Offensive tackle, wide receiver, edge rusher and safety. Three of those positions would fall into a typical Howie draft, meaning they are premium positions; one would be out of character, but also a daring move that keeps the Eagles young on the defensive side of the ball with a cost-controlled player to extend the Eagles' No PHLY Zone.
Below are 10 players (not ranked) who the Philadelphia Eagles have an interest in and who could be their selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Is it finally time to select Lane Johnson’s heir to right tackle? Here are three Philly Fits, and if they are looking for a mauler at OT, Kadyn Proctor could be an option not mentioned below.
Monroe Freeling has 16 career starts, which makes him a projection to an extent, but I gamble on traits, and his are elite. His length, speed, and lateral agility are all paired with a nasty finishing mentality and basketball background, and that footwork can’t be taught; you see the movement skills translate on tape. He still needs to add weight and experience, but the upside is a decade-plus starter with high-end traits and tools.
A big-framed, powerful tackle with untapped upside, he can develop into a starter while serving early as a swing tackle, or even as a guard early. He has a basketball background, and it shows up in his smooth footwork. Learning behind Lane would be a big advantage for the OT who didn’t even play football in high school.
Miller brings toughness, versatility, and athleticism, with a technique that fits the Eagles’ preference for aggressive, mauling linemen. He offers a high floor with enough ceiling to develop further, making him a dependable piece with upside in the right system.
I do not usually endorse selecting an iOL in the first round, but there is one that is special and worth the investment in this year’s draft.
Ioane is a tone-setting interior lineman with the size, strength, and physical edge you want in the middle of an offensive line. He plays with a strong anchor, heavy hands, and a mauler mentality, consistently displacing defenders in the run game while holding up against power inside. His toughness and play style scream Philly Fit — an interior presence who brings control, physicality, and attitude snap after snap.
Carnell Tate would be a no-brainer selection if he fell within striking distance for the Birds, but there could be two receivers within range, either via trade-up or at No. 23.
Tyson is a player who moves on the field as if you are controlling a human joystick. He is a smooth, fluid mover with natural separation, tracks the ball well, and shows reliable hands. He would be a cost-controlled, high-floor receiver who can develop into a No. 1 wide receiver, while also taking over a starting role if the team moved AJ Brown.
The Indiana wideout shows off crisp route-running, quickness in short areas, and trustworthy hands. He would complement the outside wideouts by being hard to contain from the slot.
Philadelphia did not re-sign Jaelen Phillips in free agency as they had hoped, and they have not made any significant, high-profile signings at the position thus far. So, could adding a pass rusher be something Howie is looking for?
Keldric Faulk is a long, explosive edge defender with rare physical tools and the kind of upside you bet on early. He brings power, length, and a disruptive first step, flashing the ability to collapse the pocket while holding his ground against the run. Still developing his pass-rush plan, but the traits, versatility, and raw ability give him a high ceiling as a complete edge presence who can impact both phases.
For some, this may not appear to be a position one would expect Howie to address, but Riq is on a one-year deal, and they value this position on the field and as a way to save costs. Mansoor Delane would be an obvious choice if he fell, but that is not very likely.
If you are building your draft board based on CB play via the film, elite traits, and advanced technique, then he is in the conversation for CB1, and no lower than second. He is violent through contact and a competitor in every sense of the word; a scrapper who refuses to back down. In short, if you want a Dawg at the corner, and Philly always welcomes more Dawgs, then McCoy is the one you want.
Terrell brings fluid hips, strong ball skills, and physicality, aligning perfectly with a scheme that values versatility and disguise. His ability to match different receiver types makes him a clean “Philly Fit” piece in a secondary built on flexibility and aggression.
Caleb Downs is my highest-rated prospect in the draft, much like Delane. If he fell within reach, you go up and get him. I just don’t see it happening, but there are two options that could reasonably be within reach.
A sturdy, well-built safety with ball skills, elite speed and coverage ability with the hips and backpedal to mirror and transition to be a menace with every coverage assignment he is given. For a Fangio defense that uses pre-snap disguise, Dillon is a perfect fit.
The Eagles always have their tiers at each position and round, and they are equally prepared to move up or down the board when they see a surplus at one position or a lack of value elsewhere.
If I were a betting man, I would think the Eagles leave round one with an OL, but Howie is known to keep everyone on their toes and be pretty unpredictable as of late.
As always, thank you for reading!
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