The Howie Roseman Factor: Finding Value Where Others See Questions

Zack Baun is already evidence of what can happen when Philadelphia identifies a fit. Riq Woolen is another test of the same organizational confidence.

Updated September 15, 2026

Give the front office its due

Vic Fangio deserves credit for deploying defenders effectively, but the coordinator can only work with the pieces he is given. Howie Roseman has built a reputation for aggressively searching for value — including players whose talent may be greater than their recent circumstances suggest.

Baun is the proof of concept

Baun arrived in Philadelphia without the profile he carries today. In Week 1 he again anchored the middle of Fangio’s defense with 12 tackles, a tackle for loss and two passes defended. His development is a reminder that personnel evaluation is not only about finding stars; it is also about identifying the environment in which a player can become one.

Woolen is the next test

Riq Woolen brings rare size and athletic ability along with questions created by an uneven finish in Seattle. In his Eagles debut he played every defensive snap, and early coverage results offered an encouraging first look. Philadelphia does not need him to become Baun. It needs its coaches to turn his physical tools into dependable cornerback play.

The organizational advantage

The interesting part is the repeatable process: scouting, acquisition, coaching and development working together. When those departments agree on what a player can become, a modest transaction can create outsized value.