PHILADELPHIA — Howie Roseman isn’t just watching the clock; he’s trying to own it. With the 2026 NFL Draft landing in Pittsburgh on April 23, the Philadelphia Eagles sit in a position of power with nine total selections and a clear mandate to get younger on defense. After a wild free agency cycle that saw edge rusher Jaelan Phillips bolt for a $120 million payday in Carolina, the pressure is on the front office to find a high-impact starter at No. 23 overall.
In typical Roseman fashion, the Eagles hold more than their standard allotment of picks. Only two of their current nine selections were original to the team. Savvy trading, including the Haason Reddick deal with the Jets and several swaps with the Falcons, has stocked the cupboard. While the Reddick trade didn’t net the first-round pick some hoped for, it secured No. 68 overall to help bolster the middle rounds. The team also expects several compensatory boosts, including No. 98 and No. 137, as rewards for losing Milton Williams and Josh Sweat in free agency.
The loss of Jaelan Phillips left a massive dent in the Eagles’ defensive front. Philly hoped for a long-term marriage with the veteran, but the market had other plans. Now, the Eagles turn their eyes to prospects like Akheem Mesidor and Keldric Faulk at the 23rd spot. Mesidor offers the technical polish that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio craves. If the Eagles pass on a pass rusher early, they might hunt for value on Day 2 with R Mason Thomas or Joshua Josephs. The stadium shook when Jalen Carter was drafted years ago; fans are waiting for that same energy in the edge rusher room.
The secondary is the other major question mark. While the Eagles added Tariq Woolen to lock down the perimeter, the safety spot remains thin. Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps are the projected starters, but depth is non-existent. Roseman hasn’t been shy about his desire to upgrade. If Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren slides toward the end of the first round, don’t be surprised if Philly moves up. They need a ballhawk to complement their physical cornerbacks.
“In some shape or form, we will add at that position. We don’t play for a long time, and we still have a draft. More players will come available, and we’re going to be aggressive.”
— Howie Roseman, Eagles General Manager
The Eagles broke their own rules last year by taking linebacker Jihaad Campbell in the first round. That move showed a shift in philosophy. Now, we wait to see if Roseman returns to his “trench-first” roots or doubles down on the secondary. The 2025 season saw the defense struggle with consistency, especially after Nakobe Dean’s injury. Adding a plug-and-play starter at No. 23 isn’t just a luxury; it’s a requirement to keep the Super Bowl window open in an increasingly dangerous NFC East. Expect a flurry of phone calls as the clock starts in Pittsburgh.
