Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman Shares Insights on NFL Draft Decisions

Howie Roseman, General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, has established himself not only as a skilled talent evaluator but also as someone who appreciates the importance of character in players. As the architect behind the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory, his reputation has soared, making him one of the most respected figures in the National Football League.

For Roseman, success goes beyond just winning games. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding the team with individuals who possess integrity and strong character. He believes that building a cohesive, successful team involves more than just athletic ability.

During a recent pre-draft media session, Roseman shared his clear perspective on player evaluations and how specific personal histories can influence draft decisions.

Setting Clear Standards

In March, the Eagles GM laid bare one of the primary dealbreakers within his evaluation framework. He stated, “There are just objective things that even I can’t overrule… Violence against women. It’s just not for us. I wouldn’t even watch them; I don’t even want to talk about it. It’s just a deal-breaker for us.” This candid admission signals Roseman’s unwavering stance regarding players with histories of domestic violence.

He articulated his thoughts to Todd McShay, reinforcing the idea that previous transgressions, particularly regarding domestic violence, can automatically disqualify a player from consideration. However, he also acknowledged that this standard does not mean they dismiss all players with troubled backgrounds.

Evaluating Character and Performance

Roseman elaborated on the evaluation process, stating, “We have a process, we have an objective process that we use. We live in a country where you’re innocent until proven guilty, and so we try to abide by the judicial process.” While he is committed to maintaining ethical standards, he is also careful about the details of their evaluative criteria, considering some aspects sensitive to their organizational privacy.

He noted, “Certainly we try not to make it subjective… so we don’t get in a situation where we really like a player [and] make excuses for that player.” This commitment ensures that the team remains grounded in objective criteria when assessing players that might be under scrutiny.

Balancing Backgrounds with Potential

While Roseman has strict policies regarding certain behaviors, he is not entirely averse to drafting players with troubled pasts. For instance, Jalen Carter, famously involved in a high-profile incident that resulted in the deaths of his former Georgia teammate and a staff member, was still selected by the Eagles as the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Roseman’s willingness to trade up displays a nuanced approach to combining performance potential with personal history.

Although Carter faced legal repercussions by pleading no contest to charges stemming from reckless driving, he was deemed capable of contributing positively to the Eagles’ locker room dynamics without crossing the crucial threshold of violence against women.

Implications for the Eagles’ Draft Strategy

This clear positioning by Roseman clearly reflects the Eagles’ player selection strategy. It serves as a guiding principle that emphasizes moral responsibility alongside athletic talent. As the NFL Draft approaches, this philosophy not only impacts team decisions but also resonates throughout the league as organizations evaluate potential draftees.

The standards Roseman sets offer a window into the Eagles’ culture. The team’s management is focused on acquiring players who not only perform on the field but also contribute positively to the community and team morale.

Roseman’s focus on creating an environment filled with capable and principled individuals shows a commitment to building a franchise that prioritizes integrity as much as performance. This multifaceted approach resonates as the league emphasizes character development alongside athletic prowess in its draft processes.

Prioritizing Community and Culture

Ultimately, the Eagles’ strategy hinges on fostering a culture where players can succeed. Roseman asserts, “It is important to us, the people that we bring into this building and that we know we can win with really good people.” This emphasis reflects a broader shift within professional football to recognize the role of character and leadership as cornerstones for achieving long-term success.

As the NFL Draft nears, the Eagles remain focused on executing this informed selection process, ensuring that potential roster additions align with both the team’s vision and ethical standards.

Envisioning Future Success

The path forward for the Eagles is defined not just by the talent they acquire but also by the values they embody as an organization. Howie Roseman’s leadership underscores a commitment to strong character alongside skillful performance, setting a benchmark for aspiring teams and general managers in the league.

As this draft unfolds, all eyes will be on the Eagles, eager to see how their decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to team building.