The 2026 NFL Draft's first night was explosive. The Philadelphia Eagles made a splash on offense by trading up for Makai Lemon, but the defensive to-do list remains unfinished. Rounds 2 and 3 will work themselves on Friday night, and there's hope that Howie Roseman adds reinforcements at edge rusher.
Losing Jaelan Phillips left a noticeable void, and while Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt offer upside, neither has fully seized control of the role just yet. There have been whispers about a potential move for Jonathan Greenard, but even if that materializes, the Eagles would be wise to double down at the position.
Fortunately, Day 2 still offers intriguing options. Here are the best of them.
Cashius Howell brings explosive first-step quickness and the ability to win off the edge with speed. He’s not the biggest defender, but his burst and bend make him a disruptive presence in obvious passing situations. For Philadelphia, he profiles as a rotational pass rusher early with the potential to grow into more.
T.J. Parker is one of the more polished edge defenders still available. He plays with strong hands, understands leverage, and sets a firm edge against the run.
While his ceiling may not be as flashy as others, his floor is appealing. That kind of reliability would complement the Eagles’ current rotation nicely.
Zion Young, in many ways, is a traits-based prospect with intriguing upside. His length and athleticism stand out immediately, and he flashes the ability to disrupt both the run and pass game. Consistency remains the question, but Philadelphia has shown a willingness to develop high-upside defenders.
R Mason Thomas offers versatility. He can line up in multiple fronts and create mismatches with his quickness. He’s still developing as a complete player, but his motor and effort level make him an appealing fit for a defensive front that values relentless pursuit.
Gabe Jacas plays with power and physicality, often overwhelming blockers with his strength. He’s more of a traditional edge-setter, but he flashes enough pass-rush ability to stay on the field in multiple situations. That balance could be valuable in a rotational role.
Philadelphia doesn’t need to force a move, but the opportunity is there. If the Eagles want to round out their pass rush and create competition, Day 2 may be the perfect time to strike.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Best remaining EDGE prospects for Eagles on Day 2