The Philadelphia Eagles have many new faces on the 2026 roster, and expectations for each are building excitement among the fan base. For them to contend for a Super Bowl, they will also need the players they have invested draft picks and time in developing to step into the roles many envisioned for them when they were brought in.
The defense will largely stay the same, but a couple of names stand out as candidates to become household names.
On the offensive side of the ball, there have been sweeping coaching changes and looming roster differences that have yet to materialize. But what we do know is that if the players expected to be on the field can elevate their game while also staying healthy, the 2026 Philadelphia Eagles offense could be special, despite a first-time playcaller running the show.
Moro Ojomo, DT
Ojomo has carved out a real role on the Eagles' defensive front that is becoming impactful. His motor and leverage show up snap after snap, and he’s starting to turn pressures into disruption. He’s no longer a depth player, but rather a part of the rotation that Fangio trusts. The jump from “solid rep” to “impact play” is happening more often. He vastly improved in 2025 with the extra reps, and I believe a Milton Williams-type jump could be in the cards. He is in his final season under contract with Philadelphia, and could bring a Milton Williams-type ransom for his services.
Nolan Smith, EDGE
Smith’s speed off the edge changes the math for offenses. He’s still putting it all together and needs to stay healthy, but the burst and effort are undeniable every snap. Once he gets past the injury bug and becomes more consistent, high-level production will follow. He’s one of those players who can flip a drive with an explosive rush. We all saw the disruptive role he can play during the 2024 Super Bowl-winning postseason when he had 4 sacks, setting an Eagles postseason franchise record. Most of the talk at Edge has been about the new arrival, Jonathan Greenard, but Nolan could steal the headlines once the season starts.
Cam Jurgens, C
Jurgens continues to grow into a key piece up front. His procedure this offseason in Mexico, hopefully, translates to a healthy season. Cam’s athleticism and movement skills open up the run game, especially when he’s climbing to the second level. He could be a real strength in the middle of this line in a Mannion-run offense. The more this offense leans into his athleticism, the more valuable he becomes. The running game could be elevated back to an elite level with Cam plowing the way down the field.
Dallas Goedert, TE
Goedert somehow still flies under the radar despite being one of the most complete tight ends in football. I am excited for Stowers, but TE1 is still Goedert’s role in 2026. He blocks at a high level, last year notwithstanding, and consistently produces when called on. In the Sean Mannion offense, his value goes way beyond the box score. He’s expected to be the glue piece that keeps everything balanced when defenses overplay the outside. His big-play ability in the red zone was on display last season, as he set a career high in touchdowns and a team record at the position. He is not giving up his role as TE1 in 2026, and I would expect the production to be similar to last year, with an emphasis on improving his run blocking as well.
Tank Bigsby, RB
Tank is a physical, downhill runner who exudes a finisher mentality and fits the personality that the 2026 Eagles offense is expected to have. Bigsby finishes runs and punishes defenses with every carry. He has historically gotten stronger as the game wears on. He gives the Eagles offense a tone-setting run style that travels in all conditions, while also being a reliable weapon Philadelphia can use as a change of pace and someone they trust and lean on when Saquon needs a break or the offense needs a change of pace. Having both backs fresh for the long haul and into the postseason could be a major advantage in the Eagles' quest to hoist a third Lombardi. I would expect a tick-up in snaps and carries for Tank.
As always, thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @DavidNeiszPHL
