The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here, and with the Philadelphia Eagles holding the 23rd overall pick, fans are buzzing with anticipation. What kind of player could be headed to the City of Brotherly Love? A look back at the last decade of picks at No. 23 reveals a fascinating mix of Pro Bowl stars, solid starters, and cautionary tales, offering a glimpse into the potential future for any team in that slot.
This year, the spotlight is on the Eagles, and history shows this pick can yield game-changing talent. The recent track record is particularly intriguing for a team looking to add a dynamic playmaker or a cornerstone lineman.
Starting with the most recent selections, the 2025 pick, wide receiver Matthew Golden, showed promise as a rookie with the Green Bay Packers, hauling in 29 catches for 361 yards. The 2024 selection, LSU product Brian Thomas Jr., has already blossomed into a star for the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning a Pro Bowl nod with nearly 2,000 receiving yards in just two seasons.
Going back a bit, the 2023 pick, Jordan Addison, has been a touchdown machine for the Minnesota Vikings, finding the end zone 24 times in three years. The 2022 selection, cornerback Kaiir Elam, has provided depth for multiple teams, including the Bills and Cowboys, showcasing the versatility often found in this range.
Some of the biggest hits at No. 23 have come in the trenches. The 2021 pick, Christian Darrisaw, is now widely considered one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles after five seasons anchoring the Vikings' line. Similarly, the 2017 selection, Tytus Howard, was a mainstay for the Houston Texans for seven years before a recent trade, proving the value of a reliable tackle.
The pick has also delivered defensive stalwarts. Kenneth Murray Jr. (2020) has been a tackling machine for over six seasons, while Shane Ray (2015) made an immediate impact with 14 sacks, helping the Denver Broncos win a championship early in his career.
Of course, not every pick reaches its ceiling. Players like Isaiah Wynn (2018) and Laquon Treadwell (2016) had careers defined more by durability issues and unmet expectations than sustained stardom, reminding us that the draft is always an imperfect science.
Yet, the success stories are compelling. Evan Engram (2017) has reinvented himself as a dynamic, Pro Bowl tight end, highlighting how talent at No. 23 can develop into a long-term weapon.
For the Eagles, this history is a roadmap. It shows that with astute evaluation, the 23rd pick can secure a foundational player capable of wearing midnight green for years to come. Whether they target the next Christian Darrisaw or a playmaker like Brian Thomas Jr., the legacy of pick No. 23 is one of significant opportunity.