Predicting the Eagles' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft
Ahead of the draft, the Eagles Wire is predicting what Philadelphia will do with its first selection at 23rd overall
Philadelphia enters Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft facing a familiar question: should Howie Roseman -- the best GM in the business -- draft for need or stick to their long-standing philosophy of building through the trenches first? Should the Eagles prioritize talent over immediate roster gaps in the first round, trusting their ability to develop players and address needs through other avenues? That approach has helped build one of the league's most consistent contenders.
With an overhauled offensive coaching staff, this year presents a compelling case for both sides of the debate. There are pressing needs at edge rusher and safety, while the consensus in the media suggests the Eagles covet an elite offensive tackle to succeed Lane Johnson in 2028 and potentially 2027. Philadelphia's roster, while talented, has clear areas that definitely can use reinforcement.
Whether it's along the offensive line, at the safety position, or at wide receiver, depending on how the board falls, there are positions where an immediate contributor could make a tangible impact. The organization has repeatedly shown that it prefers to let the board come to them, capitalizing when talented players slide. That philosophy has led to key additions in the trenches and beyond, often securing premium talent at positions that weren't viewed as immediate needs at the time.
In the long run, those decisions have strengthened depth and created flexibility across the roster. Ahead of Round 1, the Eagles Wire is predicting what Philadelphia will do with its first selection at 23rd overall. Eagles trade up to land Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling A projected early run on offensive tackles could force the Eagles to consider trading up to secure a top target in the 2026 NFL Draft.