Philadelphia Eagles Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman shared on April 21 memories of some of the franchise’s most significant draft selections as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
The topic is timely as the Eagles continue to shape their roster through the draft, a process that has contributed to their standing as a professional American football team in the National Football League, according to the official website. The team has drawn fans from Philadelphia and across the country through games, media, and merchandise, extending its reach beyond its local base.
Roseman recalled his first major move in 2010 when he traded up in the first round to select defensive end Brandon Graham. “What I remember is that he was a two-time team captain at the University of Michigan,” Roseman said. “Watching the tape and preparing for that draft, we understood that there may be an opportunity to move up for him. We were thinking about how impactful he could be at the edge rushing position for us.”
In subsequent years, Roseman made similar moves with other high-profile picks such as Fletcher Cox in 2012 and Lane Johnson in 2013. Regarding Cox’s selection after trading up three spots with Seattle, Roseman said: “That was an interesting draft because we had decided prior to the draft that we were going to try and find an impactful defensive player… We were just incredibly excited to get Fletch in 2012.” On Johnson’s pick at fourth overall: “We just saw that Lane had unusual ability… What a great player.”
Reflecting on more recent drafts, Roseman discussed selecting quarterback Jalen Hurts in 2020: “I remember talking to Doug (Pederson) and Jeffrey (Lurie) and saying there’s a quarterback in this draft out of Oklahoma who has a lot of the characteristics of the guys who have had success.” He also spoke about acquiring wide receiver DeVonta Smith in 2021 after moving back then trading up again: “Making that trade with Dallas… we felt this was a player who was really going to fit for us perfectly.”
The Eagles provide professional football games along with related offerings such as news, media content, ticketing services, and fan engagement initiatives according to their official website. Founded in Philadelphia in 1933 where they remain based today, they have built both regional loyalty and national recognition over decades.
As anticipation builds around this year’s selections during Thursday night’s first round starting at 8 PM Eastern Time, observers will watch closely which new players will join one of Pennsylvania’s most storied sports franchises.
