Eagles and NFC East Draft Outlook

by Marc Narducci | Apr 24, 2026

The NFL draft will take place this week, Thursday through Saturday in Pittsburgh and it is time to see if the NFC East teams can attempt to catch up to the Eagles. It is also a time for the Eagles to get some needed young reinforcements for the 2026 season.

Here is a look at the Eagles and the rest of the NFC East draft situations. Heights and weights were from the NFL combine.

EAGLES

Last season: 11-6 (won the NFC East, lost to San Francisco in the wild card round).

Draft picks: Round 1 (No. 23), 2 (54), 3 (68), 3 (98), 4 (114), 4 (137), 5 (178), 6 (197).

Biggest needs: Offensive line, defensive line, tight end and WR (if AJ Brown is traded)

Potential early picks: Selecting with the 23^rd pick, the Eagles could go a number of ways. If Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq is available, that is the player I would take, but he likely will be gone by then. As for offensive tackles, there are several that could be considered at No. 23 including Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor (6-6 5/8, 352), Clemson’s Blake Miller (6-6 ¾, 317), and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor (6-5 7/8, 321). Miller, who started 54 games for Clemson, would be an intriguing pick. He played most of his career at right tackle. Iheanachor is a late-bloomer who could have the biggest upside. Proctor had 39 starts at Alabama, and he had some inconsistent moments, but he also has All-Pro potential. If the Eagles go for a receiver, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. or Washington’s Denzel Boston would be potential choices.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Last season: 7-9 (second in NFC East).

Draft picks: Round 1 (No. 12 and No. 20), 3 (92), 4 (112), 5 (152, 177, 180), 7 (218).

Biggest needs: Defense, all around.

Potential early picks: If LSU CB Mansoor Delane falls to No. 12 the Cowboys should immediately make that pick. If one of the Ohio State standouts, LB Sonny Styles or S Caleb Downs, falls to No. 12, either would also be a great choice. The Cowboys should double up on defense with their second first rounder at No. 20. The only exception is if Penn State OG Olaivavega Ioane is available. In our opinion, he is a future Pro Bowl player, but it’s not likely he falls to 20. Auburn edge Keldrick Faulk is another possibility at No. 20. He has all the great athletic traits, but his production hasn’t matched.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Last season: 5-12 (third in the NFC East).

Draft picks: Round 1 (No. 7), 3 (71), 5 (147), 6 (187, 209), 7 (223).

Biggest needs: Cornerback, pass rushers, offensive line.

Potential early picks: If Notre Dame RB Jeremiah Love falls to No. 7, would the Commanders make that pick, despite having other bigger needs? Washington may also want to trade down to get extra picks. One player who would be tempting is LSU’s Delane, who can be a shutdown CB that the Commanders desperately need. Since they don’t have a second-round pick, Washington could also trade that No. 7 pick for extra selections. If Washington keeps the No. 7 pick, Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. could be a possibility.

NY GIANTS

Last season: 4-12 (fourth in the NFC East).

Draft picks: Round 1 (No. 5 and 10), 2 (37), 4 (105), 5 (145), 6 (186, 192, 193).

Biggest needs: playmakers, defensive tackle, cornerbacks.

Potential early picks: The Giants just traded one of the league’s top defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the No. 10 overall pick. Now they have three selections among the first 37 picks. If Notre Dame’s Love is available at No. 5 it will be tempting. While some may feel that is too high for a running back, Love could be a generational player. QB Jaxson Dart needs playmakers, so it will be interesting. The Giants need defensive playmakers and Ohio State’s Styles fits the mold, whether at No. 5 or No. 10. The same can be said of Ohio State’s Downs. The one problem is that we mentioned three players and their positions of RB, LB and S, are not considered good positional value in the Top 10. Will the Giants worry about that, or just attempt to draft the best players? If Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is available at No. 10 (which would be a surprise), he would be an intriguing addition to the offense.

Clemson's Blake Miller / Courtesy of Clemson Athletics/David Platt

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Author: Marc Narducci

Eagles and NFC East Draft Outlook

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