With the 2026 NFL Draft just over a week away, the speculation is reaching its peak. ESPN's legendary draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his final first-round projection, and for the Philadelphia Eagles at pick No. 23, he sees a move to fortify the trenches.

Kiper projects the Eagles to select Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, a shift from his earlier mocks that had Philly targeting other positions. This pick addresses a critical long-term need on the offensive line, a unit that has been the backbone of the Eagles' success for years.

Explaining the selection, Kiper highlighted General Manager Howie Roseman's proactive roster management. "The Eagles don’t typically let future needs become current problems," Kiper wrote. He pointed to the aging legend Lane Johnson, who will be 36, as a key factor, stating the value for a tackle here was too good to pass up. Miller, with over 3,500 snaps at right tackle for Clemson, is seen as a perfect schematic and cultural fit.

The projection aligns with a growing consensus in the draft community. Miller has been a popular name linked to the Eagles in recent weeks, with analysts from Yahoo!, USA Today, and The Draft Network, among others, making the same connection. His profile—6-foot-6, 315 pounds, with elite athleticism and 54 college starts—epitomizes the type of player Roseman has historically coveted for the Eagles' offensive line.

If the pick comes to fruition, Miller would join one of the league's most respected units, providing immediate depth and a clear pathway to becoming the heir apparent at right tackle. For a team built on physicality and line play, securing a cornerstone blocker like Miller could be a pivotal move for the Eagles' future.