Biggest winners and losers from the Eagles' 2026 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles just completed their two-day rookie minicamp, while veterans and new free-agent additions were hard at work in the off-season workout programs. 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 OTAs fast approaching, we're looking at five Eagles who were most affected by the three-day weekend.

Loser: Darius Cooper

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 was the player most impacted by Hollywood Brown joining the roster, and Makai Lemon at pick No. 20 has only complicated 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.

Loser: Johnny Mundt, Grant Calcaterra

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 changed after Philadelphia drafted tight end Eli Stowers. 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.

Winner: Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen

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 have been on the agenda in Rounds 1 and 2. Micah Morris was a solid pick, but he's not ready for primetime today. 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.

Winner: Nolan Smith

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. His 5th-year option has been exercised, and the Eagles didn't draft another edge rusher after landing Jonathan Greenard.

Winner: Jakorian Bennett

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 have made Bennett's roster spot harder to secure, with Kelee Ringo clearly a special teams standout.

Winner: 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

Philadelphia didn't draft a safety until Round 7. 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.

Winner: Jake Elliott

Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Elliott reworked his contract, and the team guaranteed his 2026 salary, but he didn't see competition from a draft pick.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Biggest winners and losers from the Eagles' 2026 NFL Draft