Abdul Carter has always been a passionate Philadelphia Eagles supporter. The ex-Penn State standout and dynamic edge rusher attended Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans and rejoiced as the Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs. Hailing from West Philadelphia, Carter has never hidden his deep loyalty to the team.

However, the dream scenario of Carter joining his hometown Eagles won’t become reality. Carter is one of the elite prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and is widely expected to be chosen within the first four picks. The Eagles, meanwhile, hold the 32nd overall pick at the end of the first round.

Unless GM Howie Roseman pulls off a blockbuster trade to move up significantly in the draft order, Carter will begin his professional career elsewhere. Still, Philadelphia might end up drafting a different high-impact defender from Penn State with elite athleticism and upside.

Kevin Winston Jr., a playmaking safety who earned All-Big Ten honors, could realistically end up in midnight green. The Nittany Lion standout is on the Eagles’ radar as the draft approaches, and his skill set could fill a key need in the team’s secondary.

In fact, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. recently predicted Winston would join the Eagles. In a new mock draft, Kiper had Philadelphia using the 64th overall pick — the final pick of the second round — to select Winston.

“The Eagles might keep things local at the end of Round 2,” Kiper commented.

Kiper mentioned that Winston’s previous injuries are the primary reason he’s projected to go in the second or third round, rather than earlier. Heading into the 2024 season, Winston was viewed as a potential All-American and a cornerstone of Penn State’s defense. Sadly, his year was cut short after just two games due to a torn ACL in September.

Winston continues to recover from that setback. At Penn State’s pro day, he recorded a 4.50-second 40-yard dash. Though not quite at his pre-injury speed, his participation itself was an encouraging sign. Winston expressed confidence in his recovery and said he expects to be fully healthy by the time training camp begins this summer.