Eagles

NFL Draft: Eagles Grab Corner, Georgia Defender, First Offensive Player In Fifth Round

Paul Bowman Sports Editor

Published26 Apr 2025

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The Birds were set to have a busy day with a lot of picks on day three of the draft.

They kept trading back and that only made it busier.

To start their fifth round, the Eagles selected UCF corner Mac McWilliams.

From the Sunshine State to Always Sunny Philadelphia@DietzandWatson | @DacarrionM pic.twitter.com/r8QtMdCQuS

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 26, 2025

What makes this an odd pick is that the reports have all been that the team is looking to keep Cooper DeJean in the slot, but that’s the role that many analysts are projecting McWilliams for due to his smaller size. The cons on him are almost all size related except for the injury history (he only played every game in 2023). The positives are his quickness and ability to read – basically the raw abilities.

He spent four years at UAB before transferring to UCF last season.

Some time later, it was time to add yet another Georgia defender as the team slected Smael Mondon with pick 161.

SMAELing over this pick 😄@DietzandWatson | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/LydyVDmmZT

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 26, 2025

Mondon was one of the many Georgia player arrested over the past few years for being unable to follow basic traffic laws.

A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, he recorded 213 tackles and eight sacks along with six PBUs during his four total seasons there.

He does have injury concerns and his stats in coverage don’t look great, but he was described as a leader and someone who plays physically – perhaps bringing some of the type of fire CJ Gardner-Johnson had brought to the locker room.

Just four picks later, the Eagles traded with the Chargers to unload pick 165 for two more sixth-round selections.

They closed out the round with their first offensive player of the draft – Boston College center Drew Kendall.

Adding to those trenches 💪@DietzandWatson | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/W53CADNUjG

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 26, 2025

Kendall spent four seasons at BC and only missed one game following his redshirt freshman seasons. Otherwise, he started 37 games, all at center.

To stick with the Eagles, it’d seem almost certain he’ll have to be willing and able to play guard at a reasonable level – which he did not do in college but probably was never asked to.

He has solid technique and may not have as fast of a top speed as Jurgens, but might be the second fastest center on the team when it comes to looking for a backup.

Size is listed as an issue, but center is the one role on the OL the Eagles really haven’t been too concerned directly about size as they have about athleticism.