The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 draft class gained significant attention with the selection of Georgia’s Smael Mondon Jr. (No. 161 overall), a linebacker lauded for his versatility, athleticism, and ceiling. Early reports reveal that Eagles coaches are already drawing elite comparisons based on his physical traits and developmental promise.
Mondon, a 6‑foot‑2, 224‑pound linebacker from Dallas, Georgia, was a five‑star recruit at Paulding County High School before becoming a three‑year starter at the University of Georgia . Despite missing games due to lower‑body injuries, he averaged 57 tackles and three sacks as a senior and earned Second‑Team All‑SEC honors in 2023, leading a championship‑caliber defense . His performance at the 2025 NFL Combine—posting a 4.58‑second 40‑yard dash and a 10‑foot‑10‑inch broad jump—cemented his status as an elite athlete, scoring a 9.42 RAS
Following the draft, Eagles GM Howie Roseman praised Mondon for standing out on speed and space, a testament to his explosive, movement‑based play Analysts have echoed this, with The Athletic labeling him a “Best Value pick” and praising his tools for a three‑down role
A film review from Bleeding Green Nation noted Mondon’s sideline‑to‑sideline burst, coverage versatility, pass‑rush ability, and special‑teams readiness—all backed by 425+ career snaps at Georgia SI’s coverage also highlighted his explosive burst, blitz timing, quarterback‑spy potential, and coverage skill against running backs and tight end
