Time so as to add two extra updates to the Philadelphia Eagles’ pre-draft visits tracker main as much as the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Birds just lately hosted Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston (per his Instagram, h/t @JaguarsNow95) on the NovaCare Advanced. They’re additionally scheduled to host SMU edge rusher Elijah Roberts, in response to a report from Justin Melo.
Let’s type by way of this information on a player-by-player foundation.
MAXWELL HAIRSTON
Hairston is the No. 42 prospect ranked by Professional Soccer Focus and No. 32 by Daniel Jeremiah.
The 21-year-old performed 32 video games at Kentucky during the last three years. He logged six interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 10 passes defensed, and three compelled fumbles throughout that span. He’s clearly bought some play-making skill.
Regardless of releasing Darius Slay and letting Isaiah Rodgers stroll in free company, the Eagles arguably don’t have a urgent (no pun supposed) want at nook. Quinyon Mitchell has a vivid future on the surface. Cooper DeJean has a vivid future at some place, maybe staying at nickel. Kelee Ringo is perhaps able to make the leap to a full-time starter in 2025. Adoree’ Jackson is a reputable veteran backup.
And so it’d be shocking to see the Eagles draft one other cornerback early on. However they’re apparently doing a little homework on Hairston. Taking him may make sense if he’s undeniably the very best participant on the board on the time.
Scouting report by way of NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
Slender exterior cornerback with lengthy arms and spectacular ball manufacturing. Hairston is able to taking part in all types of zone and man protection. He anticipates properly together with his eyes ahead and has the burst to take the ball away, posting six interceptions (three returned for TDs) over his final 20 video games. He stays related in man protection with good agility and fluidity however must do a greater job of finding the soccer downfield. He’ll wrestle to contest massive wideouts and his run assist will flip off some groups. Hairston has the athleticism and on-ball expertise to grow to be a starter, however he must show he can maintain as much as the trials and physicality of the NFL sport.
Relative athletic rating:
ELIJAH ROBERTS
Roberts is the No. 82 prospect ranked by Professional Soccer Focus.
Comparatively talking, he’s on the older facet contemplating he’ll flip 24 in December as a rookie. Take into account that latest Eagles free agent signing Azeez Ojulari, who’s already performed 4 NFL seasons, is at present 24.
Roberts started his school soccer profession at Miami (Florida). He noticed restricted taking part in time in three years there earlier than transferring to SMU, the place he logged 24 TFLs, 17.5 sacks, and 4 compelled fumbles in 27 video games performed from 2023-2024.
Regardless of signing Ojulari and Josh Uche, the Eagles can nonetheless afford so as to add to their edge rusher room. Roberts could possibly be a Day 2 goal if the Birds like him however there are some purple flags right here. The Eagles appear to need to get to know him slightly bit extra.
Scouting report by way of NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
Productive base finish with good play energy who continues so as to add weight to his body. Roberts has chalked up stats as a standing defender however isn’t athletic sufficient to play as a 3-4 exterior ‘backer within the NFL and may not have the brutality to play inside at three-technique regardless of his measurement. Roberts received’t win the push with velocity or quickness however he can collapse the pocket with a finesse-to-power rush transition. He’s gradual to learn and react to mesh factors and counters. He’s additionally a wildly inconsistent arm tackler. The manufacturing may earn him a possibility, but it surely may not be translatable as a base defensive finish within the professionals.
Relative athletic rating:
