Tag: NFL Draft

• What you should know
• The third and final day of the 2026 NFL Draft is underway on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network.
• The Eagles were busy on Friday, trading for Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and drafting two offensive players – tight end Eli Stowers and offensive lineman Markel Bell.
• Greenard was introduced Saturday in South Philly after attending the Eagles game the night before. He was impressed by the crowd.
• The Birds early draft haul was promising, but the Greenard deal outshined the picks, according to Jeff McLane. Columnist Marcus Hayes wrote it’s just the latest example of “Howie SZN”.
• The Birds traded up Thursday to take USC WR Makai Lemon at No. 20, which all but confirms the departure of A.J. Brown. Lemon met with the Philly media Friday.
• Follow our complete coverage of the 2026 NFL draft.

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 2:33pm

Greenard shares his respect for Eagles history

As the newest Eagles edge rusher, Greenard expressed an understanding that he isn’t just representing the current group. He emphasized his admiration for the players of the past, including Brandon Graham, Chris Long, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat, who have set the standard for the newcomers.

“I respect the hell out of the guys that have come before me, and all I can do is continue to just carry that light and make sure the things they’ve done in the past doesn’t go in vain,” Greenard said. “So I love everything about it. I love the historic franchise. I’m wanting to be a part of that.

“I want to be a part of having some hardware on my finger.”

— Olivia Reiner

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 2:13pm

Still rehabbing, Greenard thinks he could play today

Football has been on the back burner for the last several months as new Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard recovered from season-ending left shoulder surgery in December. The injury limited him to just 12 games in 2025. Greenard said he is still rehabbing, but he is making progress.

“They don’t want me to say it, but if we had to play, I could play,” Greenard said. “But ultimately, man, I feel good. I’m in a good spot, and coming here with the best trainers as well, and the best docs here, stuff like that, I know I’m in good hands.”

As he gets back on football field in 2026, Greenard will look to return to the Pro Bowl form he achieved in 2024, his first season with the Vikings. That year, he registered 12 sacks, four forced fumbles, three pass breakups, and 18 tackles for a loss.

— Olivia Reiner

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 1:28pm

Will the Steelers get in trouble for the Makai Lemon phone call?

By now you’ve heard that Makai Lemon was on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers when the Eagles were trying to reach him to make the USC wide receiver their first-round pick.

But the Steelers may have been violating a league rule.

They weren’t on the clock until pick No. 21, and were apparently unaware the Eagles jumped in front of them and traded with Dallas for pick No. 20.

Former Eagles executive turned consultant Jake Rosenberg pointed out on X Friday that “clubs that are not ‘on the clock’ may have discussions with the representative of one or more draft-eligible players not yet selected (or discussion with the players themselves) regarding the player’s interest in playing in the League, playing with a particular club or type of club, the player’s health, or other such non-financial matters, so long as these discussions do not interfere with discussions between a player and the club that is ‘on the clock.’”

According to Pro Football Talk, that is the correct interpretation of the rule, and PFT reached out to the NFL about the rule. “The league reviews all aspects of the Draft the week after its conclusion,” the NFL told PFT in a statement.

It’s unclear of course if the league will do anything about the phone call, of course, or just chalk it up to an simple mistake. It certainly made for embarrassing opening night for Pittsburgh, the draft’s host city.

The Eagles got their guy, and the Steelers had to settle for Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor.

— Jeff Neiburg

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 1:09pm

Downingtown West grad selected by Dallas

Drew Shelton, a two-year starter at Penn State and a Downingtown West graduate, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys 112th overall in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

Shelton, who succeeded Jets offensive linemen Olu Fashanu at left tackle beginning in the 2024 season, becomes the second consecutive Downingtown West graduate to get drafted. Will Howard was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of last year’s draft.

Leading up to the draft, Shelton was training in Dallas with Duke Manyweather, the offensive line guru and the cofounder of OL Masterminds with Lane Johnson.

Now, he will have an opportunity to return at least once a year when Dallas travels to Philly for one of two matchups inside of the NFC East.

— Devin Jackson

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 12:40pm

Howie Roseman has found some gems on Day 3

The Eagles only have three remaining picks on Saturday — for now — and they’re not on the lock until pick No. 178, but this day has historically brought them some important players.

To be sure, some not-so-good players, too. And only having three picks makes it a little less statistically likely they have a high hit rate on the Day 3 class in 2026.

But in case you need some reminding, here are some of Howie Roseman’s best Day 3 picks:

C Jason Kelce: The Eagles picked the future Hall of Fame center at No. 191 (sixth round), helping save an otherwise bad 2011 draft class that started with Danny Watkins, the first-round firefighter, and second-round pick Jaiquawn Jarrett.

LT Jordan Mailata: Mailata had never played American football before the Eagles selected him in the seventh round in 2018. He’s now one of the steadiest left tackles in football, and part of arguably the best Eagles draft class under Roseman.

DT Moro Ojomo: Ojomo is another seventh-round steal, this one in 2023. Ojomo has turned into a productive interior defensive lineman who likely will earn a nice paycheck in free agency after this season.

DE Josh Sweat: Sweat, a fourth-round pick in that 2018 class, had a strong argument for Super Bowl MVP two seasons ago.

