A Philadelphia Eagles all-time great has called it a career. Brandon Graham announced his retirement on Tuesday after 15 seasons — all with the Eagles. Once labeled a bust, the 2010 first-round pick out of Michigan became one of the greatest defensive ends in franchise history. During his tenure, he recorded 76.5 sacks, 126 tackles for loss, and 153 quarterback hits. Graham earned a Pro Bowl selection, second-team All-Pro honors in 2016, delivered the greatest strip sack in Eagles history during Super Bowl LII, and goes out as a two-time champion.
The Eagles will now be looking to fill Graham’s spot in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Here are five edge rushers the Birds could target:
Top Five Brandon Graham Replacements In 2025 NFL Draft
1. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. is an explosive pass rusher coming out of Tennessee. He led the SEC in sacks in 2023 with 10 and followed that up with 7.5 last season. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher ran an impressive 4.47 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Pearce has already solidified himself as a first-round pick, and if he’s around when the Eagles pick at No. 32, he could thrive under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system.
2. Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Landon Jackson of Arkansas has seen his draft stock skyrocket. He impressed at the combine, running a 4.68 40-yard dash. During three seasons with the Razorbacks after transferring from LSU, Jackson racked up 16 sacks and 28 tackles for loss and is a really good run defender. He needs to upgrade his pass-rushing attack but would be a solid late first-round pick or early Day 2 pick for the Eagles.
3. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M is a physical marvel — running a 4.59 40-yard dash, with a 40-inch vertical jump and 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump at the combine. He only had 4.5 sacks in three seasons with the Aggies and is raw, but has untapped potential where he can develop into a Pro Bowl edge rusher with the Eagles.
4. Mykel Williams, Georgia
Don’t be surprised if Eagles general manager Howie Roseman dips into that Georgia pipeline like he did with Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Mykel Williams racked up 14 sacks with 23 tackles for loss and was part of the 2022 national championship team. He has incredible upside and would be a perfect edge rusher that Fangio can mold into a star.
5. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Donovan Ezeiruaku of Boston College was an absolute terror to quarterbacks his senior season, leading the ACC with 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. He’s one of the top pass rushers in the draft, so it’s unlikely he’ll fall to No. 32, but if he’s still there when the Eagles’ pick is nearing, don’t be shocked if they try to make a jump to nab him.
