Eagles Draft Watch: 7 Tackles Could Go in Round 1 — Where Does Philly Fit?

# Eagles Draft Watch: 7 Tackles Could Go in Round 1 — Where Does Philly Fit?

With 24 days until the NFL Draft, the Eagles face a fascinating strategic conflict that could define their 2026 season before a single snap is played. The roster's most obvious needs are on defense — safety and edge rusher have clear openings for day-one contributors. But Howie Roseman has said publicly that the offense needs to be repopulated. And this year's tackle class is historically deep.

Seven offensive tackles could hear their names called in round one. That kind of run on one position group changes the calculus for every team picking in the 20s — including the Eagles at 23.

The Tackles in the Eagles' Range

Monroe Freeling and the top-tier tackles are likely out of range at pick 23. But the next tier is very much in play, and it's loaded with talent that fits what the Eagles need both now and for the future.

**Blake Miller** and **Iandacker** are the most likely to be available when the Eagles are on the clock. Both fit the profile of what the new offensive staff under coordinator Sean Mannion and line coach Chris Kuper wants to build — versatile linemen who can play multiple positions and adapt to different blocking schemes.

**Spencer Fano** is the wild card of this entire draft class. He can play anywhere on the offensive line — tackle, guard, even center in an emergency. If he falls to 23, and there's a real chance he doesn't, he's the kind of player who immediately strengthens the interior while providing insurance at tackle. That versatility is exactly what Roseman loves in premium picks.

**Kaden Proctor** profiles more as a Jeff Stoutland-era pick — a pure mauler who fits a power blocking scheme. Whether that aligns with what Kuper wants to build in the post-Stoutland era remains an open question. The scheme may have shifted enough that Proctor's style isn't the ideal fit.

**Caleb Lomu** is a sleeper who doesn't generate much national hype but could fall into the Eagles' range and offer legitimate first-round talent at a value pick. He's worth watching closely as boards get finalized in the next three weeks.

The Offense vs. Defense Conflict

Here's the genuine tension in the Eagles' draft room: the defensive side of the ball has clearer openings for immediate contributors. A safety drafted in the second round has a path to starting from Week 1. An edge rusher in the first round could immediately upgrade the pass rush rotation. These are positions where rookies can make an impact right away.

An offensive tackle at 23? Unless it's a guard-capable player who can unseat Tyler Steen on the interior — and Fano, Miller, and Proctor all have that versatility — a first-round tackle is a succession plan for Lane Johnson. It's an important long-term investment, but not necessarily an immediate impact pick.

The Eagles' recent draft history suggests they take the best player available regardless of position. That philosophy has served them incredibly well. But with Landon Dickerson's health a legitimate ongoing concern and the offensive line's 2025 struggles still fresh in everyone's memory, the temptation to address the trenches with the first pick will be enormous.

The Historic Tight End Class Changes the Entire Board

The tight end class is the deepest anyone in the scouting community can remember. Both Dane Brugler and Ian Rapoport have said they've never had more draftable grades on tight ends in any single draft class. That depth creates incredible value opportunities on days two and three.

Bo Kercher from Texas A&M had a 30 visit with the Eagles — a significant pre-draft indicator of interest. He's a blocking-first tight end who could be a day-three steal and immediately compete for a role in what figures to be a run-heavy offense under Mannion.

Oscar Delp's stock is rising rapidly after his combine performance, where he ran impressively despite a hairline fracture. Dalton Bentley and Eli Raritan are contributors available on day three who can do both — block and catch — which is exactly what this offense will demand.

If Grant Calcaterra and Johnny Mundt are feeling comfortable about their roster spots heading into the draft, they shouldn't be. The Eagles could draft a tight end who immediately competes for meaningful snaps — and the historic depth of this class makes it almost irresponsible not to add one.

The Wide Receiver Bell Curve

The receiver class presents a bell curve of value. The top-end guys — Tetairoa McMillan's tier — are out of reach. But the second tier is where the Eagles should be shopping if AJ Brown is traded and they need a replacement.

**Omar Cooper Jr.** in the second round is the sweet spot. He has the talent to contribute immediately without the first-round price tag that comes with reaching for a receiver who might not be significantly better.

**Chris Bell**, **Elijah Sarad**, and **Malachi Fields** are the big-body X receiver types who could step into Brown's role if needed. The Eagles have historically preferred size at the position, and this class has options.

The one name to be cautious about: **Jordan Tyson**. The talent is undeniable, but his reliance on contested catches raises red flags. In a Shanahan-style offense that values separation and schemed touches, a contested-catch receiver is a risky investment. High ceiling, but high bust potential too.

The good news? Whether the Eagles go offense or defense with their premium picks, this draft class has enough depth at tight end, receiver, and safety to find contributors deep into day three. That's the luxury of picking in a loaded class — and it's why the next 24 days matter more than the entire free agency period combined.

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