Howie Roseman has a problem. Well, maybe not a "problem" in the way normal people have problems—like a leaking faucet or a flat tire—but the kind of high-stakes roster math that keeps NFL GMs awake at 3:00 AM. The Philadelphia Eagles just wrapped up a 2025 campaign that ended with a frustrating Wild Card exit against the Niners, and now everyone is staring at the 2026 Eagles draft picks like they're a lifeline.
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of trade rumors, especially with the A.J. Brown noise reaching a fever pitch lately. But if you actually look at the cupboard, it’s surprisingly well-stocked. We aren't just talking about a couple of late-round fliers.
Honestly, the draft board for 2026 is where the "New Era" of Eagles football actually begins.
The Current Inventory: Where Do the 2026 Eagles Draft Picks Stand?
Right now, the Eagles are sitting on five original picks and a handful of projected compensatory selections that should bring the total to eight or nine. That’s a lot of bites at the apple.
The big one, obviously, is that first-rounder. Since the Eagles finished with an 11-6 record and a quick playoff exit, they’re slotted around the 23rd overall pick. It’s that weird middle ground. Not high enough for a "generational" blue-chip tackle, but right in the sweet spot for a high-end edge rusher or a playmaking tight end.
Here is how the pick distribution looks right now:
- Round 1: Their own pick (roughly #23).
- Round 2: Their own pick.
- Round 3: One from the New York Jets (the Haason Reddick trade legacy) and one projected compensatory pick for Milton Williams.
- Round 4: Their own pick and a projected comp pick for Josh Sweat.
- Round 5: A pick via the Falcons or Commanders (it's a bit of a moving target due to trade conditions) and a comp pick for Mekhi Becton.
You’ve probably noticed the pattern. Howie loves the middle rounds. He treats those third- and fourth-rounders like scratch-off tickets that actually have decent odds. Losing a guy like Milton Williams hurts the defensive line rotation, but getting a third-round "freebie" back in the draft is exactly how this front office stays ahead of the cap.
The A.J. Brown Elephant in the Room
You can't talk about the 2026 Eagles draft picks without addressing the trade rumors. It feels like every sports talk radio host in Philly is convinced A.J. Brown is heading to New England or New Orleans.
Let's be real for a second. Trading Brown would be a nightmare for the salary cap. We’re talking over $40 million in dead money. However, if Howie decides the "vibes" are truly broken and wants to recoup massive capital, the 2026 draft is where that haul would land.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine recently floated a scenario where the Patriots give up a 2026 first and third for Brown. If that happens, the Eagles suddenly have two first-rounders in 2026. That changes the entire trajectory of the franchise. It goes from "retooling" to "total reconstruction."
But honestly? Howie's press conference on January 15th sounded like a man who wants to keep his stars. He called finding great players "hard." That doesn't sound like a guy ready to ship off a WR1 just because of a few dropped passes in the playoffs.
Predicting the First Round: Needs vs. Best Player Available
So, what do they do at #23?
The defense has been the focus for years—Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Quinyon Mitchell. But the offense is getting old in specific spots. Dallas Goedert is a pending free agent in 2026. Lane Johnson isn't getting any younger.
A lot of early mocks, like the one from Draft Countdown, have the Eagles eyeing Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. It makes sense. If you can’t pay Goedert $18 million a year, you draft his replacement a year early. Sadiq is a freak athlete who fits the "modern" NFL mold.
Then there’s the edge. Jaelan Phillips and Azeez Ojulari are hitting the market. If the Eagles don't bring them back, look for them to hunt for a pass rusher like Joshua Josephs from Tennessee. Philly’s defense lives and dies by the four-man rush. If that dies, the whole system collapses.
Why the Senior Bowl Matters More This Year
Keep an eye on Clint Hurtt. The Eagles' defensive line coach was recently tapped to be a head coach at the Senior Bowl in Mobile. This is huge.
It means the Eagles get a "boots on the ground" look at every top prospect for a full week of practice. They get to see who can handle the coaching, who has the motor, and who is just "playing for the cameras." In a draft where they have multiple picks in the top 100, that inside info is worth its weight in gold.
The Strategy: Howie's "Borrowed Money" Approach
The Eagles have pushed a lot of money into the future. Over $450 million is "borrowed" against future years through 2031. It’s a risky game.
Because of this, the 2026 Eagles draft picks are more than just players; they are cheap labor. A rookie contract for a starting-caliber guard or safety is the only way the Eagles can afford to keep paying Jalen Hurts his massive extension.
Basically, they have to hit on these picks. There is no margin for error like there was in 2020. If you miss on a first-rounder now, you don't just lose a player—you lose the cap flexibility that allows the rest of the team to function.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Stade de France Shape Is Actually a Massive Floating Illusion
What to Watch Next
The next few months are going to be chaotic. Between the Scouting Combine in February and the start of free agency in March, the number of 2026 Eagles draft picks will likely change. Howie Roseman moves picks like most people move furniture.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, watch the compensatory pick announcements in early 2026. Those "extra" picks in the 3rd and 4th rounds are usually what the Eagles use to trade up for a player they love.
Actionable Steps for Eagles Fans:
- Monitor the Comp Pick Tracker: Check sites like OverTheCap. The difference between a 3rd and 5th round comp pick is massive for trade value.
- Watch the Tight End Market: If Dallas Goedert doesn't get an extension by March, assume the first-round pick is going toward a pass-catcher.
- The Senior Bowl Connection: Look at the defensive linemen Clint Hurtt is coaching in Mobile. History shows the Eagles draft guys they've had personal time with.
The 2026 draft isn't just a date on the calendar. For a team with a massive payroll and an aging core, it's the most important weekend of the decade.