The 2026 NFL Draft chatter around the Philadelphia Eagles has been the team will focus on offensive improvements. On the eve of the draft, The Athletic’s Zach Berman confirmed that narrative.
Berman reported Wednesday morning, though, that general manager Howie Roseman won’t have just his 2026 offense on the brain early in the draft.
“Look for the Eagles to focus on addressing the offense early in the draft — and not necessarily with the 2026 offense in mind,” wrote Berman. “General manager Howie Roseman has been candid about the Eagles’ desire to add more young, cost-controlled players on offense.
“They’ve been so defense-heavy in the early rounds in recent years, and Roseman knows he must reverse that trend.”
The last offensive player the Eagles selected in the first round was wide receiver DeVonta Smith during the 2021 NFL Draft. Even with two first-round selections in 2023, the Eagles didn’t take an offensive prospect.
Berman all but confirmed that streak will end Thursday night in the 2026 NFL Draft first round.
Eagles Could Target OL or WR in 2026 NFL Draft First Round
GettyThe Athletic’s Zach Berman reported Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles will be focused on offense during the early part of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Roseman and the Eagles faced significant questions at several offensive positions entering 2026. With the exception of A.J. Brown, those questions were solved with the return of key players.
Along the offensive line, both right tackle Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson returned. So did veteran tight end Dallas Goedert.
But in the long term, the Eagles still have concerns at those positions. Those three players could leave next offseason. Furthermore, NFL pundits expect the Eagles to trade Brown after June 1.
With that in mind, the Eagles could be trying to fill a 2027 offensive need with their 2026 first-round pick.
“As much as the Eagles might need a starting safety, they’re more likely to focus on an offensive lineman or a pass catcher,” wrote Berman. “The Eagles could conceivably need three new starters on the offensive line in 2027. The future of the wide receiver depth chart is unclear. Same with tight end. Roseman knows as much.”
Eagles to Target Next Succession Plan in First Round?
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni should have new offensive players on his roster after the 2026 NFL Draft.
The second point Berman made about what he’s hearing on the Eagles 2026 draft plans directly connected to the first — how much the team loves a succession plan.
“They selected Carter when Fletcher Cox was still on the roster, Cam Jurgens when Jason Kelce was still on the roster, Mitchell when Darius Slay was still on the roster,” wrote Berman. “It doesn’t always work — Andre Dillard was supposed to be Jason Peters’ successor — but there’s a proof of concept that will be relevant this week.”
In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Eagles will have an opportunity at a few different types of succession plans. They could pick a receiver or tight end to eventually start. Or, they could target a lineman.
Based on where the Eagles pick at No. 23 overall, the latter might make the most sense.
Berman noted The Athletic’s Dan Brugler’s ranked five offensive linemen between No. 11 and 25 in his Top 100. The Eagles could target any of those prospects.
Roseman is also one of the most active general managers when it comes to draft day trades. The Eagles could move up for a prospect they love in the first round.
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