Oh, hey, the 2026 NFL Draft is tonight!
Here are some Philadelphia Eagles thoughts on my mind.
- The Eagles trading up for an offensive tackle feels like a strong bet. That’s been my belief this entire draft season and it’s only been strengthened as we see a number of final mock drafts linking the Birds to a move up for either Monroe Freeling or Kadyn Proctor. I don’t think Howie Roseman wants to risk a run on offensive linemen happening before the Eagles are currently projected to pick at No. 23.
- I believe this is an “eat your vegetables” kind of draft where we see Roseman focus on building through the trenches. Not necessarily the most exciting thing in the moment but ultimately a prudent decision.
- As noted in my one and only Eagles seven-round mock draft, I am intrigued by Max Iheanachor. The book on him is that he needs time to develop but 1) that shouldn’t be a major concern for the Eagles and 2) he looked more game-ready in his tape than I originally expected based on what was said about him. I think he could be developed into a really good tackle.
- I don’t think the Eagles are going to give up on developing offensive tackles just because Jeff Stoutland departed the team. It’s quite possible, if not likely, that new offensive line Chris Kuper won’t be as good as him. But Stout’s absence isn’t a good reason to not try.
- I also think the Eagles’ prioritizing a new scheme when it comes to their draft board has been overstated. I’ve specifically seen it suggested that Proctor won’t be an ideal fit for Sean Mannion’s offense. Even if that’s true, which is hard to say when we’re projecting what the offense of a first-time coordinator with two years of any kind of coaching experience will definitely look like, the coaching staff is hardly set in stone. Roseman is realistically expecting the draft pick to be more permanent.
- A lot of people would be excited about the Eagles landing Kenyon Sadiq. I’m a bit skeptical after reading this article on him. Addressing the position on Day 2 and/or Day 3 feels like a much better use of resources. At the very least, the Eagles MUST sign at least one undrafted rookie free agent tight end … unlike last year, when they didn’t add a tight end at all. They have no long-term options at that spot. That needs to change.
- I’d be shocked if the Eagles draft a safety in the first round. I really can’t see it happening unless Caleb Downs somehow falls way further than expected. The Eagles certainly need help at safety. But Howie Roseman isn’t drafting with the sole intent of improving the 2026 roster outlook. He’s got a long-term focus in mind. And whereas the Eagles shocked us all by taking Jihaad Campbell last year, they have already shown they started to value that position more by paying Zack Baun. They did the opposite at safety this offseason by letting Reed Blankenship leave in free agency on what was a pretty affordable contract if they absolutely wanted to keep him.
- Interested to see if/when the Eagles add at wide receiver. A high pick would certainly further cement A.J. Brown’s eventual exit, which is already expected.
- Seems like the Eagles are going to add at least one veteran player via trade during draft weekend. There’s already buzz that a Jonathan Greenard deal is done. But maybe it’s not just him?
- Why is it so unthinkable that the Eagles could draft a quarterback? Doing so wouldn’t even necessarily be an indictment of Jalen Hurts, which some make it out to be in response to the mere suggestion of the idea. This is the self-proclaimed QB factory! Almost no one thought the Eagles would draft Hurts when they did. How could you say they definitely won’t take one this year? Tanner McKee will be a free agent after this season and Andy Dalton could be moved up to QB2 if he’s traded, allowing a developmental role for rookie QB3.
- Is it just me or is there a relative lack of juice for the Eagles’ draft this year? Perhaps a combination of them being connected to non-sexy positions (like an offensive tackle who might not even play in 2026), the draft class as a whole being considered bad, people generally more concerned about the coaching staff than the roster, and interest in other Philly sports teams (excitement about the Flyers and to a much lesser extent the Sixers, sheer anger at the Phillies). I’m excited for the draft and the coverage we’ll have here at BGN but I’m just not seeing the same fervor I’ve witnessed in previous years.