NFL Combine Preview: What Eagles Fans Need to Watch

Indianapolis Awaits

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine runs February 23 through March 2 in Indianapolis, with 319 prospects invited to showcase their skills. For Eagles fans, this isn't just the Underwear Olympics — it's the week that starts crystallizing Philadelphia's draft strategy.

The Eagles pick 23rd overall and have significant needs at multiple positions. Here's what to watch and who to track as the combine unfolds.

Edge Rushers: The Top Priority

If Jaelan Phillips signs a long-term deal, edge rusher becomes a Day 2 need. If Phillips walks, it becomes the top priority in the entire draft. Either way, the edge rushers working out in Indianapolis deserve attention.

**Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)** is one of the most explosive edge prospects in the class. He's ranked among the top 3-5 edge rushers by most outlets, with elite first-step quickness and relentless motor. His combine testing numbers — particularly the 40-yard dash and three-cone drill — will determine whether he's a lock for the top 15 or slides closer to the Eagles at 23.

**Keldric Faulk (Auburn)** is an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds who plays with power and length. His combine will be about showing the athletic testing to match the tape.

**Zion Young (Missouri)** and **Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State)** round out the edge group of interest. Dennis-Sutton at 6-foot-5-and-a-half, 265 pounds has the prototypical size Penn State is known for producing at the position. He's considered a top-50 overall prospect despite not getting enough national attention. His combine performance could push him into first-round conversation.

Wide Receivers: Depth for Days

The combine will feature the deepest receiver class in recent memory. Even if A.J. Brown stays, the Eagles need a WR3.

The big story is **Chris Bell (Louisville)**, who won't participate in on-field drills due to a December ACL tear. But the medical evaluations at the combine are arguably more important than any 40 time. If team doctors clear Bell's knee trajectory, his draft stock stabilizes. If there are concerns, he could fall to Day 3 and become a steal.

**Carnell Tate (Ohio State)** will likely test like a first-rounder and confirm his status as the WR1 in this class. Eagles fans should watch but probably won't see him at 23.

The Day 2 names to track: **Zachariah Branch** (speed), **Malachi Fields** (size), **Omar Cooper** (Indiana's polished route runner), and **Denzel Boston** (under-the-radar talent with NFL bloodlines).

Offensive Tackles: The Succession Plan

With Lane Johnson's prime years behind him and the offensive line transitioning from Jeff Stoutland's power scheme to a more wide-zone approach under Chris Kuper and Sean Mannion, the combine evaluations for tackles take on extra importance.

**Francis Mauigoa (Miami)** is the consensus OT1, but he'll likely be gone long before pick 23. The Eagles' realistic range includes **Caleb Lomu** and **Spencer Fano** from Utah, plus **Max Inahocker (Arizona State)**, who received the highest Blesto grade during the season and dominated at the Senior Bowl.

The schematic shift matters at the combine. The new coaching staff wants athletes who can execute reach blocks and move in space — different from the Stoutland power profile. Watch the shuttle and three-cone times for these tackles.

Quarterbacks: The Combine Wildcard

**Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)** won't do on-field testing but will throw at his pro day to help teammates. He's the consensus number one pick and Eagles fans won't cross paths with him.

The intrigue is in the QB2 race. **Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)** is NFL Draft Bible's second-ranked quarterback, and the combine could push him into the first round. **Drew Allar (Penn State)** has the physical tools but needs a strong showing. And **Cole Payton (NDSU)** — the Walter Payton Award finalist — is the dark horse who could generate Day 2 buzz.

If the Eagles consider a developmental quarterback on Day 2, the combine performances of Allar and Payton will matter significantly.

The Medical Tent

Don't sleep on the medical evaluations. Chris Bell's ACL, Carson Beck's injury history, and various other prospects' health concerns will be assessed behind closed doors. These results often cause more draft board movement than any 40-yard dash.

The combine is four days away. Draft season is officially here.