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The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have made a splash in the 2025 NFL Draft, securing a rising defensive star to fortify their quest for back-to-back titles. Fresh off their second Vince Lombardi Trophy—a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs that shattered Kansas City’s three-peat dreams—the Eagles are doubling down on dominance. Quarterback Jalen Hurts cemented his legacy with a 300-yard, three-touchdown masterclass in February, but the franchise isn’t resting on its laurels.
Determined to maintain their grip on the NFC East, the Eagles have added a dynamic cornerback to their roster, signaling their intent to stay atop the NFL mountain.
Philadelphia Eagles snag versatile CB gem
The mystery defender? None other than UCF standout Mac McWilliams, a fifth-round pick (145th overall) whose college tape screams “undervalued.” The Eagles’ front office, known for unearthing hidden gems, believes McWilliams could be their latest draft-day heist.
The 5’10”, 191-pound cornerback turned heads during his lone season at UCF after transferring from UAB. Starting 11 games, McWilliams locked down opponents with elite coverage skills, earning Pro Football Focus’ top defensive grade (81.6) among Knights players.
His stats tell the story: 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a knack for limiting big plays (just 133 yards allowed on 38 targets). Opposing quarterbacks managed a meager 69.3 passer rating when throwing his way—a nightmare for aerial attacks.
But it’s McWilliams’ versatility that makes him a perfect fit for Philly’s scheme. He logged 79% of snaps at outside corner, 10.5% in the slot, and even dabbled at safety—a Swiss Army knife skill set that aligns with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s creative packages.
Combine that with his 4.41-second 40-yard dash speed and a 32.5-inch vertical, and the Philadelphia Eagles have a player who can shadow speedy receivers and disrupt passing lanes.
From underdog to impact player Mac McWilliams’ interesting story
Mac McWilliams’ journey to the NFL is a testament to resilience. After captaining UAB in 2023, he transferred to UCF and immediately became their defensive anchor. His ability to excel in press coverage and read quarterbacks’ eyes stood out, while his punt-return experience adds special teams value.
Draft analysts praised his “great” acceleration (1.52-second 10-yard split) and technical footwork, traits that mitigate concerns about his smaller frame.
In Philadelphia, McWilliams joins a secondary eager to reload. With veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry entering contract years, the Eagles are future-proofing their defense. McWilliams’ arrival injects youth and competition, potentially easing the transition as the team phases out older starters.
Why this move matters
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense was pivotal in their Super Bowl run, but attrition loomed. Key depth pieces departed in free agency, and Fangio’s system demands adaptable DBs who can thrive in multiple roles. Mac McWilliams checks every box:
Elite Athleticism: His combine numbers (top-10 CB 40-time) translate to lockdown potential against NFC East speedsters like Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb and New York’s Malik Nabers.
Ball Hawk Mentality: Though he snagged just one interception in 2024, his 21 receptions allowed on 38 targets reveal a defender who forces quarterbacks into mistakes.
Special Teams Upside: With 38 career punt returns at UAB, McWilliams could vie for return duties, adding another layer to his value.
Philadelphia’s draft strategy reflects a clear priority: sustain dominance through defensive depth. Mac McWilliams won’t start Day 1, but his development could mirror 2023 rookie Kelee Ringo’s trajectory—a mid-round pick who blossomed into a rotational cornerstone.
As training camp looms, Eagles fans have reason to buzz. The road to repeating is fraught with challenges, but with Hurts leading the offense and McWilliams bolstering the defense, Philly’s title defense just gained a crucial new weapon.
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