Eagles turn to Darius Slay's future replacement in latest 2025 NFL mock draft

The Philadelphia Eagles released star veteran cornerback Darius Slay earlier this week to free up some salary cap space ahead of NFL free agency. 

Slay isn't ruling out a potential return on an equal, though lesser, deal, but regardless, the Eagles are going to need to start thinking about how they want to fill his void. 

Of course, they have in-house options like moving rookie Cooper DeJean from the slot to the outside; however, after an incredibly solid first year at the position, it's almost like they shouldn't consider doing that. 

Instead, they could turn to the 2025 NFL Draft, which is what A to Z Sports draft analyst Travis May suggests. 

In May's latest three-round NFL mock draft, he has the Eagles selecting East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the first round at No. 32 overall.

No. 32 Shavon Revel Jr., CB East Carolina

Here's what May has to say about the pick: 

The Eagles are in such an amazing place roster-wise that they essentially don't have any extremely glaring needs thanks to general manager Howie Roseman. However, just like Roseman said at his podium this week at the NFL Combine, the Eagles' success is going to hinge on young players moving forward at critical positions.

They're already leaning on Quinyon Mitchell outside and Cooper DeJean in the slot as second year players in 2025. With Darius Slay entering his final contractual season at age 34, Revel Jr. becomes the next phenomenal perimeter for the Eagles here soon. He's still recovering from injury right now, but should be nearing full-speed as a rookie.

As May notes, Revel Jr. is still recovering from a torn ACL, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he's an absolute playmaker and could have been a top-20 pick, had he not been injured. 

Revel Jr. only played three games in 2024 before the knee injury, but he still snagged two interceptions. His previous season, however, is enough to get him drafted in Round 1.

In 2023, Revel Jr. earned second-team All-AAC honors for racking up 13 pass breakups, one interception, a fumble recovery, one sack, and 54 tackles. 

While there is no timeline on Revel Jr.'s return to full speed, he is expected to be ready to go at some point this fall. 

Hypothetically speaking, until Revel Jr. has recovered, the Eagles could lean on Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks. They may even bring back Isaiah Rodgers if Slay doesn't finish out his final year in Philly.