Eagles Urged to Avoid Drafting Offensive Lineman in 1st Round

ESPN analyst warns Philadelphia against investing in O-line depth over pressing needs at edge rusher and wide receiver.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an American football game, with sharp planes of green, silver, and black representing the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line and players in motion, conveying the team's need to address other positions of need beyond the offensive trenches.A cubist interpretation of the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line struggles, highlighting the need to address other roster gaps in the upcoming draft.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a crucial decision in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, with pressure mounting to potentially select an offensive lineman in the 1st round despite having pressing needs at edge rusher and wide receiver. ESPN's Ben Solak argues this would be a 'disastrous move' for a franchise focused on winning its 3rd Super Bowl in the last decade, urging the Eagles to instead address their current roster gaps rather than investing in speculative future offensive line depth.

Why it matters

The Eagles have already made a significant financial commitment to their offensive line, with 4 homegrown starters set to earn a combined $508.6 million in career earnings. After the unit underperformed in 2025, the team is being advised against doubling down on the O-line in the draft when other positions of need could have a more immediate impact on their Super Bowl aspirations.

The details

The Eagles' offensive line was the driving force behind their Super Bowl LIX win, but that unit is now in 'jeopardy' with several key players returning from injury-plagued seasons or entering contract years. However, Solak argues the Eagles should not use their 1st-round pick to address this potential future need, as 'you win a Super Bowl by addressing the needs you have right now' - namely, edge rusher and wide receiver.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Ben Solak

An ESPN analyst who is urging the Philadelphia Eagles to avoid drafting an offensive lineman in the 1st round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Landon Dickerson

The Eagles' starting left guard, who is returning from an injury-hampered season.

Cam Jurgens

The Eagles' starting center, who is also returning from an injury-plagued season.

Tyler Steen

The Eagles' starting right guard, who is in a contract year.

Lane Johnson

The Eagles' starting right tackle, who is coming off an ankle injury and reportedly mulling retirement.

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What they’re saying

“The driving force behind the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX win was their offensive line, and that unit is suddenly in jeopardy.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“You don't do that by adding depth on the offensive line for a speculative future. You win a Super Bowl by addressing the needs you have right now.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Eagles will make their 1st-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 2026.

The takeaway

The Eagles have invested heavily in their offensive line, but the unit's struggles in 2025 have raised questions about their future. While the line's long-term health is a valid concern, analysts argue the team should focus on more pressing roster needs like edge rusher and wide receiver in the upcoming draft rather than doubling down on the O-line.