2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Why This Offensive Tackle Class Could Save the Eagles

Every GM Is Saying the Same Thing

Here's what multiple NFL general managers confirmed heading into the combine: the 2026 draft class is elite at offensive tackle, deep at edge rusher, and loaded with receiving talent. If you're the Philadelphia Eagles — a team that just lost Jeff Stoutland, needs to address the offensive line's future, and has holes at multiple positions — this draft class is a gift from the football gods.

The Position Rankings

According to conversations with NFL front office executives, here's how the 2026 draft shakes out by position depth:

1. Offensive Tackle — Elite Tier

This is the headliner. Francis out of Miami is a potential top-10 pick — massive, physical, dominant in every sense of the word. He plays with a nastiness that translates immediately to the NFL. Then there's Fano from Utah, who many scouts believe could be OT1 depending on the evaluation. The Utah pipeline also includes Lomu, and you've got Freeling from Georgia, the Arizona State kid, and Proctor as mid-first to second-round options.

For an Eagles team that may need to plan for life after Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce's retirement, this is the draft to invest in the trenches.

2. Edge Rusher — Very Deep

The best player in this entire draft class might be Ruben Bain. Edge rushers are plentiful, which is great news for a team that might lose Jalen Phillips in free agency. Whether the Eagles address this at pick 20 or later, there will be legitimate pass-rush talent available throughout the first three rounds.

3. Wide Receiver — Strong

Even if the Eagles keep AJ Brown, the third receiver position has been a black hole. The last four years, the WR3 averaged 29 catches per season. That's embarrassing. This draft offers a chance to find a legitimate slot receiver — something this offense has never had under the current regime.

4. Safety — Solid

Reed Blankenship needs a running mate, or maybe a replacement depending on how the Eagles evaluate his ceiling. The safety class provides options.

5. Tight End — Deep and Talented

Dallas Goedert is likely gone. The top prospects include the Oregon kid and Royer from Cincinnati, plus Bentley from Utah. Colston Loveland out of Michigan has been surprisingly productive in Chicago. The tight end position has produced impact rookies the last two drafts — Brock Bowers set the standard — and this class continues that trend.

6. Linebacker — Serviceable

Not the deepest class, but if Nakobe Dean walks in free agency, the Eagles will need to address this. Mid-round value exists.

The Eagles' Dream Draft

Here's the beautiful thing: the Eagles' first six picks could literally mirror the position rankings. Offensive tackle in the first round (Francis if they trade up, Freeling or another if they stay at 20). Edge in the second. Wide receiver or tight end in the third. Safety and linebacker to round it out.

That's not just addressing needs — it's building the next three years of the roster. The combine starts this weekend. The board is about to crystallize. And for the Eagles, this draft class is perfectly constructed for what they need.