Yeah I don't think they stockpiled two late picks to use them on players or due to the perceived value of the class. Perhaps their actions will suggest otherwise, but more likely they wanted them for either a two-for-one swap/move-up or to to use one in a trade for a player. And if neither thing happens I can still see them pushing it forward one more year, especially with the RFA offer option also existing (which would cost the Flyers their own 2026 pick at most interesting levels). Should Edmonton make the Cup final that may increase that likelihood as well.
The hockey timeline does mean the one year sooner value is not the same as in the NFL, especially once you get out of the Top 10. But also different for a rebuilding a hockey team than a win-now NFL.