Eagles Draft Intel: Combine Week Reveals Philly's Blueprint at Pick 23
The JAKIB Staff
contributor
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.
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