The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with the free agency period now behind them, it's time to assess their positional needs. Here's a breakdown of the team's priorities, with a focus on long-term planning and the typical strategy of using early picks to address key areas.
Offensive Tackle: Lane Johnson, an elite player, is aging and missed significant time in 2025. The Eagles should start grooming his successor, and Monroe Freeling from Georgia stands out. Freeling has excellent feet, can mirror opposing rushers, and excels in both run and pass blocking. While he's inexperienced, his potential is high, making him a strong candidate for the first round. Alternatively, Kadyn Proctor from Alabama, a mammoth tackle with incredible athleticism, could be a versatile option.
Wide Receiver: The Eagles' WR situation depends on whether they trade A.J. Brown. If traded, DeVonta Smith would become the WR1, and a new WR2 would be needed. Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State is a slippery route runner with a high upside, but his injury history is a concern. The Eagles might also consider other options depending on the trade scenario.
Edge Defender: The Eagles' edge class is strong, and they may address this need in the first round. Zion Young from Missouri is a power rusher with a non-stop motor, making him a suitable successor to Brandon Graham. His aggressive temperament and size make him an attractive prospect.
Interior Offensive Line: Landon Dickerson's body has taken a toll, and Cam Jurgens' back injury in 2024 was a concern. Tyler Steen and Drew Kendall are competent starters, but the Eagles should add more prospects to their pipeline. Logan Jones from Iowa, an athletic offensive lineman, fits their mold and could eventually move to guard.
Safety: Safety is a glaring need, with Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, and Michael Carter not meeting expectations. The Eagles will likely add more safeties, and Bishop Fitzgerald from USC is a strong Day 3 pick. He's instinctive, has multiple interceptions, and can fill a role similar to Reed Blankenship.
Tight End: The Eagles need a long-term solution at tight end, and Michael Trigg from Baylor is a playmaker with impressive receiving skills. He has good athleticism, outstanding hands, and a huge catch radius. Trigg's blocking skills might need development, but he's a solid option in the third round.
Cornerback: The Eagles have a strong cornerback trio, but Riq Woolen is a one-year rental. They might consider a mid-round pick for a corner to develop for the future. Daylen Everette from Georgia is a cerebral corner with good length and speed, and his toughness in run support is an asset.
Interior Defensive Line: Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter form a strong duo, and Moro Ojomo adds depth. The Eagles could add another interior lineman, but it's not an immediate priority. Kaleb Proctor from SE Louisiana is small but athletic, with the potential to develop as a pass-rushing interior lineman.
Linebacker: The Eagles are set at linebacker with Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell. They've invested in young depth, and Harold Perkins from LSU is a versatile defender who can drop into coverage and rush the passer. He's a Day 3 pick due to his reduced explosiveness post-injury.
Quarterback: The Eagles have three quarterbacks, but a trade for Tanner McKee is possible. Andy Dalton's roster spot is uncertain, and the team has a history of trading for quarterbacks. Garrett Nussmeier from LSU has a quick release and can make throws on the move, making him a potential fit.
Running Back: The Eagles have a high-paid back in Saquon Barkley and a quality RB2 in Tank Bigsby. Will Shipley had a disappointing 2025, but the team still likes him. They might consider a late-round pick or undrafted free agent for this position.
Special Teams: The Eagles are set at kicker, punter, and long snapper. Jake Elliott and Braden Mann have new deals, and while they need a long snapper, it's unlikely they'll draft one.
In summary, the Eagles have a clear plan for addressing their needs, with a focus on long-term development and strategic drafting. The 2026 NFL Draft will be crucial in shaping the team's future success.
