The Eagles' seventh-round pick, Cole Wisniewski, is a safety with a unique skill set. Standing at 6'3 and 219 pounds, he's a physical presence near the line of scrimmage, excelling in run support. This isn't a new strategy for the Eagles; they've historically drafted safeties with similar builds and attempted to convert them into linebackers. Examples include Jacoby Stevens and Nate Gerry, both of whom were drafted in the later rounds. Wisniewski's playing style is aggressive, as evidenced by his highlight reel, where he's a physical tackler who plays downhill.
At 24 years old, Wisniewski is an older prospect, having played at North Dakota State for five years before transferring to Texas Tech in 2025. In his final season, he started all 14 games, amassing 78 tackles, 6 for loss, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 6 pass breakups. These impressive statistics showcase his versatility and impact on the field.
Howie Roseman, the Eagles' general manager, has high praise for Wisniewski, comparing him to former undrafted safety Reed Blankenship, who recently departed in free agency. Roseman highlights Wisniewski's instincts, ball skills, and physicality, acknowledging the challenge of replacing a Super Bowl-winning player but seeing similarities in Wisniewski's game.
The comparison to Jeremy Chinn, a hybrid safety/linebacker for the Raiders, is also intriguing. If the Eagles hadn't drafted Jalen Hurts in 2020, they might have selected Chinn. Both players have similar sizes and playing styles, with Chinn being a better athlete. However, this comparison is lofty, as Chinn has been a starter throughout his pro career, while Wisniewski faces a competitive battle for a roster spot.
Despite the challenges, Wisniewski's potential in a dime linebacker role is evident. His ability to play downhill and tackle effectively could be valuable, especially in a defense that values versatility and physicality. The Eagles' strategy of drafting later-round players with linebacker potential seems to be paying off, and Wisniewski might be the next success story in this vein.
