
How will Browns use their two first-round draft picks?
Cleveland Browns eyeing trades and elite picks in 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft poses risks for certain Philadelphia Eagles players as rookies may threaten their job security and future value. Five players are highlighted as potentially expendable due to the draft's outcomes.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be a life-changing moment for the 257 prospects selected. It will also be an exciting time for the Eagles as they build for the future and add potential stars to their roster.
But this week’s draft won’t be a good time for everyone in Philadelphia. Rookies will replace or threaten the job security of starters, reduce some players’ value to the team’s future and make them more expendable. There’s a real downside to the draft.
YOU’RE ON THE CLOCK:BUILD YOUR OWN NFL MOCK DRAFT
Here are five Eagles players who could be negatively affected by the draft’s results:
The idea of the Eagles taking a quarterback on Day 2 has been floated around this offseason. We’re not advocating for them to do that. Taking a developmental QB over a potential starter at another position would be a head-scratching decision, especially in this weak quarterback draft.
But let’s say the Eagles go through with this plan. It would mean the organization is frustrated with Hurts and is preparing to make a change at quarterback if the offense doesn’t improve next season.
This move would not be out of character for the organization.
In 2020, the Eagles drafted Hurts in the second round, less than a year after signing former franchise quarterback Carson Wentz to a long-term extension.
At the time, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman claimed the team drafted Hurts as a backup, not to replace Wentz. A year later, Wentz was traded to the Colts, and Hurts became the team’s starting quarterback.
Roseman could have been telling the truth at the time that he had no plans to replace Wentz. It’s possible he never saw things playing out that way.
Five Eagles players are identified as potentially expendable due to the impact of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The draft could lead to rookies replacing or threatening the job security of current starters on the Eagles' roster.
Some players may see a reduction in their future value and job security as new prospects are added to the team.
The draft is significant as it allows the Eagles to build for the future and potentially add stars while also creating challenges for existing players.

Cleveland Browns eyeing trades and elite picks in 2026 NFL Draft

Nnamdi Madubuike has neck surgery but may return to play this season.

The trend of smaller shin guards in soccer raises safety concerns after Lewis Holtby's injury.
Billy Donovan leaves the Bulls following major front office shakeup.
Pakistan Cricket Board in Talks for New Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Joe Buck is hosting a new *Jeopardy!* spin-off for ESPN, set to premiere this summer!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
This time, though, it will be difficult to believe the Eagles are taking a quarterback on Day 2 and that it has nothing to do with Hurts’ standing with the team. That rookie quarterback would be viewed as a potential replacement for Hurts.
Hurts’ future with the team came into question after ESPN published an article this month reporting that he is at a crossroads with the franchise. The report revealed members of the organization have grown tired of Hurts’ play style and demeanor.
Brown is slated to start alongside DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks next season, but he could fall into a backup role if the team drafts a wide receiver in the first three rounds.
The Eagles signed Brown to a one-year, $5 million contract this offseason, so the expectations are low. He has high expectations for himself, though, and could be disappointed by this week’s results.
The Eagles could draft Dickerson’s replacement with one of their top picks this week. Dickerson considered retirement this offseason and revised his deal to help save the Eagles money after he retires, according to multiple reports. With the revised deal, his contract no longer runs through 2028 and will instead expire after the 2027 season.
Dickerson could play out the final two seasons of his deal, but he struggled last season due to injuries and may have difficulty bouncing back this year if his body continues to break down. He could be replaced in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will be up for extensions soon and rank high on the team’s priority list.
Where does that leave Ojomo, one of the team’s most underrated players?
The Eagles are paying Jordan Davis $26 million per year, and Carter is expected to earn $30-plus million annually on his next contract, leaving them with less room to extend Ojomo, who is projected to earn over $20 million next offseason.
Philadelphia could struggle to match Ojomo’s next contract, and from a roster construction standpoint, they may not want to pay three defensive tackles top-tier money.
The Eagles could prepare for Ojomo’s potential loss by drafting another defensive tackle in the middle rounds (4–5), or as high as the third round. A pick spent on a defensive tackle before the fifth round could indicate the team plans to let Ojomo walk after the season.
Adding a top pass rusher for the 2026 season appears to be one of the team’s top priorities, and it hasn’t been crossed off yet.
If the Eagles trade for a top pass rusher like Jonathan Greenard during the draft or select an edge rusher in the first two rounds, that could make Smith the odd man out. Once the Eagles lock up Carter, DeJean and Mitchell, they could also try to extend edge rusher Jalyx Hunt and linebacker Zack Baun next offseason. Safety Drew Mukuba and linebacker Jihaad Campbell may also require new deals in the coming years.
Finding room for Smith, too, will be difficult.
If the Eagles acquire a veteran edge rusher, they would have to give that player a significant extension and decide who to pay between Smith and Hunt. It’s an easy choice. Hunt has flashed significant upside, has better physical tools and is more durable. The Eagles are unlikely to pay three edge rushers top money, with them needing to pay other defenders at linebacker, cornerback and defensive tackle.
A rookie edge rusher could replace Smith after his contract is up. The Eagles have to decide whether to pick up Smith’s fifth-year option this offseason or decline it, making him a free agent next offseason.
Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.