Why the Eagles Are Going Offense-Heavy in the 2026 Draft

Since drafting DeVonta Smith in 2021, the Eagles have spent virtually every premium pick on defense. Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Nolan Smith, Jihaad Campbell — the defensive pipeline is stocked with young, ascending talent. The offense? Tyler Steen in the third round and Cam Jurgens in the second. That's it for five years.

That imbalance is about to correct itself. Howie Roseman has said it publicly, multiple times at the NFL Combine this week: the Eagles need to repopulate the offense with young, cost-effective talent. And he's not just talking — the board at pick 23 is shaping up to make it happen.

Blake Miller and Monroe Freeling: The New Prototype

Two names are rising to the top of the Eagles' offensive line board: Blake Miller from Clemson and Monroe Freeling from Georgia. Both are athletic, movement-oriented linemen — a departure from the maulers Jeff Stoutland used to develop.

That shift matters. With Stoutland gone and the offense transitioning toward Shanahan-McVay concepts, the Eagles need linemen who can pull, work in space, and execute zone schemes. Kayden Proctor would have been the classic Eagles pick under the old regime. Miller and Freeling represent the new direction.

Roseman gave a subtle tell when he mentioned the word "click" regarding the offensive line transition. That's code for: yes, we're changing the profile of players we target.

The Roster Math That Forces Offense

All those young defensive stars are going to need new contracts. Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell — they're all on rookie deals now, but in two to three years, they'll command top-of-market money. When that happens, the Eagles need cheap, productive offensive players on rookie contracts to balance the books.

It's basic roster management, not just talent evaluation. The Eagles have eight picks in the first five rounds. Expect the premium selections to lean heavily offensive — line, tight end, and potentially receiver if AJ Brown departs.

The Contingency Board

If the offensive tackles are gone by pick 23, the Eagles pivot to Kenyon Sadiq — the only tight end worthy of a first-round selection in this class. With Dallas Goedert likely departing and zero tight ends under contract, that position is a legitimate need.

A receiver is also in play, especially if Brown leaves. It serves two purposes: improve the WR3 spot immediately and provide insurance for a potential Brown departure in 2027 even if he returns this year.