The 2025 season was a tough pill to swallow for Eagles fans, wasn't it? But every ending brings a new beginning, and with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, hope springs eternal! The Eagles are armed with eight picks, including the coveted 23rd overall selection and a treasure trove of four picks within the top 100. And the best part? This draft class is stacked precisely where the Eagles need reinforcements: the offensive line and those electrifying defensive skill positions. This could be their golden opportunity to inject some serious young talent into a roster that desperately needs it, especially considering the salary cap situation.
Every year, I dive into these mock drafts to keep tabs on the ever-shifting landscape of the Eagles' needs, player stock valuations, and potential draft day maneuvers. Now, let's be real, we're still months away from the actual draft. A lot can change between now and then – think standout performances in exhibition games, revealing private workouts, insightful interviews, and the always-intriguing Combine. But, as things stand today, here's how I envision the Eagles strategically navigating their eight picks in the 2026 draft.
Disclaimer: This simulation was conducted using the Pro Football Focus Mock Draft Simulator. No trades were executed in this simulation.
Pick 1.23: Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Lineman, Alabama
Let's face it, the Eagles' offensive struggles this past year were multifaceted, but the glaring issue was health, especially along the offensive line. Lane Johnson's injury was a huge blow, and the interior line was perpetually battling some ailment. The Eagles need to proactively inject youth into the trenches, and Kadyn Proctor screams "future franchise tackle" in the first round. Standing tall at 6’7" and weighing in at over 330 pounds, Proctor embodies the physical presence of a dominant offensive lineman. He boasts impressive experience, with 40 starts at left tackle for Alabama, showcasing consistent improvement over his three years. He could be the ideal long-term successor to Lane Johnson, and here's a thought: he could even step in at right guard in the interim if the Eagles believe his height won't be a disadvantage on the inside.
Pick 2.54: Eli Stowers, Tight End, Vanderbilt
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to become Eli Stowers' biggest advocate this offseason. Dallas Goedert is heading towards free agency, and even if AJ Brown stays, the Eagles are undeniably craving a reliable third option in their passing attack. Stowers, at 6’4” and 235 pounds, might be considered undersized for a traditional tight end, and he'll likely face challenges with in-line blocking... But here's where it gets controversial... with the right offensive coordinator, this player could be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. His unique blend of size and athleticism creates mismatches all over the field. He's too quick for linebackers to effectively cover and too imposing for most cornerbacks to handle at the catch point. He's also surprisingly agile after the catch and can win routes from various positions. Honestly, I wouldn't be shocked if his draft stock skyrockets after the Combine, but for now, we can dream of him falling to the Eagles in the second round.
Pick 3.68: D’Angelo Ponds, Cornerback, Indiana
Since the 2021 draft, Eagles GM Howie Roseman has seemingly developed a keen eye for talent emerging from the nation's elite football programs. Since then, the Eagles have drafted eight players from a reigning national championship team. On top of that there has just generally been more of an emphasis on drafting guys from Blue Chips Schools. Since 2021, the Eagles have drafted tons of players from Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Clemson, and Texas.
And this is the part most people miss... there's a new powerhouse program on the rise: the Indiana Hoosiers. They're brimming with future NFL talent on both sides of the ball, a major factor in their undefeated 15-0 record heading into the national title game this weekend. I fully expect the Eagles to tap into that talent pool at least once this spring.
D’Angelo Ponds might be considered undersized at 5’9” and 170 pounds, but he's been a dominant force against Big Ten receivers for the past two seasons, effectively shutting down some highly touted players. Since the start of the 2024 season, Ponds has been targeted 115 times across 892 coverage snaps, allowing only a single touchdown while intercepting five passes, all while playing as a boundary cornerback. He's intelligent, athletic, and physical. The Eagles have a significant void to fill at the third cornerback spot, and Ponds could immediately compete for playing time, potentially allowing Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to solidify their roles at the other cornerback positions.
Pick 3.98: Mikail Kamara, Edge Defender, Indiana
The Eagles double-dip into the Hoosier talent pool in this simulation. Mikail Kamara's sack numbers haven't quite matched his impressive 10-sack performance in 2024, but he's actually generated more quarterback hurries this season. Kamara is a quick, high-motor defender who compensates for his lack of ideal length with relentless effort. For an Eagles team that's in dire need of youth and energy at the edge position, Kamara makes perfect sense as a rotational player behind Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith.
Pick 4.122: Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Penn State
Even with Tank Bigsby showing flashes of brilliance in limited opportunities this season, the Eagles could still benefit from further strengthening their running back corps. Saquon Barkley appeared to regress this year, and Will Shipley hasn't lived up to expectations in his two seasons. Kaytron Allen, on the other hand, would inject a much-needed dose of physicality as an inside runner. While athletic, he excels between the tackles, relentlessly wearing down defenses. He could form a formidable complement to Saquon Barkley and potentially evolve into a lead back down the road.
Pick 4.136: Bryce Lance, Wide Receiver, North Dakota State
Regardless of what unfolds with AJ Brown this offseason, the Eagles must continue to prioritize adding young talent to their wide receiver group. Bryce Lance boasts impressive physical attributes at 6’3” and nearly 210 pounds. Over the past two seasons, Lance has hauled in 126 passes for 2,148 yards and 25 touchdowns, averaging over 17 yards per catch. He could immediately contend for snaps at the WR3 position and contribute early as a big-play threat.
Pick 5.151 Earnest Greene III, Offensive Lineman, Georgia
Earnest Greene III arrived at Georgia with considerable expectations that he never fully realized. Despite starting for three years at both left and right tackle, Greene struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance. That being said, he remains a talented player at 6’4” and 320 pounds. He possesses long, powerful arms and plays with a high level of intensity. With the right coaching, he could transition into a guard in the NFL, and Philadelphia could be the ideal environment for him to unlock his potential.
Pick 5.179: Vincent Anthony Jr, Edge Defender, Duke
As the Eagles persistently aim to fortify their defense, Vincent Anthony Junior emerges as a compelling late-round prospect. He's a raw, toolsy player at 6’6” and nearly 260 pounds. He has long arms and a relentless motor. While he displayed inconsistency during his time at Duke, he represents a worthwhile project player for the Eagles' coaching staff.
So, there you have it – my initial take on how the Eagles could approach the 2026 NFL Draft. What do you think? Are there any of these picks you strongly agree or disagree with? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think Stowers is being undervalued? Could Ponds be a steal? And what about the Hoosiers – are the Eagles smart to target them, or are they overhyped? Let the debate begin!
