The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft as a critical opportunity to address roster gaps, especially regarding the uncertain futures of safety Reed Blankenship and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. With free agency starting March 9, the team’s decisions on re-signing players will likely shape their draft strategy moving forward.
Among the Eagles’ top four free agents—tight end Dallas Goedert, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, safety Reed Blankenship, and linebacker Nakobe Dean—Dean appears the most probable to depart. Philadelphia’s depth at linebacker includes Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell, making Dean’s role more expendable, while keeping Goedert, Phillips, or Blankenship seems more plausible if the team prioritizes continuity.
Defensive Needs Highlighted for Draft Strategy
Industry analysis suggests the Eagles could focus heavily on defense early in the draft, despite the team’s strong defensive ranking in 2025. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus outlined a proposed ideal draft haul for Philadelphia, starting with Clemson edge rusher TJ Parker and following with a cornerback, a safety, and a tight end to bolster key areas.
“Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE T.J. Parker, CB Keith Abney II, S Kamari Ramsey, TE Justin JolyIt may feel odd for the Eagles to spend their first three picks on a defense that was eighth in both EPA per play and success rate last year, but Howie Roseman never turns down an opportunity for improvement,”
Locker wrote.
“Edge defender, (third) corner and safety were all low points on the team in 2025, and each could be victim to free-agent departures over the next two seasons. Abney (81.7 PFF zone coverage grade) would fit well in Vic Fangio’s defense next to Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, and Ramsey (77.0 coverage grade) could upgrade a department where Reed Blankenship was poor last campaign.”
Potential Replacements for Phillips, Blankenship, and Goedert
If Philadelphia follows this plan, they address multiple concerns. TJ Parker would fill the edge rusher role potentially vacated by Phillips, Keith Abney II could strengthen the cornerback position opposite Quinyon Mitchell, and Kamari Ramsey offers an upgrade at safety to succeed Reed Blankenship. The addition of tight end Justin Joly could eventually replace Dallas Goedert as the team’s main target at the position, especially since Goedert posted his lowest PFF grade last season.
“It remains to be seen if Dallas Goedert will be back in Philadelphia. But even if he is, his 66.7 overall PFF grade was the lowest of his career in 2025. Joly (81.6 PFF receiving grade) could be the team’s eventual TE1.”
Locker’s recommendations align with the Eagles’ clear need to reinforce both defensive backfield and pass rushing, while also planning for the future at tight end. Considering free agency moves and other roster developments will shape the specifics, this defensive-and-tight end-focused draft approach represents a sensible path forward.
Implications for Philadelphia’s Roster and Future Plans
This draft strategy underscores the Eagles’ intent to maintain competitiveness by proactively renewing key positions, particularly given the uncertainties surrounding Reed Blankenship and Jaelan Phillips. The selections suggested would target foundational players for coach Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme, enhancing depth and performance. With free agency soon underway, Philadelphia’s decisions will clarify whether these draft priorities become reality in April.
