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Stat experts reveal a 2026 draft need the Eagles can't afford to ignore

Stat experts reveal a 2026 draft need the Eagles can't afford to ignore

USA Today23-06-2025
PFF sounds a silent alarm pulling a curtain back on a possible Eagles draft plan.
We have seen quite the offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles hosted their second Super Bowl victory parade. Then came another scouting combine, Top 30 Visits, Pro Days, and an NFL Draft.
That brought us to a rookie minicamp, OTAs, and a one-day mandatory minicamp. We have learned a great deal, but Philadelphia still has a ways to go and more work to do before Week 1 of the regular season.
Training camp begins on July 22. In the meantime, no stone will be left unturned in terms of roster discussions and all things related to the Birds. Pro Football Focus offered something notable as they hit the fast-forward button to present some interesting, albeit early, theories about the 2026 NFL Draft.
PFF sheds some light on possible Eagles 2026 draft concerns.
Philadelphia's roster is stacked, but don't tell Howie Roseman that. He is always on the hunt for more talent. Pro Football Focus offered an interesting take: one area every NFL team needs to think about during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Their theory about the Birds is a reasonable one. Philadelphia will need to address the tight end position. Trevor Sikkema, the writer of this one, adds some perspective:
"The Eagles have the best roster in the NFL once again, even after losing Milton Williams, Darius Slay, and Josh Sweat this offseason. When looking forward, tight end Dallas Goedert is an unrestricted free agent next offseason, as is TE2 Grant Calcaterra. The 2026 tight end class isn't overly strong, but Philadelphia might need one or two regardless."
It makes a lot of sense. Keep a couple of things in mind. The first is this. Despite making the wise decision and bringing Dallas Goedert back to play out the final season of his current deal, it's doubtful (although not impossible) that he'll be retained with an extension next offseason.
Also, Philadelphia hasn't taken a tight end in any NFL Draft since Calcaterra was a sixth-round selection. It may be time to retool.
The Eagles have enjoyed a nice streak of finding great players at the position: Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, and Grant Calcaterra. They've discovered some good players at the position by way of the selection meeting.
Might another great Eagle be found next April? That would be a nice step forward in finding a succession plan for two Birds who have certainly earned their wings. Philadelphia has to begin thinking about some of their young defenders (Reed Blankenship, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith, for example), and there isn't enough money to go around.
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