As the 2025 NFL Draft went along through the first two days, no names of former Virginia Tech players were called. That all changed on Day 3 when five players were selected, including former edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland.
Powell-Ryland was picked in the sixth round by the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. It's safe to say that when all is said and done, Philadelphia could very well end up with a huge steal in the sixth round of the draft. Recently at Philly's minicamp, the former Hokies sackmaster spoke, and he had a quote that should fire up Eagles fans for the future.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland should fire up Eagles fans with comment
Powell-Ryland spoke with Eagles' team reporter Dave Spadaro on several topics, and one of them was about what it meant to him to be an Eagle, and his answer was one that is not surprising to Virginia Tech fans and should fire up Philadelphia fans.
"It means that I have a chance to fulfill a dream, and that is to play and be a great player in the NFL,'' said Powell-Ryland. "It means I'm here to work and any job they give me, whether it's rushing the passer, going out there and covering kickoffs, or making a tackle on punts, that's what I'm here to do. I'm with a great team, a great organization, and it's a battle every day against the best of the game. I love that challenge. That's what I've always wanted to do, so this is my chance, and I'm going to make the most of it."
There is no doubt that Powell-Ryland will do everything he can to make the most of the opportunity in front of him of playing and making an impact in the NFL, and he gets to do it with the Super Bowl champs. His college career took off in Blacksburg after coming over from Florida, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him make an impact as early as 2025. Again, Philly is about to get a huge draft steal with Powell-Ryland dropping to the sixth round. The rich get richer.