Eagles Draft Strategy Shifting Toward Offense — Combine Preview and What to Watch

The NFL Combine kicks off next Monday in Indianapolis, and for the Eagles, this year's scouting event carries a different flavor than recent years. After investing heavily in defense through the draft — Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Jalyx Hunt, Nakobe Dean, Jihad Campbell — it's time for the pendulum to swing. The 2026 draft is shaping up to be an offense-heavy affair for Philadelphia, and the Combine will provide the first real evaluation period for a crop of prospects that could reshape this roster.

The last offensive player the Eagles drafted in the first round was DeVonta Smith in 2021. The last offensive player taken in the top two rounds was Cam Jurgens in 2022's second round. That's a long time to go without premium offensive draft capital, and the needs are starting to pile up.

Tight End Is the Headline Position

Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon is the name to circle. He's widely considered the only tight end in this draft class who belongs in the first round, and in a league that's increasingly obsessed with dynamic tight end play — fueled by Brock Bowers' immediate impact, Ben Loveland's rookie success, and the league-wide shift toward Shanahan-style offenses — Sadiq's stock is rising fast.

The Eagles need to essentially rebuild their entire tight end room. Dallas Goedert's future with the team is uncertain at best. If Sadiq is the answer, he'd provide immediate production at a position that Sean Manion's offense will lean on heavily. The problem? He's probably not making it to pick 23. If the Eagles want him, they'll likely need to trade up — something Roseman has shown willingness to do when the right player is available.

Behind Sadiq, the tight end class has day-two depth: Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt, Max Clare from Ohio State, Jack Endries from Texas, Michael Trigg from Baylor, and Justin Jolly from NC State all project as second-or-third-round options. The Eagles could realistically grab two tight ends in this draft and completely overhaul the room.

The Receiver Bonanza

This is historically deep at wide receiver — one scout had 17 receivers in his top 100 prospects. If the Eagles do move on from A.J. Brown, this is the year to do it. The talent pool is absurd: Jeremiah Bernard from Alabama is a top-15 pick, Cornell Tate from Ohio State might end up being the best player in the class regardless of position, Denzel Boston from Washington, Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State, Jordan Dyson, and on and on.

Even in the later rounds, you can find legitimate NFL receivers in this class. A team that loses Brown and replaces him with a first-round receiver plus a day-three flier would be just fine. The schematic shift to a Shanahan-style offense puts even more emphasis on receivers who can win after the catch and create YAC opportunities — players like Concepcion, who profiles as a manufactured-touch specialist.

Offensive Line Evolution

The Eagles' offensive line situation is fascinating. Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson are both expected to return, but the long-term planning can't be ignored. Johnson will be 36 by season's end. Dickerson had a miserable, injury-plagued 2025 that reportedly had him considering retirement.

Armand Proctor is the name to watch at pick 23. He's a tackle with the versatility to play inside early and eventually slide outside as Johnson's heir apparent. Think of a Mekhi Becton-style presence — massive, athletic, and scheme-diverse. The question is whether Sean Manion's offense, which is expected to lean heavily on wide-zone concepts, needs a different body type. If they're running true Shanahan-style wide zone, they might prefer a 6-foot-7, 360-pound mauler who can reach-block on stretch plays. Proctor doesn't quite fit that mold.

The Combine measurables will be crucial here. How the Eagles' coaching staff envisions the offensive line operating under Manion will determine whether Proctor stays on their radar or if they pivot to a different profile entirely.

The Draft Philosophy

Howie Roseman doesn't draft for need in the first round — that's been his mantra, and the results speak for themselves. But he does cluster his draft board by tiers and let need break ties within those tiers. If Sadiq, Proctor, and a top receiver all grade out similarly at pick 23, the position of greatest need will win. Right now, that's probably tight end or offensive line, with receiver dependent on the A.J. Brown resolution.

The Combine won't answer every question, but it will clarify which prospects separate themselves with elite athleticism, which ones confirm the tape, and which ones disappoint. For the Eagles, who are entering the draft with more offensive needs than they've had in half a decade, every rep in Indianapolis matters.