CB Jalen Mills: Another seventh-round pick, Mills helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl.

There are some notable honorable mentions, too: Kenneth Gainwell; Tanner McKee; Avonte Maddox; Beau Allen; Grant Calcaterra; and more.

— Jeff Neiburg

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 12:03pm

Day 3 of the NFL draft kicks off with a trade

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 11:59am

Greenard got his first taste of Philly at Sixers game: ‘It’s different up here’

New Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has never played at Lincoln Financial Field, but he got a taste of Philadelphia fans during Friday night’s Sixers playoff game at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

“They lost, but that was a crazy environment,” Greenard said. “I was just at the Hawks game back home in Georgia. Looking at that and comparing the two, I was just like, man, this environment was way, way, way better. No disrespect to them. Ultimately, man, it’s different up here. They take pride in it. They take pride in everything they do. It’s a blue collar city. When you work your tail off, everything is going to be rewarded back to you. They’re just passionate, and I love that.

“Ultimately, they want one thing. And why not? We want the same thing. I carry that chip on my shoulder. I respect the hell out of this city, respect the hell out of this [organization], and I just definitely understand what putting this jersey on, putting this helmet on, actually means to this city. And I’m going to take pride in that.”

— Jeff Neiburg

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 11:48am

How Jonathan Greenard sees himself fitting on Eagles defense

The Eagles introduced their new edge rusher, Jonathan Greenard, Saturday morning, just over 12 hours after acquiring him from the Vikings for a pair of third round picks.

So what does he think of the defense already in place? And how does he see himself fitting alongside the team’s current front seven?

“If you look at it across the board, they’ve got some dogs,” Greenard said of the Eagles current defensive front. “Already, you start interior-wise, [Moro] Ojomo and obviously J.C. [Jalen Carter] and J.D. [Jordan Davis], they’re going to do their things. On the edge guys, it’s such a young presence and guys who are just relentless. I feel like that’s where I can add to it, just like a vet presence. You’ve got Nolan [Smith] already doing his thing and elevating his game, and Jalyx [Hunt] as well. …

“All these guys are just hungry, and I think that adding my little expertise, and then still bringing my relentless energy and my effort to the game and polishing up my techniques — because I’m still learning too. Even though I’m a vet, I still feel like I’ve got a long way to go polishing up my technique. But just adding to what has already been put here is something I want to bring to the table. I’m not going to change anything up, change anything about what I do myself, just going to play ball and keep doing what I’ve done since I’ve been in the league.”

— Matt Mullin

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 11:30am

Eagles introduce Jonathan Greenard

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 10:09am

Former Eagles receiver coached Eli Stowers in college

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 9:32am

Watch Markel Bell find out he’s going to the Eagles

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 8:27am

Eagles 2026 NFL draft pick tracker

On Friday, the Eagles used their second-round pick on Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and a third-round pick to take Miami offensive lineman Markel Bell.

The Birds traded their other third-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings as part of a deal to acquire linebacker Jonathan Greenard.

The Eagles enter the third and final day of the draft with three picks, at least for now. Here’s a look at their picks:

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 8:25am

With only three picks, what’s the Eagles plan for Day 3?

On Day 3 of the draft, Howie Roseman has said in the past he is looking for players with unique traits who can develop into starters.

But as it currently stands, the Eagles are set to take fewer swings at identifying those future starters on the draft’s final day. Roseman has just three picks at his disposal — Round 5, No. 178, Round 6, No. 197, and Round 7, No. 244. He traded 2026 picks away to move up for Makai Lemon and to acquire Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings and Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers.

Roseman considers Greenard and Wicks to be exploits of this draft, even though they are veterans. Still, Roseman expressed a sense of longing for his since-departed Day 3 picks.

“It stinks,” Roseman said on Friday night. “We have a great meeting tomorrow morning where everyone has passion players on Day 3. Not picking in the fourth round hurts, but I think that when we look at what we’ve done and the players that we added overall, we’ll get through those couple hours and be excited about the guys we have and the opportunities that we have tomorrow to add some players.”

What are the Eagles’ remaining needs?

On Day 3, the likelihood that the Eagles will be addressing immediate roster needs are slim. Instead, as mentioned above, they’ll attempt to identify players with starting upside.

Still, the biggest question mark among the starting jobs is at safety alongside Drew Mukuba. Michael Carter and Marcus Epps are the likely contenders for the gig, but could the Eagles add a competitor to the mix, either through the draft or via trade?

While the Eagles added a tackle in the third round on Friday in Markel Bell, they likely aren’t finished adding to the offensive line. Last year, the Eagles went into training camp with 17 offensive linemen. As the roster currently stands, they have 13. One noteworthy deficiency is guard depth behind Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen.

The Eagles will also add a quarterback at some point before training camp. Typically, the team carries four quarterbacks on the 90-man roster. The room currently stands at three with Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Andy Dalton.

Additionally, the Eagles have four running backs on the roster in Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and Dameon Pierce. Last year, they went into training camp with seven.

