March 27, 2026, 12:30 p.m. ET

The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to letting the board come to them on draft night. They execute their plans to perfection about as well as any other team, but the makeup of the 2026 class could force a more aggressive approach, especially at two critical positions. We’ve discussed the offseason needs ad nauseam, before and after the first waves of free agency. Depth at edge rusher, tight end, offensive tackle, safety, and the offensive line’s interior occupy everyone’s thinking, though some disagree about the order of their importance.

When it comes to priority, who will be available and which needs must be satisfied first, deeper dives suggest two positions demand immediate attention: offensive tackle and edge rusher.

Waiting could prove costly if the Eagles place edge rusher and offensive tackle on the back burner during the NFL Draft.

At offensive tackle, the issue isn’t a lack of talent in this draft class. The questions are about certainty. Several of the top prospects come with question marks, whether it be consistency, measurables, or polish. That makes early investment all the more important. If Philadelphia wants a true long-term answer on the edge of its offensive line, it may have to act before the board thins out and the remaining options become developmental gambles.

Let’s start with this year’s crop of tackles. The concerns aren’t just about need. They’re about timing. This year’s class features intriguing prospects, but many come with noticeable question marks, whether tied to consistency, technique, or physical traits. That uncertainty makes it too risky to wait. If the Eagles are serious about securing a long-term answer to protecting the edge and finding Lane Johnson’s eventual successor, the early rounds may be their best and safest opportunity to do so.

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On the defensive side of the football, edge rushers might be the deepest premium group at the top of the draft, but that doesn’t mean patience will pay off. In fact, the opposite might be true. Don’t be shocked if there is a run on pass rushers. The top-tier talent is expected to come off the board quickly, and once that initial wave passes, the drop-off becomes far more noticeable.

If Philadelphia wants a true difference-maker added to its rotation, it likely needs to strike within the first two rounds. Betting on finding a difference-maker on Day 3 may lead to disappointment and developmental options. That urgency is what separates these two positions from the rest of the roster needs. Depth at cornerback, for instance, remains important, but the class offers enough athletic depth to find contributors beyond the opening rounds. Interior offensive line is even deeper, with starting-caliber players expected to be available into the middle rounds. That flexibility allows the Eagles to address those spots without forcing early selections.

The same can be said for wide receiver and tight end. There should be ample options for complementary roles well into Day 2 and Day 3, including prospects like Chris Bell, someone the Eagles are interested in. There’s a theory that Kenyon Sadiq could slip and shift the tight end position’s balance, which, in turn, means value at this position could be found outside of Round 1.

That brings us to safety, where the top names will go early, the overall depth suggests serviceable talent can still be found later. The Eagles seem interested in Michael Taafe. He and other quality stars like Bishop Fitzgerald have been graded on multiple platforms as potential mid-to-late-round options.

In a class defined by early strength and late uncertainty at key spots, the path forward feels clear. If the Eagles want to maximize both value and impact, offensive tackle and edge rusher should headline their draft priorities, before the opportunity slips away.