With the 2026 NFL Draft just hours away, the Philadelphia Eagles are once again at the center of league-wide speculation. The latest draft intel points to a familiar theme: Philadelphia will prioritize value, versatility, and the trenches. Offensive line and defensive line remain the most commonly linked positions, but cornerback is also gaining traction as a potential early-round target. There's also a growing belief that the Eagles could explore a trade-down, allowing them to accumulate additional picks in a deep draft class.
As always, predicting Philadelphia's exact move is challenging. The front office has consistently stayed disciplined, sticking to its board and capitalizing on opportunities as they arise. What is clear, however, is that the Eagles are positioned to add impact talent. Whether they stay put or move back, expect a calculated approach designed to keep the roster among the NFL's elite.
We're looking at the latest intel surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles hours before Round 1, including draft rumors, targets, and what insiders are hearing ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt. If the Eagles are thinking about their future at tight end, why not draft the player who set combine records in the broad jump (11 feet, 3 inches) and vertical jump (45.5 inches)? Stowers could open up the Eagles' offense with the ball in his hands. And though he's not a classic in-line blocker, he is capable of sealing off the edge against linebackers and safeties.-- Miller
A potential June trade of wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots looms over both teams with their offseason programs beginning Monday and the NFL Draft later this week. NFL executives have said they expect the Patriots to acquire Brown after June 1, when a trade becomes more manageable for the Eagles, The Athletic’s Mike Sando wrote, and those expectations have not changed as the draft nears.
This report from NFL.com suggests Philadelphia could target the Vanderbilt tight end.
And with multiple teams slated to select in the back end of the round needing an RB or TE, I could see at least one of those squads falling in love with the likes of Jadarian Price (Seahawks?) or Eli Stowers (Eagles, Patriots, Chiefs?). And that would bring the total to five, which is my magic number. According to NFL IQ's draft data, the QB-RB-TE first-round total has hit five or more in 72% of drafts since 2008; WRs, on the other hand, have reached five or more in just 41% of drafts during that same time frame. And though that wideout number has trended higher in recent first rounds, I think we're in store for some late-round surprises this year.
Look for the Eagles to focus on addressing the offense early in the draft — and not necessarily with the 2026 offense in mind. General manager Howie Roseman has been candid about the Eagles’ desire to add more young, cost-controlled players on offense. They’ve been so defense-heavy in the early rounds in recent years, and Roseman knows he must reverse that trend.
Howie Roseman has talked about building for the future, and any compensation for A.J. Brown could impact future NFL Drafts.
“My guess is (the trade) will involve a future (first-round pick) at some point in time,” Schefter said. “I don’t know that it’ll be 2027 or 2028. The two sides still have to figure that out and see where they wind up. But I think the Eagles had been looking for a first-round pick, at least, for A.J. Brown. … So, my guess is that trade will include a first-round pick in the end when the two sides wind up agreeing to whatever deal they come up with.” Schefter added: “There’s not another team out there that I can see other than New England where A.J. Brown’s gonna wind up.”
The Athletic believes it's down to one of two preferred offensive tackles, Kadyn Proctor and Monroe Freeling, two young and athletic prospects.
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor or Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling fit this description. If the Eagles had their way, my guess is they’d draft an offensive tackle. Both are high-upside linemen who could become potential Lane Johnson replacements with development. Proctor has the added benefit of being able to swing inside to guard early in his career. Both are under 22 years old and come from programs the Eagles trust. (Five of the Eagles’ last six first-round picks came from Alabama or Georgia.) The question is whether they’ll slip to a territory for the Eagles.
Whether it's Monroe Freeling, Blake Miller, or Kadyn Proctor, Philadelphia covets an athletic offensive tackle.
What should Howie Roseman and the Eagles do on draft day? 🤔The NFL Draft Daily crew discuss Philadelphia's possibilities 🦅 pic.twitter.com/II8nZzPmzX
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles NFL draft intel: Key rumors before Round 1