— Olivia Reiner

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 8:23am

Day 3 draft options for the Eagles

Here are a few players who have been connected to the Eagles during the pre-draft process and are still available:

OT Jude Bowry, Boston College

Bowry, the 6-foot-5, 314-pounder, was a two-year starter at left tackle at Boston College. He is heralded for his athleticism at the position, as evidenced by his 5.08 40-yard dash (80th percentile) and his 34.5-inch vertical jump (96th percentile). Bowry could be better suited for guard at the next level given his size, although he did not play the position in college.

RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Could the Eagles add another running back from Penn State? According to PennLive, Singleton took a pre-draft visit to the Eagles. While the top of the team’s depth chart is set with Barkley and Bigsby, Singleton could still compete for a role with Shipley and Pierce. Singleton had an underwhelming 2025 season and broke a bone in his foot at the Senior Bowl, hence his availability on Day 3. But he was stellar in 2024 as a junior, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards.

DB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina

Kilgore, 6-1, 210, is a versatile defensive back who primarily played at nickel throughout his three seasons at South Carolina. Over the last two seasons in particular, he had excellent ball production, combining for seven interceptions and 15 pass breakups in that span. Those skills combined with his elite athleticism (4.4 40-yard dash) should be enticing to a team like the Eagles in search of a prospective starting safety.

— Olivia Reiner

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 8:20am

Jonathan Greenard was at the Sixers game when trade news broke

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// Timestamp 04/25/26 8:18am

Howie Roseman explains Eagles’ moves on ‘eventful’ Day 2

Jonathan Greenard, edge rusher

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman sat at the podium Friday night after what he called an “eventful” Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft.

The Birds made two draft picks, but the bigger move was acquiring Minnesota edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who the Eagles signed to a four-year deal worth $100 million.

“There wasn’t a game that we didn’t watch of his, and what you see is a relentless player,” Roseman said. “We just felt like we had a really good D-line but we wanted to elevate it.

“It really made sense with where our football team was to acquire the player.”

Markel Bell, offensive lineman

Roseman called 6-foot-9 tackle Markel Bell, the Eagles’ third-round pick, a “passion player” throughout the draft process.

The Eagles selected Bell with the 68th pick. He has rare size at the position and didn’t allow a sack in 2025. Roseman said he wondered what might happen if the 21-year-old Bell went back to college for another year. As in, he probably would be a more sought-after prospect next draft cycle.

“Really, when you watch the tape, he is hard to get around in pass protection,” Roseman said. “This was a guy that’s hard to find.”

Eli Stowers, tight end

Stowers, a first-team All-American, had 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns with the Commodores. The 6-foot-4, 239-pound native of Texas is a former quarterback who has played tight end for just three seasons after beginning his college career at Texas A&M as a quarterback.

Shoulder injuries made it so that Stowers “couldn’t throw the ball the same,” he said. He transferred to New Mexico State, where he competed with Diego Pavia for the starting quarterback job. Pavia won, but Stowers went into offensive coordinator Tim Beck’s office and told him he’d do “anything” to get on the field, he said.

He transitioned to tight end, went with Pavia and the coaching staff to Vanderbilt, and has excelled.

“I think it’s exciting that he has only played the position for a short time,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “We’ve done a ton of homework on the guy, obviously. Great character guy. High football IQ having played quarterback. Those guys continue to develop, and excited to work with him because he’s got a lot of room to improve.”

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said “Stowers will need to prove himself as a serviceable blocker at the NFL level, but he is explosive as a pass catcher, and I love the way he maximizes his catch radius. He has mismatch-creating potential and can eventually develop into an NFL starter.”

— Jeff Neiburg

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What time does the final day of the NFL draft start?

The final day of the 2025 NFL draft — which consists of rounds four through seven — is scheduled to begin at noon Eastern and run through about 6 p.m.

Here’s everything you need to know to watch or stream:

• When: Saturday, April 25
• Where: Pittsburgh
• Time: noon Eastern
• TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes
• Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+

— Rob Tornoe

// Timestamp 04/25/26 8:10am

With the NFL draft about a month away, the Eagles will escalate the process of scouting prospects either at pro days or by bringing them to visit their Philadelphia facilities in the lead-up to the April 23-25 event.

The Birds, along with the other 31 teams in the NFL, are allotted 30 private meetings with draft prospects, but players who are local to the NFL teams don’t count toward those meetings.

The Eagles’ predraft visits have usually been a good indicator of which players they may draft — and even who they might eventually target in free agency. Last year, the Eagles did not draft anyone who reportedly took a predraft visit to Philly, but five of the nine players the Eagles drafted in 2024 were brought to the Eagles’ facilities, and in 2023, Jalen Carter, Kelee Ringo, and Nolan Smith each visited the Birds during the predraft process.

Free agent acquisition Arnold Ebiketie, who started his collegiate career at Temple before transferring to Penn State, visited the Eagles during the 2022 draft process before getting selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round.

Here’s a look at the first of the reported top-30 visits for the Eagles.

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Top Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. is visiting the Eagles facilities on Wednesday, according to Houston TV station KPRC 2. Cooper was the top wideout for the national champion Hoosiers, connecting with Heisman winner and likely No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Cooper finished the season with 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The Eagles seem to be doing their homework on the wide receiver class. Star wideout A.J. Brown’s status has been one of the biggest questions of the NFL offseason. Cooper’s visit comes just a day after the team added slot receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown on a one-year deal.

