Eagles NFL Draft watch: 7 names gaining steam before first round
The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to shifting draft boards , and the 2026 selection process is no different. As the first round approaches, several prospects are generating significant late buzz, climbing rankings, and forcing teams to reevaluate their options. Whether due to standout workouts, strong interviews, or growing league-wide interest, these rising players could alter Philadelphia's strategy at pick No.
23 — or even prompt a trade up or down the board. For the Eagles, identifying which prospects are truly "rising" and which are overhyped is critical. General manager Howie Roseman has built a reputation for staying disciplined while capitalizing on value, and that approach will be tested with multiple players gaining steam just days before Round 1.
If even a few of these prospects come off the board earlier than expected, it could push premium talent down to Philadelphia — or force the Eagles to get aggressive in securing a targeted playmaker. With the NFL Draft approaching, several prospects are gaining late momentum and could be in play for the Eagles earlier than expected. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia A raw player who's still developing, Freeling is an intriguing prospect offering elite size and athleticism for the right tackle spot.
Freeling is a 6'7", 315-pound offensive tackle prospect who turns 22 years old in July. The former Bulldog finished his career with 16 career starts at left tackle, including 12 in 2025 in his lone season as a full-time starter. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Thieneman was a three-year starter (two at Purdue, one at Oregon), logging 302 tackles and eight interceptions in his career.
The talented safety offers elite speed, a 4. 37-second 40-yard dash, and a 41-inch vertical at the combine, paired with elite size at 6-foot-2, 201 pounds. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State At 6-6, 330 pounds, Max Iheanachor started all 14 games at right tackle in 2024 for Arizona State, playing on 923 of ASU's 974 offensive snaps on the season, earning a 78.