Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles used the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, a move that was widely praised and ultimately contributed to their deep postseason run. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Eagles find themselves in a familiar but dramatically different position — holding the 32nd and final pick of the first round. While being the last to pick might seem less thrilling, the suspense over who might slide into that slot has created just as much buzz, especially given Philadelphia’s recent track record of making bold, strategic choices.

As of Wednesday, mere hours before the draft kicks off, The Athletic released its final mock draft. One prediction, in particular, has Eagles fans and analysts alike buzzing. Brooks Kubena, who covers the Eagles for the outlet, boldly forecasted that Philadelphia will do something it hasn’t done during its entire Super Bowl era — select a safety in the first round. His pick? South Carolina standout Nick Emmanwori.

“Pick No. 32. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina,” Kubena wrote. “The Eagles make a move they’ve never made in the Super Bowl era: they spend a first-round pick on a safety. Emmanwori is simply the best player available, and it helps that he fills a position of need.”

It’s a fascinating twist in the Eagles’ draft narrative. Historically, the franchise has steered away from prioritizing safeties in early rounds, instead choosing to build their secondary through trades, free agency, or mid-to-late round picks. But with the departure of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who was traded to the Houston Texans earlier in the offseason, the position has become a glaring hole in an otherwise formidable defense. Emmanwori might be the answer to that problem — and then some.

Standing at 6-foot-3 with elite athleticism, Emmanwori is a physically imposing safety whose skill set extends far beyond just pass coverage. In 2024, he recorded four interceptions, two of which came in clutch situations late in games. His ability to read offenses, break on the ball, and deliver punishing hits has drawn comparisons to some of the best safeties in recent NFL memory. ESPN ranks him as the No. 1 safety in this draft class and the No. 25 overall prospect — a rare combination of positional value and elite talent that could make him a steal at No. 32.

Kubena also noted that there was some internal consideration of drafting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon. However, the Eagles ultimately appear content with their current situation at right tackle. Lane Johnson, one of the league’s most dependable linemen, is under contract through 2027. Moreover, the team received excellent value from their offensive line last season without having to spend a premium pick. That gave them the flexibility to focus on defense — specifically the safety position — where a game-changer like Emmanwori could be a long-term asset.

The move, if it comes to fruition, would signify a philosophical shift in Philadelphia’s front office. It would show that GM Howie Roseman is willing to break trends and take calculated risks to ensure the defense doesn’t lose its edge. The Eagles are already stacked at cornerback with young talents like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Adding Emmanwori to that secondary would give Philadelphia one of the most dynamic and versatile defensive backfields in the NFL.

More than that, the pick would reflect the organization’s continued commitment to balancing short-term Super Bowl aspirations with long-term roster sustainability. Emmanwori would not only replace Gardner-Johnson but could potentially exceed his production, offering a bigger frame and arguably a higher ceiling. The Eagles are not just thinking about next season — they’re building a unit that can dominate for years to come.

As the clock ticks down to the draft, speculation will only intensify. Will Emmanwori actually slide to No. 32? Will the Eagles resist the urge to trade up or down? With Howie Roseman at the helm, nothing is ever off the table. But if the board falls the right way and Emmanwori is still available when the Eagles are on the clock, this might be the easiest decision they’ve had to make in years.

For now, fans will have to wait just a little longer. But if Kubena’s last-minute prediction proves correct, Philadelphia might be walking away from the first round not only with a top-tier talent but also with a piece that could reshape the future of their defense.