NFL Combine Produced the Best Athletic Class Ever — And the Eagles Were Taking Notes
The 2026 NFL Combine showcased jaw-dropping athleticism across the board, with tight ends and offensive linemen stealing the show. The Eagles met with six tight ends and had scouts glued to the offensive line workouts.
The JAKIB Staff
contributor
The 2026 NFL Combine is in the books, and the verdict is unanimous: this might be the most athletic draft class the league has ever seen. The numbers were staggering across the board — but for the Eagles, two position groups stood out above all others.
Tight End Freaks
Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq made combine history, running the fastest 40-yard dash by a tight end since at least 2003. At 241 pounds, he ran faster than Odell Beckham Jr. at his combine. His vertical leap topped Julio Jones. His movement quickness beat Andre Johnson. Those are all Hall of Famers.
Then there's Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, who posted the highest relative athletic score at the tight end position. The depth at the position is real, and the Eagles know it — they met with six tight ends at the combine and didn't even interview Sadiq, the consensus TE1.
Why? Because Philadelphia is doing its homework on the entire class. They need to rebuild the tight end room from scratch, and this draft gives them options at every round.
Offensive Line Depth Changes the Draft Math
The offensive line class might be the real story for Philadelphia. Lane Johnson isn't getting any younger, and the Eagles need to start planning for his replacement. The combine showcased a deep group of offensive linemen who tested well across the board.
There's already mock draft buzz about the Eagles targeting an offensive tackle in the first round — and the combine only reinforced that conversation. Multiple tackles showed the kind of athletic profiles that translate to Day 1 starters.
Take the Combine With a Grain of Salt
Here's the annual reminder: the combine is an athletic showcase, not a football game. These prospects have been training specifically for these tests for months. They know the answer key to the exam.
The real evaluation happens on tape. The combine separates athletes from football players, and the Eagles' front office knows the difference. Don't fall in love with 40 times — fall in love with film.
But when you see a tight end class this loaded and an offensive line group this deep? The Eagles are in a great position to address their two biggest needs without reaching.
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The JAKIB Staff
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