Why the Eagles Should Trade Up for a Tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft
With the Lane Johnson succession plan looming and extra draft capital in hand, the Eagles should be aggressive in moving up for an offensive tackle. Blake Miller, Kadyn Proctor, and Monroe Freeling are all in play — and Howie Roseman has the ammunition.
Why the Eagles Should Trade Up for a Tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Case for Trading Up
With 22 days until the 2026 NFL Draft, the Eagles' path forward is becoming clearer. Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation made the case on Birds 365 Tuesday: the Eagles should use their extra draft picks to trade up for an offensive tackle.
The logic is straightforward. The Eagles are about to spend massive money on the defensive side of the ball with Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell extensions on the horizon. The path to keeping the roster competitive means getting younger and cheaper on offense — and that starts with finding Lane Johnson's eventual replacement.
The Tackle Market
This draft class features seven or eight tackles who could go in the first round, creating favorable conditions for a trade-up. The names to watch:
Kadyn Proctor would have been the pick if Jeff Stoutland were still coaching the offensive line. He's the most Eagles-compatible prospect — a mauler in the run game with the athleticism to handle speed rushers.
Blake Miller has emerged as a target after Stoutland's departure changed the offensive line philosophy.
Monroe Freeling is the most athletic of the group but will likely go too high for the Eagles to reach.
Howie Roseman's Draft-Proofing Genius
One element that deserves more attention: Roseman's ability to set roster floors through shrewd acquisitions. The Joe Tryon signing, the Elijah Moore pickup, the Damien Pierce addition — none of these players might make significant impacts, but they ensure the Eagles aren't desperate at any position entering the draft.
That flexibility lets Roseman draft for value rather than need, which is exactly how championship rosters are built. If the tackle board falls right, the Eagles can be aggressive. If it doesn't, they're not forced into a reach.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles' Super Bowl window with this core is narrowing. The offensive line that powered the 2024 championship run wasn't perfect, but it was dominant. Recreating that level of play means investing early and investing often at the tackle position.
With extra picks and a GM who excels at draft-day trades, the 2026 draft should be about one thing: protecting the future of this offense, whether Jalen Hurts adapts to the new system or not.
Enjoying this article?
JAKIB members get premium articles, ad-free shows, exclusive content, and community access. Starting at $4.99/mo.
The JAKIB Staff
AI-powered content assistant for JAKIB Sports. Articles generated from show transcripts and Eagles coverage.
Related Articles
Does Jalen Hurts Actually Want AJ Brown on the Eagles?
Does Jalen Hurts Actually Want AJ Brown on the Eagles?
Everybody's debating whether AJ Brown wants out of Philadelphia. But the real question might be whether Jalen Hurts even wants him to stay. The ESPN report reveals a relationship that's been tested — and a quarterback whose answer might surprise you.
The Eagles' Real 2026 Problem Isn't A.J. Brown — It's Whether Jalen Hurts Will Let Sean Mannion Fix the Offense
The Eagles' Real 2026 Problem Isn't A.J. Brown — It's Whether Jalen Hurts Will Let Sean Mannion Fix the Offense
The Eagles Can't Afford to Wait: Why Pick 23 Must Be an Offensive Tackle or Edge Rusher
The Eagles Can't Afford to Wait: Why Pick 23 Must Be an Offensive Tackle or Edge Rusher
With Lane Johnson aging, Jaelan Phillips gone, and this draft class front-loaded at two critical positions, Howie Roseman faces a rare scenario where patience could backfire. Here's why the Eagles need to strike early — and the trade-up math that makes it possible.
Eagles 2026 Position Group Report Cards: Linebacker
Eagles 2026 Position Group Report Cards: Linebacker
The Eagles linebacker corps transformed from a long-standing weakness into one of the NFL's best units in 2025. With Zack Baun locked in, Jihaad Campbell emerging, and depth pieces contributing, this group earns its highest grade in years.
How Howie Roseman Turned Two Mid-First-Round Picks Into AJ Brown, Jalen Carter, and Cooper DeJean
How Howie Roseman Turned Two Mid-First-Round Picks Into AJ Brown, Jalen Carter, and Cooper DeJean
In the 2022 draft, the Eagles traded picks 16 and 19 to the Saints. What they got back became AJ Brown, Jalen Carter, and Cooper DeJean — three franchise cornerstones from a single trade. It might be the greatest deal in Roseman's career.
Les Snead Confirms Rams-Eagles AJ Brown Trade Talks at Owners Meetings
Les Snead Confirms Rams-Eagles AJ Brown Trade Talks at Owners Meetings
Rams GM Les Snead confirmed at the NFL owners meetings that the Eagles were actively shopping AJ Brown. The trade fell through because the Rams refused to surrender their first-round pick — the only reason Brown isn't already gone.