The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for the NFL draft, which starts in three days. Seven players are expected to be significantly impacted by the new draft class.
Key points
Philadelphia Eagles begin off-season workouts program
NFL draft starts in three days
Seven players will be impacted by the draft
GM Howie Roseman is preparing for the draft
Key veterans and players on final year of deals are at risk
Philadelphia EaglesNFL draft
The Philadelphia Eagles began their off-season workouts program on Monday, and while veterans and new free-agent additions are hard at work, the scouting department and GM Howie Roseman are preparing for the first round of the NFL draft, which kicks off in three days. New draft classes are always impactful, and the trickle-down effect starts with key veterans, players on the final year of their deals, and young players in jeopardy of being replaced.
With the draft fast approaching, we're looking at seven Eagles who'll be impacted the most by the three-day weekend.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 11: Darius Cooper #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a first down against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 11: Darius Cooper #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a first down against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Cooper is the player most impacted by Hollywood Brown joining the roster, and a high draft pick would only complicate his quest for key playing time. Johnny Wilson will look to regain his training camp form from 2025, before he suffered a significant knee injury. This depth chart could drastically change around June 1.
Q&A
Which Eagles players are most affected by the 2026 NFL draft?
Seven players on the Eagles roster are identified as being impacted the most by the upcoming draft.
What is the significance of the NFL draft for the Eagles?
The NFL draft is crucial for the Eagles as it can lead to changes in the roster, affecting both veterans and younger players.
When does the 2026 NFL draft start?
The 2026 NFL draft begins in three days from the start of the Eagles' off-season workouts.
How does the NFL draft affect veteran players on the Eagles?
Veteran players may face competition for their positions or be at risk of being replaced due to new draft picks.
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Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Johnny Mundt (86) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Johnny Mundt (86) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
Dallas Goedert is back on a one-year deal after catching an Eagles franchise high 11 touchdown catches. Mundt will play the third tight end, run-blocking role, but things could change if Philadelphia drafts a tight end. Cameron Latu will assume the role of fullback. In a reduced role behind Mason Taylor, Smartt caught seven of nine targets for 52 yards while appearing in 15 games for the Jets in the 2025 season.
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
While fans have clamored for a more physical replacement at right guard for Tyler Steen, Landon Dickerson's eventual replacement at left guard could be on the agenda in Rounds 1 and 2. Dickerson was excellent in 2024, but finished the 2025 regular season with a 60.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, which ranked only 51st among 81 qualifying guards, and he just reworked his deal, taking years off.
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) in action against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) in action against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
A solid run defender and explosive pass rusher, Smith missed seven games in 2025, logging 31 tackles, 3 sacks, one forced fumble, 33 QB pressures, 24 QB hurries, and a 67.7 PFF grade in 12 games. The 5th-year option, as it currently stands, is $14 million for 2027. Hunt became the first Eagle to lead the team in both sacks (6.5) and INTs (3) in the same season. He is the second Eagle to have 6.0+ sacks and 3.0+ INTs in a season, joining Seth Joyner (1991-92). Philadelphia adding a big-name pass rusher could make Smith vulnerable.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams attempts to catch the ball against Jakorian Bennett #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams attempts to catch the ball against Jakorian Bennett #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
After losing Jaelan Phillips, Reed Blankenship, and Nakobe Dean, the strength of this defense will be at cornerback. Philadelphia has gone from uncertainty at the position to being absolutely loaded after landing Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. Philadelphia adding another cornerback could make Bennett's roster spot harder to secure, with Kelee Ringo clearly a training-camp standout.
Michael Carter-Marcus Epps
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (39) reacts after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (39) reacts after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Andrew Mukuba is the one, unquestioned starter in the Eagles' secondary at the safety position. The second safety spot is up for grabs after Reed Blankenship's departure. Epps is a solid contributor, but he's aging and not a dominant game-changer. Gray is a special teams standout, while Sam and Johnson are back after spending 2025 on the practice squad.
