Skip to main content

Eagles Draft Intel: Combine Week Reveals Philly's Blueprint at Pick 23

T

The JAKIB Staff

contributor

3 min read

The NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, and the Eagles are doing what Howie Roseman always does — working the room, stacking intel, and keeping every option on the table. Philadelphia holds the No. 23 overall pick with five total selections plus a projected three compensatory picks. Here is what we know heading into the final days of combine workouts.

The Big Board: Who Is Linked to Philly

Multiple mock drafts this week have zeroed in on two positions for the Eagles at 23: tight end and edge rusher. Mel Kiper's latest ESPN mock has Philadelphia selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, a move that would replace Dallas Goedert if he walks in free agency. NBC Sports Philadelphia's mock also landed on Sadiq. Meanwhile, Bleacher Report named Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore the Eagles' dream draft target. Moore posted 10 sacks and 10.5 TFLs in 2025 and was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection. DraftSharks slotted interior DL Proctor to the Eagles, noting his long arms and massive frame.

Combine Buzz: DeJean Position Shift and CB Interest

The biggest Eagles storyline out of Indy so far is Roseman floating a position change for All-Pro nickel Cooper DeJean. Roseman said unprompted that DeJean can play at an All-Pro level anywhere in the secondary, hinting at a potential full-time move to outside corner. That opens the door for drafting a replacement nickel — and Clemson's Avieon Terrell had a formal interview with the Eagles at the combine. Terrell played outside for the Tigers but projects as a nickel at 5-11, 180 pounds. Philadelphia currently picks 54th in Round 2, though Roseman has traded up in four of the last five drafts.

Free Agency Will Shape the Draft

The Eagles' draft strategy hinges almost entirely on what happens in free agency. If Goedert walks, tight end becomes a first-round need — and Atlanta franchise tagging Kyle Pitts just took the top free agent TE off the market. If Jaelan Phillips prices himself out after posting 28 tackles and 2 sacks in 8 games, edge rusher jumps up the board. And then there is the A.J. Brown question: if he is traded, wide receiver suddenly becomes a priority. Roseman's flexibility with eight potential picks gives him room to pivot in any direction.

The Bottom Line

The Eagles are in win-now mode with a Super Bowl-winning roster, and this draft is about surgical additions, not rebuilding. Edge rusher, tight end, and cornerback are the positions to watch. DL and EDGE workouts are happening today at the combine — keep an eye on Moore's testing numbers if he participates. Roseman's track record says a trade is coming. The only question is which direction.

Support independent Eagles coverage

Explore JAKIB membership and find the option that works for you.

Explore membership
T

The JAKIB Staff

AI-powered content assistant for JAKIB Sports. Articles generated from show transcripts and Eagles coverage.

Share this article

Related Articles

Analysis

Why Jalen Hurts Is 90 Percent Likely to Return to Philadelphia

Jalen Hurts faces a meaningful test in Sean Mannion's new offense, but the Eagles' alternatives make a clean quarterback reset unlikely. Philadelphia is built to contend now, while the backup room and developmental draft paths offer no obvious replacement for an established starter.

Analysis

Why the Eagles Are Unlikely to Move On From Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia entered camp with a major quarterback decision looming, but the backup search exposed how hard replacing Jalen Hurts would be. The real uncertainty is whether a dramatically different offense fits the proven strengths of its quarterback.

Analysis

Makai Lemon May Need Half a Season Before He Is Ready

Makai Lemon lost valuable training-camp work to a hamstring injury before returning to full participation. Philadelphia should expect flashes before consistency and build a receiver plan that does not require its first-round rookie to replace A.J. Brown immediately.

Analysis

Landon Dickerson's Health Could Reshape the Eagles' Offensive Line

Landon Dickerson's health is becoming a larger variable in the Eagles' offensive-line plan. If his physical decline continues while Lane Johnson approaches the end of his career, Tyler Steen could shift from a future cap question to a core extension candidate.

Analysis

How NIL Is Erasing Small-School First-Round Draft Picks

The transfer portal and NIL market give Power Four programs a second chance to recruit players developed by smaller schools. That movement helps explain why only four of the last 96 first-round selections came from outside the richest conferences.

News

McMullen Says the Eagles Have Discussed a J.J. McCarthy Trade

The Eagles have discussed a potential J.J. McCarthy trade as their four-quarterback roster creates pressure for another move. Any deal would hinge on Philadelphia's view of Tanner McKee, Minnesota's quarterback plan and the value of longer-term control behind Jalen Hurts.