Cooper, who has the speed to run by a secondary and is hard to bring down in the open field, primarily operated as a slot receiver in Indiana’s offense. The receiver also has strong hands at the catch point, terrific body control in contested catch situations, and can create after the catch — according to Pro Football Focus, he forced 27 missed tackles last season.

He didn’t have a diverse route tree in college and doesn’t command many, if any outside receiver targets, but he’s a receiver that will thrive on vertical throws and winning one-on-one matchups in the slot against nickels and safeties.

The NFL Scouting Combine doesn’t have quite the same participation that it had before the COVID pandemic, which was further illustrated last week. Several position groups were impacted by the number of players opting to test athletically at their pro days, which made for historically low testing numbers for all but one position group in Indianapolis.

But for those who did test, it was an opportunity to showcase their skill set in front of NFL personnel for the latest piece of the scouting puzzle. From an Eagles perspective, there were a few potential targets whose stock was impacted.

With free agency looming, here are some of the risers and fallers leaving the combine:

Risers

Chris Johnson, DB, San Diego State

The predraft process for Johnson has helped elevate his draft stock. Johnson, a sticky coverage player in man and zone coverages who also is competitive at the catch point, showed he was an elite athlete, too, with his athletic testing.

At the combine, Johnson ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, jumped a 38-inch vertical, leaped 10 feet, 6 inches in the broad jump, and tied for the most bench press reps among cornerbacks with 17. He interviewed well for NFL teams meeting with him in Indianapolis.

His predraft rise is similar to that of Quinyon Mitchell, a Group of Four player who continued checking boxes at every stop. Johnson won’t go as high as Mitchell did in 2024, but he has some late first-round buzz coming out of the combine.

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Freeling, though he has just 16 career starts, feels like he is slipping from the Eagles’ range in the first round. His final game at Georgia, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Ole Miss, was the most complete performance of his career and he now seems unlikely to get out of the top half of the first round.

Freeling tied for the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash among offensive linemen at the combine (4.93 seconds), third-longest broad jump (9-7) and fifth-highest vertical (33.5 inches). He slipped a few times during the on-field drills but still looked like a natural athlete with light feet.

He is going as high as No. 6 overall to the Cleveland Browns in post-combine mock drafts, which indicates just how highly he is thought of in draft circles.

Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana

Cooper was a popular Day 2 draft pick for several teams before the combine, including the Eagles, but after hearing the buzz in Indianapolis about the Indiana wide receiver, it is becoming increasingly unlikely he makes it beyond Round 1.

Cooper only ran the 40-yard dash (4.46 seconds) and participated in the vertical jump (37 inches), but he has checked several boxes for NFL teams and has the skill set and production to match his speed.

Cooper played primarily in the slot in college, but his vertical catching ability and strong hands with defenders draped over him will translate. Even if the Eagles end up addressing wide receiver early, there’s a good possibility Cooper is off the board by the time they pick in the first round.

Fallers

Jermod McCoy, DB, Tennessee

When healthy, McCoy is one of the best defensive backs in this draft class, but he missed all of 2025 with a torn ACL and elected to skip the combine. Nailing down his draft stock has been difficult because teams are not sure if he is the same player, athletically, postinjury.

He falls on this list because of the questions surrounding his long-term health, as opposed to other first-round corners including LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Clemson’s Avieon Terrell.

Stash McCoy’s name in case he doesn’t test as well as expected during his pro day on March 31. The Eagles showed last year with Jihaad Campbell that they are willing to take a swing on a player who had injury concerns before the draft.

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

After a strong Senior Bowl performance, Hunter, a disruptive, run-stopping defensive tackle, was getting late first-round buzz and even appeared in our first mock draft of the cycle. But his subpar testing numbers may hinder him from going that early in the draft.

Hunter’s 40-yard dash time (5.18 seconds) was as expected for a player who is 6-3, 318 pounds, but jumping a 21.5-inch vertical and 8-4 broad isn’t a first-round athleticism profile. Coupled with his limited pass rushing ability, Hunter feels closer to a late second-round player rather than back end of the first.

Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

Like Hunter, Fields was starting to get some late first round, early second round buzz after a standout week in Mobile, Ala., to begin the draft cycle. But even for a taller receiver (6-4, 218), he didn’t run as well as many expected in the 40-yard dash (4.61 seconds), though it’s not the end-all, be-all.

He did have some nice explosive jumps (38 inch vertical, 10-4 broad) along with an excellent three-cone time (6.98 seconds). But during on-field drills, he had some tightness in his hips when he tried to sink them while changing direction.

Fields still likely will get drafted on Day 2, could start early in his NFL career, and might be a nice option to replace A.J. Brown if the Eagles trade the star receiver. But it would be surprising to hear Fields’ name called in Round 1 in April.

Other notes

• Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, a consistent riser during this process, met with the Eagles during the combine and had a strong testing performance on Sunday. He could be one of seven tackles drafted in the first round, along with Clemson tackle Blake Miller, with whom the Eagles also met in Indianapolis. Miller also had a strong testing day.

• Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman solidified himself as a first-rounder with elite testing at the combine and seems likely to be the second safety selected after Caleb Downs. His range starts in the late teens, with the Minnesota Vikings picking 18th. College teammate Kenyon Sadiq, the draft’s top tight end prospect, also seems to be trending up as a potential top-20 selection, which could be out of the Eagles’ range.
• Utah tackle Spencer Fano, who could be an Eagles draft target, showcased his snapping ability after position drills on Sunday, which could give him the versatility to play center, guard, or tackle. Teams like the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, who lost their centers this offseason, could be in play for Fano if he doesn’t get drafted inside the top 15.

With the NFL scouting combine in the rearview mirror, the collective focus will now turn to the fast-approaching free agency period, which will help paint a clearer view of what needs remain ahead of April’s draft.

But the past week also gave teams an opportunity to meet and learn more about the next group of NFL players. Some team fits have began to materialize, including what the Eagles may end up doing with the 23rd pick.

Here’s how we’re projecting our second first-round mock draft of this draft cycle:

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The buzz coming out of the combine is that Las Vegas is locked in on Mendoza atop the draft. That was the consensus coming into the combine, and the same remains true leaving it.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State

After an elite testing performance, Reese all but sealed his likelihood of getting selected inside the top 4, and the scuttlebutt from the combine all pointed to the Jets coaching staff favoring the versatile Ohio State player.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

Bain didn’t test at the combine, but most teams aren’t deterred from drafting the standout Miami edge early in the draft. He can rush from the interior and as an outside pass rusher, and is a stout run defender that can help the rebuilding Cardinals.

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love’s range begins here, but in this scenario, Tennessee opts to take Bailey, who showed off his linear explosiveness and speed at the combine. Robert Saleh gets his pass rusher to build around for the future.

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles was already getting top-10 buzz coming into the combine, but his unreal testing performance (4.46 second 40-yard dash, 43.5-inch vertical jump, 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump, and 7.09 second three-cone) and New York’s need at linebacker may be too enticing for them to pass up.

6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Freeling’s stock continues to rise, despite making just 16 career starts. Cleveland gets a much-needed upgrade at a premium position with an elite athlete who shows promise as a pass protector and blocking out in space.

7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The idea of pairing Love with Jayden Daniels in the backfield would give nightmares to the NFC East and the rest of the conference. Love is a three-down back with elite speed (4.36 second 40-yard dash) and pass catching ability.

8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Despite running a 4.53 second 40-yard dash, Tate excels as a route runner when matched up one-on-one against defensive backs and gives Tyler Shough another outside receiver weapon to pair with former Ohio State teammate Chris Olave.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Kansas City’s offensive line has struggled, and Mauigoa can fill a need at either tackle or guard. He also said at his podium this weekend that he will play any of the five spots on an offensive line, which gives Kansas City the flexibility to play him at tackle or guard.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Despite not testing at the combine, Downs is the most instinctual player in the draft and received rave reviews in his interviews with teams from across the league. Cincinnati seems to be the floor of where he will be selected in the first round.

11. Miami Dolphins: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State

This one is a bit of a surprise, considering Miami’s needs in the secondary, but Ioane has an argument as the best offensive lineman in the class and could help solidify a group that struggled at both guard spots last season.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, DB, LSU

One of the worst-kept secrets is Dallas’ intention of drafting a cornerback early, and here that would get them Delane, a smooth cornerback with excellent anticipatory and ball skills that should fit under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Oregon tight end tested historically well at the combine for the tight end position, and seems unlikely to make it out of the top 20. In joining Los Angeles, Sadiq gives Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford a receiving weapon that can replace free agent Tyler Higbee’s production.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Woods’ stock is difficult to figure out because of his uneven play in 2025, but the Clemson defensive tackle’s pass rushing and gap shooting ability would be a nice addition to a defensive line that features Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M

Getting more consistent edge rusher production will be among the priorities for Tampa this offseason, and Howell brings that ability, despite having short arms (30¼-inch arms). He has shown the ability to win on a two-way go off the edge.

16. New York Jets (via Colts): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Lemon looked smooth during the on-field combine drills, but there are concerns with his athletic profile. However, New York needs more playmakers in itsreceiver room and Lemon thrives at the catch point and after the catch.

17. Detroit Lions: Avieon Terrell, DB, Clemson

Detroit has needs along the offensive line, but Terrell has the fearless mentality, ball skills, and coverage instincts to fit at multiple spots in the secondary. Amik Robertson is set to be a free agent and Terrell played outside corner and nickel in college.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Jermod McCoy, DB, Tennessee

McCoy opted to not participate in the combine, and there is no guarantee he will at his pro day either, which could scare some teams from drafting him. He has shutdown corner ability, got his hands on the football in both man and zone coverages and would fit nicely in Brian Flores’ aggressive defense.

