If you weren’t convinced of the importance of South Jersey before the NFL Draft this year — chances are that you are convinced now. New Jersey’s sports excellence was on full display as NFL Team’s filled their rosters in positions of need.
With the 171st selection in the 2025 NFL Draft — the Detroit Lions selected Camden native Miles Frazier — an offensive guard from LSU who will now have the opportunity to join one of the best offenses in the National Football League. The former All-American played
The World Champion Philadelphia Eagles took stock of the South Jersey talent as well. With Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett going to Cleveland in a trade in March — the Eagles selected former St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and Mount Laurel native Kyle McCord. McCord took St. Joseph’s Prep to three consecutive PA 6A State Championships alongside Arizona Cardinal Marvin Harrison, Jr. and was Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year.
The Eagles first selection was Erial, New Jersey’s own Jihaad Campbell. A graduate of Timber Creek Regional HighSchool — where he played both wide receiver and defensive end. Playing at Alabama with Nick Saban — Campbell would win a National Championship in 2024 where he was first-team All-SEC.
But the Philadelphia Eagles weren’t done just yet with South Jersey. Rutgers Offensive Tackle and Trenton native Hollin Pierce has also joined the Eagles. With an incredible 36-inch wingspan — the six foot eight 341 pound Pierce was second All-Big Ten during the 2024 season and was nominated for the Burlsworth Award during both the 2022 and 2024 seasons. The award is presented to an outstanding FBS player who began their career as walk-on athlete.
The NFL wasn’t done either when the New Orleans Saints selected Fadil Diggs from East Camden with the 254th selection. The pride of Woodrow Wilson High School where he was a gatorade player of the year — Fadil Diggs attended both Texas A&M and also Syracuse University. In 2024 — he was a team captain three times and also was All-ACC.
While Camden has produced NFL talent before like Haason Reddick from Haddon Heights High School who was drafted in 2017 — the 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t just the best of the collegiate ranks. It was also the best of South Jersey.
By Michael Thomas Leibrandt
Lives and works in Abington Township, PA.
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