Ian Cummings Breaks Down the Eagles' Best Tight End Targets in the 2026 Draft

The Eagles need a tight end. Not tomorrow, not next year — but the succession plan for Dallas Goedert needs to start now. And the 2026 NFL Draft class might be the best opportunity they've had in years to find one.

NFL Draft analyst Ian Cummings currently has 21 tight ends graded as draftable — compared to just 15 drafted last year. The depth is real. And for a team potentially shifting to a Shanahan-style offense under Sean Mannion, finding a two-phase tight end who can block AND catch is critical.

The Top Target: Oscar Delp, Georgia

Delp is Cummings' TE2 overall, and the fit with Philadelphia is almost too perfect. At six-foot-five, 245 pounds, he ran a 4.48 forty at Georgia's pro day — while recovering from a hairline fracture in his foot that he played through all of 2025.

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Here's what makes Delp special: he's not just a receiving threat. He logged 87 pass blocking snaps at Georgia with only a 1.1% pressure rate allowed. His on-field target percentage was just 9.9% — not because he can't catch, but because Georgia valued his blocking so much they kept him in protection. That's the exact profile a Shanahan offense covets.

The concern? After that 4.48, Delp's draft stock is rising fast. He might not make it to the Eagles' second-round pick at 54. But if he's there, it would be a steal.

The Day Two Options

If Delp goes earlier, there's still plenty to work with:

**Dan Bentley (Utah)** — Six-three, 260 with near 33-inch arms. A physical run blocker who came up in Utah's blocking-heavy scheme. Not as explosive as Delp vertically, but a functional route runner with burly run-after-catch ability. Projects as an early third-round pick.

**Max Clair (Ohio State)** — A fluid separator with three-level appeal as a receiver. Competitive in-line blocker who's always turning his legs after contact. Could fall to the Eagles' 68th pick or their late third-rounder.

**Matthew Hibner (SMU)** — The dark horse. Transferred from Michigan where he was stuck behind Colston Loveland and others. Was the best tight end at the Senior Bowl. At six-four, 251, he's got vertical STEM IQ, route running nuance, and proactive hands as a blocker. Early day three value with a legitimate starter ceiling.

The "Not a Tight End" Warning

There's a temptation to chase Eli Stowers, the freaky athlete who tested through the roof. But here's the reality check: Stowers isn't really a tight end. He's a flex/slot receiver in a tight end's body. He doesn't have the frame, strength, or willingness to block in-line consistently. If that's what you want, fine — but understand what you're getting is not a replacement for Dallas Goedert.

For the Eagles, the draft strategy should be clear: grab one of these two-phase prospects in rounds 2-4 and let them develop behind Goedert. With this much depth, there's no excuse to whiff.