19. Carolina Panthers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson’s medical checks could have him go a lot lower than expected, but his fall ends here with Carolina, especially with Xavier Legette’s unclear future with the team. The Arizona State wideout is dynamic at the catch point and can win as a route runner in the slot and as an outside receiver.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

Faulk, who showed some lower-body explosiveness at the combine (35-inch vertical, 9-9 broad jump), is an excellent run defender who played in a contain style of defense, which limited his pass rushing ability.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Spencer Fano, OT/OG, Utah

Isaac Seumalo could be on the way out for Pittsburgh, leaving an opening at guard for the Steelers. Fano has great feet and hands as a tackle, but his movement skills and run blocking disposition could be accentuated even more at guard.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma

Thomas did not run very well at the combine (4.67-second 40-yard dash) but he’s got an elite first step and can beat tackles on their outside or inside shoulders. Los Angeles desperately needs more juice from its pass rushers.

23. Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Eagles showed significant interest in the tight ends and offensive linemen at the combine, and Proctor was among their formal meetings. The Alabama tackle said the Birds “have expressed a lot of interest in me,” during the process, and rightfully so, considering size, athleticism, and run blocking displacement skills.

He also admitted he was open to playing in the interior, a spot the Eagles could upgrade this offseason. He certainly checks the box for the “critical factors” the Eagles look for in offensive linemen.

24. Browns (via Jaguars): Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion is a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands and would give Cleveland’s offense a much-needed vertical threat for whoever is under center next season, whether it’s Shedeur Sanders or a free agent signing like Malik Willis.

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Thieneman was the pleasant surprise of the combine, testing like an elite athlete (4.35 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical, 10-5 broad jump) and showcasing the range to play as a single-high safety and the instincts to play a box safety role. With Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson hitting free agency, Chicago gets a potential Day 1 impact player.

26. Buffalo Bills: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

Allen, the standout Georgia linebacker, has good instincts and playmaking skills at the second level of a defense and fills a need with Matt Milano set to hit free agency for Buffalo.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Jauan Jennings is set to hit free agency this offseason, and the 49ers may be looking for his replacement in the draft. Boston is a big receiver who can win vertically and thrives at the catch point with his strong hands and impressive body control on jump balls.

28. Houston Texans: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Banks tested like a solid athlete at the combine, but he only played in three games in 2025 and needs to improve his pad level and down-to-down consistency. But his skill set will fit nicely in DeMeco Ryans’ defense.

29. Rams: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The Rams have a big need at corner, but instead they upgrade the right tackle spot with Miller, who has light feet in pass protection and the grip strength to stop pass rushers in his tracks. He also has the athleticism to block in space, a big component of Sean McVay’s offense.

30. Denver Broncos: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

One name that kept popping up as a first-round player last week was Cooper, who has the speed to run by defensive backs (4.46-second 40-yard dash) and is tough to bring down in the open field after the catch. He would be a nice, complementary piece in Denver’s offense.

31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson

The Patriots need more impactful pass rushers, and Parker relies on his power and is a physical run defender that can stack and shed offensive linemen in the run game. He also has experience dropping into coverage.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson, DB, San Diego State

Johnson’s rise is similar to Quinyon Mitchell’s a few years ago — Johnson crushed the predraft process first at the Senior Bowl, then at the combine (4.4 second 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical, 10-6 broad jump). He is a sticky coverage player in man and zone coverages, and is competitive at the catch point, and fills a need for Seattle in the secondary.

INDIANAPOLIS — In each of the past two drafts, the Eagles diverged from their typical first-round philosophy.

In 2024, general manager Howie Roseman ended the organization’s 22-year drought in selecting a defensive back in the first round when he drafted Quinyon Mitchell. Last year, Roseman and the Eagles drafted South Jersey native and linebacker Jihaad Campbell, from a position that had previously not been an early-round priority.

The Eagles roster needs retooling heading into the 2026 season, and among the potential needs are at safety and tight end. The Birds have never drafted a first-round safety and haven’t selected a tight end that early since 1988.

With tight ends Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Kylen Granson, and safeties Marcus Epps and Reed Blankenship all set to be free agents, could Roseman and the Eagles buck another trend?

Here is what we’ve learned about the Eagles’ interest in draft prospects so far at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine:

Interest in tight ends is real

The Eagles have spent a significant amount of time speaking with tight ends this week in Indianapolis. Roseman recently talked about needing “more of a diverse skill set at that position” last season.

The prized player of the group is Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, the consensus top tight end of this class, but he had not yet met with the Eagles when he held his podium session Thursday afternoon.

There were several other players the Eagles did meet with, informally and formally. NC State’s Justin Joly, Georgia’s Oscar Delp, Ohio State’s Max Klare, Texas’ Jack Endries, Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, and Ole Miss’ Dae’Quan Wright were among the players who met with the Eagles this week.

Klare, Delp, Joly, and Stowers are more like the tight ends the Eagles have drafted in the past, majoring as receivers with deficiencies as blockers, while Endries and Wright are a little more well-rounded as blockers.

Eagles running backs coach Jemal Singleton coached Texas A&M’s Nate Boerkircher at the Senior Bowl as part of Eagles D-line coach Clint Hurtt’s staff, and Boerkircher met informally with the Eagles this week at the combine. Boerkircher plays a more traditional in-line tight end role and is a physical blocker who revels in doing the dirty work that doesn’t always equate to targets and catches.

