NFL Draft expert reveals key hint about Eagles' first-round pick plans that may backfire as soon as next season

The 2026 NFL Draft will be an important one for the Philadelphia Eagles. With some key players like safety Reed Blankenship, tight end Dallas Goedert, pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, among others entering free agency, the rookie class may have to make a larger impact than many expect next season.

Accordingly, what could the Eagles do in the first round to boost their Super Bowl chances and overall playoff pedigree entering next season with plenty of new pieces involved in the roster and coaching staff?

Daniel Jeremiah thinks Eagles may attack OL early in draft

During a media conference call, the long-time NFL Draft analyst wasn’t shying in pinpointing where Philadelphia may focus early on in late April. He thinks they may focus on the trenches, particularly along the offensive line.

“I like big guys early for them,” Jeremiah detailed. “Where they’re picking, I just mentioned (Olaivavega) Ioane, I don’t think he’ll be there, from Penn State. But he’d be a heck of a pick if he somehow got there to 23. It’s the same tackle group we’ve talked about.

With Monroe Freeling, Blake Miller, Kadyn Proctor from Alabama is an interesting one. All those guys would give them some options there along the offensive line with their first pick.”

This shouldn’t shock anyone, honestly. General manager Howie Roseman has always valued the presence upfront for the Eagles on both sides of the football, and there is long-term uncertainty with both Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson.

Johnson did confirm last week that he will suit up next season and return for Philly, rather than retiring, though. It will be his first season with the Eagles without Jeff Stoutland in the fold as OL coach.

The risk involved with going OL in the first round for Philly

Going along the OL in the first round does have inherent risk, though. It is possible that a larger need along either the offensive or defensive side of the roster will still be on the table after free agency. What about the second outside cornerback spot?

Did the team replace a player like Dallas Goedert, who was arguably their most consistent producer in the passing game last season?

Did they improve the pass rush during the free agency period to ensure they have more pressure off the edge?

All of those are viable questions that the Eagles have to consider before picking an offensive lineman who may not start next season, during a campaign where the Eagles have Super Bowl aspirations. Those are nothing new and are not going anywhere, regardless of who they pick in the first round.

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

NFL Draft expert reveals key hint about Eagles’ first-round pick plans that may backfire as soon as next season

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