PHILADELPHIA — Howie Roseman isn’t just looking at the 2026 season; he’s looking at the next decade. With the 23rd overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a familiar spot. Last year, 17 of the team’s 22 Week 1 starters were homegrown talents. While big-money arrivals like Saquon Barkley grab headlines, the Birds’ real strength remains a draft-and-develop machine that keeps the roster young and cheap in high-stakes positions.
The 2026 class has a clear hierarchy, but value hides in the margins. As veterans like Dallas Goedert age and the salary cap tightens, Roseman must find Day 2 and Day 3 contributors who can step into starting roles by 2027. Here are three players currently flying under the radar who fit the Eagles’ specific identity.
Eli Stowers: The Post-Goedert Blueprint
While Kenyon Sadiq is the undisputed TE1 of this class, Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers is the name Philly fans should watch. Stowers, a converted quarterback, played like a seasoned veteran for the Commodores in 2025. He led the team with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns. He isn’t a traditional “Y” tight end who spends his day in the dirt. Instead, he’s a 239-pound mismatch nightmare who clocked a 4.51 40-yard dash.
Imagine him in Kellen Moore’s offense. Stowers can run post routes from the slot or throw a “Philly Special” pass on a jet sweep. His blocking needs polish, but his 85.3 PFF receiving grade proves he’s ready to stress NFL safeties from day one. He’s the type of high-upside athlete the Eagles love to stash and develop behind a Pro Bowler.
Chris Brazzell II: SEC Speed on the Perimeter
If you want to beat the NFC East, you need track speed. Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II has it. After a massive year in Knoxville, Brazzell posted 1,017 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Any concerns about his “system” production vanished when he torched the turf with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. He stands 6-foot-4, giving him the catch radius to bail out Jalen Hurts on broken plays.
Philly’s wide receiver depth behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith has been a revolving door. Brazzell provides a vertical element that forces safeties to stay deep, opening the intermediate lanes for Barkley and the run game. He’s a Day 2 prospect who plays with a physical edge that would endear him to the Lincoln Financial Field crowd instantly.
Garrett Nussmeier: The QB Factory Insurance
The “Quarterback Factory” never closes. Garrett Nussmeier had a rocky 2025 at LSU, finishing with 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns while battling through nagging injuries. His stock took a hit as the Tigers struggled to a 7-6 finish, but his arm talent remains undeniable. Nussmeier looked like his 2024 self at the Senior Bowl, zipping passes into tight windows with the confidence of a pro.
Why would Philly take a quarterback? Look back at 2020. Roseman drafted Jalen Hurts when Carson Wentz was the guy. Nussmeier is the son of an NFL coach and possesses a high football IQ. If he’s available in the third round, he represents a high-value backup with starting potential—exactly the kind of asset the Eagles love to flip for picks later on.
“I’m a football player first. You can put me at tight end, you can put me in the backfield, it doesn’t matter. I just want to find the end zone and win games.”
— Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt TE
What’s Next for the Birds
The Eagles have nine selections in the 2026 Draft. With the event kicking off in Pittsburgh on April 23, expect Roseman to be active on the phones. The team has managed to stay competitive by avoiding the “star-only” trap. By targeting high-floor SEC producers like Brazzell and Stowers, Philly can reload without rebuilding. Watch for the Eagles to prioritize the offensive line early, but these three “value” picks will determine if the 2026 class is a success or a bust.