“I think [NFL teams] like my toughness and my high motor,” Boerkircher said Thursday. “I don’t have, you know, crazy stats. So that limited stats thing is brought up a little bit, and we talked about that, but [my film] shows what it needs to show.”

Ohio State’s Will Kacmarek is one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft class, and while there hasn’t been any reported interest from the Eagles, he would be a welcome addition to a room that needs that type of player.

Even if the Eagles don’t draft Sadiq in the first round, there are several other players that seem to be piquing the team’s interest.

Another Toledo prospect?

The Eagles struck gold by drafting Mitchell from Toledo, which continues to churn out NFL secondary talent. And there are three more players from the Rockets program in this class.

There’s one specifically, though, that the Eagles brought in for a formal interview, and that’s safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The 6-foot-3 player is explosive, can defend the run, and has short-area coverage ability. He has excellent ball skills to intercept the ball and force fumbles, and was teammates with Mitchell for two years at Toledo.

“[Mitchell] was a motivation for us, so he just pushed us to be great, pushed us to work hard every day and be the best person we could be,” McNeil-Warren said of his former teammate. “Just coming in [to Toledo], knowing you got a chip on your shoulder, especially for a small school … just the work ethic we put in, we just got to keep grinding.”

McNeil-Warren tested well for his size at the combine, running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, jumping a 35.5 inch vertical, and a 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump. He is among two other safeties that could go in the first round, which includes consensus top-10 pick Caleb Downs and Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, who had an outstanding testing session.

Even with limited reported interest in the position group, the Eagles should strongly consider drafting a safety with a deep group this year. They may be waiting to bring other top safety prospects in for pre-draft visits over the next month.

Quick hitters

• The Eagles like drafting edge rushers early and often, and it seems like they’re showing interest in bigger body types. They have met with Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton (6-6, 256 pounds), Michigan’s Derrick Moore (6-4, 255), and Duke’s Wesley Williams (6-4, 256). They also showed continued interest in Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker (6-2, 247), who was praised by Hurtt during the Senior Bowl, and Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence (6-4, 253), who received interest from the Eagles at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
• Could fullback be of interest for the Eagles in 2026 under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion? If he does take elements from Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan’s offense, it could include a plan for the position. The Eagles met with Michigan fullback Max Bredeson at the Shrine Bowl. He’s a former high school quarterback and models his game after Alec Ingold, who was in Mike McDaniel’s Shanahan-inspired offense the last two years in Miami.
• The Eagles have met with three receivers so far at the combine, and they’re all in the same mold: slot receivers that can win vertically and over the middle of the field. Clemson’s Antonio Williams, Mississippi State’s Brennan Thompson, and Oklahoma’s Deion Burks are among the list, and Thompson could challenge for being the fastest player at the combine. Williams is particularly interesting considering his ability to block and was a versatile weapon in Clemson’s offense last season.

With the NFL season officially over, attention and focus over the next two months turns to free agency and the draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock with the No. 1 pick, with a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and an expected new quarterback next season.

There is much to consider for the teams picking next. The draft is much stronger on the defensive side of the ball in Round 1, and we could see a run on defensive players similar to what we saw in 2024 when the first 14 picks were offensive players.

The Eagles own the No. 23 overall pick, and their offensive philosophy is expected to undergo changes with Sean Mannion at offensive coordinator. Will they give Jalen Hurts more weapons, rebuild their offensive line, or add another defensive star?

Here’s how we’re projecting the first round of the 2026 NFL draft with the order now officially set:

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, gives the Raiders staff a quarterback to build around as a new era and regime begin in Las Vegas.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/edge, Ohio State

New York has several needs to address and will have multiple first-round picks to do so. Reese is a physical player who has excellent run and chase ability and pass rushing potential, although his best position is linebacker.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

Bain is a game-wrecker. Teams may question his arm length, but his impact on the game is felt no matter where he’s aligned. He would give Arizona some much-needed youth on the defensive line and could become a cornerstone piece on its defense.

4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Quarterback Cam Ward simply needs more weapons as the Robert Saleh era begins in Nashville. Tate is a three-level separator who can be a go-to receiver in a Titans offense that was devoid of a top target last season.

5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami

The right side of the Giants’ offensive line needs upgrades under John Harbaugh, and Mauigoa, the top overall lineman in the draft, can be an immediate starter at guard or tackle.

6. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Cleveland and new coach Todd Monken need plenty of upgrades on offense, but Tyson, a dynamic wideout when healthy, gives whomever plays quarterback next season a top wideout option.

7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Adding Styles would massively upgrade a spot that was constantly attacked last year. The “other” Ohio State linebacker is a reliable tackler, explosive athlete, and excels at slipping past blockers to make plays at and behind the line of scrimmage.

8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Tyler Shough looked like a long-term quarterback option while closing out the Saints’ season. In Lemon, New Orleans gets a wideout to pair with Chris Olave who can win from multiple alignments and is special with the ball in his hands after the catch.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Defensive line could be an alternative priority here for Kansas City, but Love would give this offense a much needed dual talent in the backfield, which has not been the case for most of Patrick Mahomes’ career.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs is one of the smartest and most instinctual players in the draft, with the versatility to play in the box and manned up on a tight end. He would help raise the floor of Cincinnati’s secondary.

