the fourth round. The Eagles pick at 134 in Round 4. If they want him bad enough, Howie Roseman has plenty of draft capital to play with for a trade.
