Eagles Reload in 2026 NFL Draft Ahead of NFC East Push

Philly adds potential A.J. Brown replacement, fortifies defense with nine picks

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:23pm

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The Philadelphia Eagles have had a busy offseason, with changes to their coaching staff and several key starters departing in free agency. As they look to reload for another run at the NFC East title, the Eagles hold nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to address their remaining roster needs.

Why it matters

The Eagles are a perennial contender in the NFC East, and their ability to effectively draft and develop talent will be crucial to their continued success. With the potential departure of star receiver A.J. Brown looming, the draft presents an opportunity for Philly to find his replacement and shore up other areas of the roster.

The details

The Eagles hold nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including a first-rounder at No. 23 overall. They'll look to use these selections to address needs on both sides of the ball, including finding a potential successor to Brown, rebuilding their defense after several key departures, and adding depth across the roster.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Kevin Patullo

Former offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sean Mannion

New offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, previously the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers.

Christian Parker

Former defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, now the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

Jaelan Phillips

Former starting defensive player for the Philadelphia Eagles who left in free agency.

Nakobe Dean

Former starting defensive player for the Philadelphia Eagles who left in free agency.

Reed Blankenship

Former starting defensive player for the Philadelphia Eagles who left in free agency.

Andy Dalton

New backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Marquise Brown

Free agent signing by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tariq Woolen

Free agent signing by the Philadelphia Eagles.

A.J. Brown

Star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.

Howie Roseman

General manager of the Philadelphia Eagles.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build this roster through the draft and free agency to give ourselves the best chance to compete for a championship.”

— Howie Roseman, General Manager, Philadelphia Eagles

What’s next

The Eagles will look to address their roster needs through the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26, 2026. They hold nine total picks, including a first-rounder at No. 23 overall, and will aim to find a potential replacement for A.J. Brown as well as reinforce their defense after several key departures.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Eagles are in a transitional phase this offseason, with changes to their coaching staff and several starters leaving in free agency. However, their nine draft picks in 2026 give them an opportunity to reload the roster and position themselves for another run at the NFC East title and a deep playoff push.