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The Philadelphia Eagles historically prioritize premium positions in the NFL draft, making it unlikely they will select a safety in Round 1. Recent picks like Quinyon Mitchell and Jihaad Campbell have raised some eyebrows, but the trend suggests otherwise.
Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles selecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in Round 1 may want to temper their expectations, maybe. If you're a strong believer in the theory that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, history isn't on your side.
Philadelphia has long operated with a clear draft philosophy. Premium positions come first. That has been true dating back to the Andy Reid era and has carried over under Howie Roseman. Offensive line. Defensive line. Pass rushers. Thatâs where the Eagles typically invest their highest draft capital. There have been exceptions, but they are the exception, not the rule.
The selections of Quinyon Mitchell and Jihaad Campbell in back-to-back drafts raised eyebrows, and they partially did so for a very specific reason. Before selecting Campbell, the Eagles hadnât taken a linebacker in Round 1 since Jerry Robinson in 1979. And letâs be honest, Nolan Smith doesnât count here. He may be labeled an outside linebacker, but his job description says pass rusher. Few would argue with that.
Then thereâs Mitchell. His selection in 2024 ended a drought that dated back to Lito Sheppard in 2002. Thatâs more than two decades without a first-round defensive back. Even now, Mitchell is just the fourth DB the Eagles have taken in Round 1 in franchise history.
So, where does that leave the idea of drafting a safety early? Historically, it doesnât just feel unlikely. It feels almost off-brand. The Eagles simply havenât valued the position that way, especially not in the first round. Still, just as past behaviors sometimes foreshadow future actions, one can argue that the best predictor of future behavior is present intention under current conditions.
The Eagles usually prioritize premium positions such as offensive line, defensive line, and pass rushers in the NFL draft.
The last time the Eagles selected a linebacker in Round 1 was in 1979 when they drafted Jerry Robinson.
The Eagles recently selected Quinyon Mitchell and Jihaad Campbell in back-to-back drafts, which has sparked some discussion about their draft strategy.

Liberty secure long-term deals for Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu.
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If the Howie Roseman era as general manager hasn't taught us anything else, it has taught us that history isnât a contract. There was also a time when Roseman avoided investing heavy financial resources into running backs, until Saquon Barkley changed that conversation entirely.
Philosophies evolve. Needs shift. Opportunities present themselves, so while the odds may not favor McNeil-Warren landing in Philadelphia on Day 1, writing it off completely might be just as dangerous as assuming it will happen.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: History doesnât favor Eagles taking Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at 23