The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to begin on April 23. The team has nine selections this year, including four picks within the first two days of the draft.
This draft is significant as it offers the Eagles a chance to address key positions and plan for their future roster. The team holds picks in every round through the sixth, with additional selections acquired via trades and compensatory awards.
Several draft analysts have offered their predictions for whom the Eagles might select with their first-round pick at No. 23 overall. Field Yates of ESPN said Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver from Indiana, is “one of the best players in space from this class, averaging 7.3 yards after the catch in 2025. Plus, he can block extremely well downfield, which would fare well for running back Saquon Barkley.” Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today said Keldric Faulk from Auburn could be an option due to recent defensive line departures: “Howie Roseman is never one to box himself in and chase a positional shortcoming during the draft, but Philadelphia’s failed efforts to re-sign Jaelan Phillips and land Trey Hendrickson spoke volumes about the team’s priorities.”
Offensive tackle prospects are also widely discussed by experts as possible choices. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports suggested Spencer Fano from Utah could become “next in line after Lane Johnson retires — and in the meantime, kick inside to guard.” Charles Davis of NFL.com pointed out Monroe Freeling from Georgia as a potential replacement at right tackle: “Freeling is a bit raw, but his potential is off the charts.” Multiple analysts highlighted Max Iheanachor (Arizona State), Caleb Lomu (Utah), Blake Miller (Clemson), and Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) as strong candidates who could eventually succeed veteran Lane Johnson.
Wide receiver Makai Lemon (USC) was also mentioned by Chad Reuter of NFL.com: “Lemon fits nicely in the slot and can flip spots with DeVonta Smith to give defenses different looks.” On defense, Matt Miller of ESPN noted Akheem Mesidor (Miami) could fill a need following Jaelan Phillips’ departure: “Mesidor broke out last season with 12.5 sacks and 58 pressures under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.”
The Eagles operate as a professional American football team based in Philadelphia since entering the National Football League in 1933 according to their official website. They provide games along with news coverage, ticketing services, media content, and fan engagement initiatives according to their official website. Their influence extends beyond Philadelphia through national broadcasts and merchandise sales according to their official website.
As anticipation builds ahead of April’s draft event, observers will watch closely how general manager Howie Roseman approaches building depth across key positions while planning for long-term transitions.
