The Eagles were very busy on Saturday afternoon, but we had a chance to hear from four of their Day 3 picks before they make their way to Philly.
Here are some highlights from the incoming rookies:
Georgia LB Smael Mondon
“It’s a blessing, it’s a dream come true.”
Mondon is very excited about playing with so many of his former Georgia teammates. He knows them well, and played with many in the early days of his college career. The LB said he learned a lot from the guys who came before him like Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, including how to handle his business both on and off the field.
He went on to say that he and Nakobe Dean are really close and they kept in touch after Dean went to the NFL — Dean is someone Mondon reached out to throughout the pre-draft process when he had questions or was looking for advice. Mondon said that after talking to guys like Dean, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo, he really feels like Philly is the perfect fit.
UCF CB Mac McWilliams
“I know a lot about the Eagles. We won the Super Bowl last year and I’m definitely hoping we can try to run it back this year.”
McWilliams went on to say that he has a great understanding of the culture they have in Philly and the style of play.
He talked about playing both outside and inside, and feels confident that he’s versatile player and can play wherever the team wants him. McWilliams was able to get some time at both positions at the Senior Bowl and he realized most that he likes to compete at the highest level.
One thing about McWilliams, he was already using “we” when talking about the Eagles, and he talked about the team as though he’s been there for years.
Boston College C/OG Drew Kendall
“I’ve heard a lot about Coach [Jeff] Stoutland. He’s coached a lot of the greats, some of the great centers — Jason Kelce, really developed him. So, really excited to get to work with him, and get to work with the guys in the room. They’ve got a great offensive line culture and I’m honored to be apart of it.”
He talked a little bit about his dad, Pete Kendall, and explained that he played most of his 13 year NFL career at guard, but did play a little center. Drew noted that Pete coached him from fourth grade to high school.
“I played guard my whole life until I got to [Boston College] and they kind of plugged me in to that center role right when I got there.”
Kendall went on to say that he prides himself on being able to play both center and guard. He thinks Boston College moved him to center to give him a chance to get on the field earlier, noting that was his biggest goal when choosing the school.
When asked how familiar he is with Cam Jurgens, Kendall said he’s very familiar with Jurgens, naming him the best center in the NFL right now and being eager to learn from him.
Syracuse QB Kyle McCord
“You always dream of being a quarterback on the Eagles.”
McCord explained that being a South Jersey kid, Donovan McNabb was like his idol. He went to a bunch of games at Lincoln Financial Field and in high school they got sideline passes for winning the State Championship. The QB has already thrown a TD pass in The Linc too, recalling back in first grade participating at halftime during a Temple game played in the stadium.
The incoming rookie talked about transferring to Syracuse from Ohio State and how that helped his draft stock. He explained that he threw the ball a lot in 2024 and had a lot more on his plate, in addition to playing a lot of close games that required him to be smart in two-minute drills and situational football.
He also noted that he expected to have a big leap from Year 1 to Year 2 as a starter, regardless of where that would have been, but the game starts to slow down a little more, he was understanding film better, and all of that helped him develop and prepare for the NFL.
“I think it’s one of the strongest quarterback rooms in the entire league.”
McCord actually trained with Dorian Thompson-Robinson this offseason and they have the same quarterback coach, so they know each other a bit. He doesn’t know Tanner McKee but pointed out how well the young QB played when he had to in 2024. And then obviously Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to two Super Bowls, so McCord is excited to join the room.
