Eagles Draft WR Targets: Tyson, Branch, Bell & the Names to Watch If AJ Brown Gets Traded
Eagles Draft WR Targets: Tyson, Branch, Bell & the Names to Watch If AJ Brown Gets Traded
Eagles Draft WR Targets: Tyson, Branch, Bell & the Names to Watch If AJ Brown Gets Traded
The 2026 NFL Draft is loaded at wide receiver, and the Philadelphia Eagles might need to take advantage of it. With AJ Brown openly flirting with other teams and the organization reportedly fed up with the drama, Howie Roseman needs a contingency plan. Fortunately, this receiver class is deep, talented, and could present some unexpected value — especially if injuries shake up the board.
Let's start with the headliner: Emeka Tyson. He's the receiver most draft analysts have going in the top 15, and for good reason. Tyson is a complete player — size, speed, route-running, contested catch ability. He checks every box. But here's where it gets interesting for the Eagles: Tyson has had injury concerns that could cause him to slide. If medical reports spook teams ahead of Philadelphia's pick at 23, Tyson could fall right into the Eagles' lap. That would be an absolute heist.
The injury factor can't be overstated. In a draft where teams are spending premium capital, medical red flags make front offices nervous. If Tyson's medicals come back anything less than pristine at the combine, the range of outcomes for his draft position widens dramatically. The Eagles should be doing their homework now, getting their own doctors' eyes on him, preparing to pounce if he falls.
If Tyson doesn't fall, the next name to circle is Jayden Branch. This kid is electric. Branch is a pure speed merchant who can take the top off a defense on any given play. In an Eagles offense that has lacked a true deep threat since the DeSean Jackson days, Branch could be transformative. His 4.3 speed would open up everything underneath for Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith, and he's the kind of player who makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.
Branch would be a realistic target at 23 if the Eagles decide to go receiver early. He profiles as a day-one starter who can contribute immediately in the vertical passing game while developing his route tree. The NFL is trending toward speed, and Branch has it in spades.
Then there's Cameron Bell, who might be the most well-rounded receiver in the class behind Tyson. Bell isn't going to blow you away with any one trait, but he does everything well. He runs crisp routes, has reliable hands, understands leverage, and plays bigger than his measurables. He's a Day 2 target who could step into a starting role quickly — exactly the kind of player the Eagles need if Brown departs and they can't land a receiver at 23.
Marcus Fields is another name gaining traction. Fields is a YAC monster — a receiver who turns short passes into explosive plays. In a Kellen Moore offense that utilizes screens, slants, and quick-game concepts, Fields could be a perfect schematic fit. He's likely a second or third-round pick, which makes him attainable at 54 or 68.
The sleeper of the group? Hector Concepciones. He's not a name casual fans will recognize, but NFL scouts are buzzing about his combination of size and athleticism. Concepciones is still developing as a route-runner, but his physical tools are undeniable. He's a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick who could develop into a starter within a year or two.
Here's the critical thing to understand: AJ Brown's status changes EVERYTHING about how the Eagles approach this draft. If Brown stays, the Eagles can afford to wait on receiver and address tight end or edge rusher with their first pick. If Brown goes, receiver becomes a round-one priority — and the Eagles need to have their board ready for every scenario.
With picks at 23, 54, and 68, plus approximately eight total selections, the Eagles have the ammunition to address receiver at multiple points in the draft. The smart play is to double-dip — take one in the first two rounds and another on Day 3. Receiver depth wins championships, and the Eagles' current depth chart behind Smith is paper thin.
The 2026 receiver class is a gift. Whether it's Tyson falling due to injury concerns, Branch blazing past defenders, or Bell quietly becoming the steal of the draft, the Eagles have options. They just need to be ready to pull the trigger.
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