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, DB, LSU

Miami must improve at corner under new coach Jeff Hafley, and Delane helps accomplish that. He’s a smooth cornerback with excellent anticipatory and ball skills who proved he can shut down his side of the field in 2025.

12. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech

Bailey is a relentless pass rusher who utilizes his snap count timing and burst to win on the inside and outside shoulders of offensive tackles. He gives Dallas the needed juice they lost after trading Micah Parsons before the start of last season.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Jermod McCoy, DB, Tennessee

McCoy missed all of last season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the offseason. When he was healthy at Tennessee in 2024, he was a shutdown corner who got his hands on the football in both man and zone coverages.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

Faulk is closer to a defensive lineman than an outside linebacker, but he’s an excellent run defender who played a contain style of defense, which limited his pass rushing ability. He would give Baltimore a strong presence on run downs.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Buccaneers were in on Jihaad Campbell last year before taking wide receiver Emeka Egbuka instead in the first round. They won’t ignore the position twice, taking the Georgia linebacker with good instincts and playmaking skills at the second level.

16. New York Jets (via Colts): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

New York has a big hole in the middle of its defense after trading Quinnen Williams at the deadline last season. Banks, who played in only three games last season because of a foot injury, has game-wrecking ability that the Jets need on their defensive line.

17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT/OG, Utah

Detroit must do some reshuffling in its interior offensive line and needs a long-term replacement for Taylor Decker, who turns 33 in August. Fano can fit both roles, although he was primarily a tackle in college.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, DB, Clemson

Former Eagle Isaiah Rodgers played well in 2025 for the Vikings, but the team needs to get younger at the position. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons defensive back AJ Terrell, excels in zone coverage and has a nose for the football.

19. Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Derrick Brown continues to be one of the league’s most underappreciated defensive linemen, but Carolina needs another playmaker to pair with him. Woods wasn’t as good in 2025 as he was as a sophomore, but he still showed flashes of dominance as a pass rusher and run defender.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Another year, another Toledo standout goes in the first round. McNeil-Warren is an outstanding athlete with excellent ball skills who showed he could play a single high safety role.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

A long-term option at quarterback still looks possible here, but Aaron Rodgers is likely returning next year under new coach Mike McCarthy. Pittsburgh gets a ball winner in Boston, who is tough to defend in the red zone and is a smooth route runner.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson

The Chargers continue to get the most out of Khalil Mack, but their edge rushing corps needs more youth in it. Parker, who recouped his draft stock at the Senior Bowl, is a power rusher who can get after the quarterback off the edge.

23. Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq has been mentioned as a popular pick possibility for the Eagles, and for good reason. He’s a dynamic athlete who can be a field stretcher and red zone target, and would fit a Mannion scheme that has Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan influences.

The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported on his podcast last month that Landon Dickerson returning to the Eagles next season is an uncertainty. While guard would become a top need if Dickerson unexpectedly departs, the depth of the interior offensive line class is much stronger on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

Lane Johnson’s uncertainty also looms large. But look for the Eagles to give Mannion’s offense a much-needed, dynamic tight end who can also hold his own as a blocker with Dallas Goedert entering free agency.

24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): Kadyn Proctor, OT/OG, Alabama

Cleveland needs to get younger and improve its offensive line at multiple positions, and Proctor, a mauling lineman who can play guard or tackle, helps the Browns improve that area of their team.

25. Chicago Bears: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Hunter has been on an upward trajectory since the Big 12 championship game and continues to prove he’s more than just a run stuffer. Chicago needs a dynamic defensive lineman and Hunter brings a three-down presence that is desperately needed.

26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

It seems Josh Allen needs more receiving help every year, and 2026 is no different. Concepcion is dynamic with the ball in his hands and would give Buffalo’s offense a much-needed vertical threat.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Trent Williams is under contract for one more year in San Francisco but is entering the twilight of his career — he turns 38 in July. Lomu, an excellent pass protector with quick feet, gives San Francisco a long-term option at an important tackle spot.

28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Houston doesn’t have many holes on defense but could use more juice on the interior. McDonald is a run stuffer who has the quickness to shoot gaps on run downs and the power to push the pocket in drop-back scenarios.

29. Rams: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Quarterback was a consideration here even with Matthew Stafford returning for 2026, but Freeling can upgrade either tackle spot for the Rams with his athleticism and experience playing both in college.

30. Denver Broncos: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

Denver’s linebacker situation needs to improve. Trotter, a St. Joseph’s Prep grad and the younger son of longtime Eagle Jeremiah Trotter Sr. and brother of current Eagle Jeremiah Trotter Jr., is a physical, throwback linebacker who can shed blocks and get after the quarterback in blitzing scenarios.

31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M

New England is winning with older edge rushers right now but must get younger at the position. Howell is a pass rush specialist who can bend the corner despite having sub-31-inch arms.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State

Seattle doesn’t have many needs, but center and right guard are spots that could be upgraded. Ioane is a bruising guard who generates displacement in the running game and is a stout pass protector.