2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl 53 edition

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 04: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a sack against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 04: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a sack against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NFL Draft, NFL Mock Draft
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

25. Philadelphia Eagles: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State

Defensive end is a pretty strong spot for the Philadelphia Eagles, but it may not stay that way for long. Currently, they have veterans Chris Long and Brandon Graham who are each set for free agency in 2019. Both are over 30 and could elect to sign elsewhere — with it seeming likely that Graham will. Should they do that, Michael Bennett and Derek Barnett remain as the starters.

While that’s a great duo, the Eagles understand the importance of having solid depth, possibly more than anyone else. Barnett missed nine games this season — not to mention the high number of injuries elsewhere the past couple of seasons like at quarterback, running back, and offensive line.

Philadelphia has also been fantastic about persevering through those injuries — even winning a Super Bowl with backup quarterback Nick Foles under center. That’s why they add another defensive end with their first pick as Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat is their choice in this 2019 NFL Mock draft.

After transferring from Michigan State, Sweat recorded 22.5 sacks for the Bulldogs. He’s great off the edge and will give the Eagles a nasty rotation, while eventually being able to move into a starting role himself.