Eagles have a major problem coming — here’s how they could fix it in the draft

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During the 2026 NFL Draft next week, the Eagles will have to address several needs on both sides of the ball, but the one need that is most glaring — the one that’s the top organizational priority — is the offensive line.


The Eagles will likely take multiple offensive linemen, including at the top of the draft. With every position besides left tackle being a huge concern moving forward, remaking the offensive line could be the team’s top objective entering the first round next Thursday.


Left guard Landon Dickerson considered retirement this offseason due to injuries and took a pay cut that will help the Eagles save money if he does retire in the next two years, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network.


Right guard Tyler Steen will become a free agent after the 2026 season and 35-year-old right tackle Lane Johnson is expected to retire within the next few years. Over the last two years, center Cam Jurgens has been slowed down by back and knee injuries. Left tackle Jordan Mailata has fewer injury concerns, but his play also regressed during the 2025 season.


It may be time for the Eagles to overhaul the position and prepare for changes that could happen as early as next offseason. Steen, Dickerson and Johnson could all be entering their final seasons with the Eagles, potentially leaving three starting jobs open in 2027.


The Eagles’ offensive line struggled in 2025, contributing to one of the NFL’s worst offenses across nearly every statistical category. Philadelphia ultimately lost in the first round of the playoffs.


During the 2024 Super Bowl season, Philadelphia’s offensive line paved the way for Saquon Barkley eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards and consistently wore defenses down.


When Philadelphia’s run game is clicking, it takes pressure off quarterback Jalen Hurts and allows the offense to find a rhythm. Without it, Hurts struggles as a passer and the unit falls out of sync. Reestablishing that identity could keep the Eagles in contention for years. If the offensive line continues to regress, that window could close quickly.


That’s why the Eagles must improve their offensive line depth for next season and find new quality starters for the years ahead. That should not be a problem. The Eagles will have a handful of tackle and guard prospects to choose from in the first two days of the draft. Here are 10 players who could be available to Philadelphia in the first two rounds:


First-round targets

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia ​

Freeling has elite upside due to his athleticism, size (6-7, 315 pounds) and long arms (34 3/4″). He could develop behind Johnson, clean up his pass-protection issues and become a top-tier starter in a few years. Not many offensive tackles can move and make blocks in space like he does.

Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State​

Iheanachor needs to clean up his technique, but with his powerful anchor, agility and light feet, he has the tools to become one of the best pass protectors in the draft.

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama ​

Proctor looks the part. The 6-7, 352-pound offensive tackle has a massive frame, good length (33 ⅜-inch arms) and dynamic strength. He drives defensive linemen into the ground on downhill blocks. That’s the positive.


He has plenty of issues, too. He struggles mirroring quicker pass rushers, did not play at a consistent level and dealt with weight issues. He’s a boom-or-bust prospect. It’s a risk the Eagles could bet on in the first round.

Blake Miller, OT, Clemson ​

Miller is the most pro-ready tackle among the options who could be available to the Eagles in the first round. He made 54 starts for Clemson over four years and developed into one of college football’s best pass protectors. The 6-7, 313-pound tackle has 34 ¼-inch arms and moves like an elite athlete. His lackluster core strength makes it difficult for him to sustain blocks and dominate on a consistent basis. That will need to improve if he’s going to become a top player at his position.

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah​

Lomu was Utah’s left tackle. He would have to move over to the right side in Philadelphia, which is not an easy transition. At 6-6, 313 pounds, he uses his explosiveness and quick feet to mirror pass rushers in pass protection. He needs to get bigger and stronger to become a better run blocker.

Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State​

The Eagles would have to trade up to land Ioane — it’s unlikely he falls to pick No. 23 — but he’s one of the few players in this class worth moving up for. He’s arguably one of the best prospects regardless of position. He’s a mean, tough bully on the field. He drives defenders backwards against their will. His powerful base and anchor gives him a high floor as a pass protector and run blocker in the NFL.


Second-round targets

Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon​

Pregnon is a destructive run blocker and sturdy in pass pro. The Eagles could view him as Dickerson’s long-term replacement at left guard.

Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech​

Rutledge plays with a mean demeanor, is tough and strong and does a good job of maintaining his blocks. He’s a decent athlete, too. Over the last couple of weeks, he has been generating first-round buzz.

Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M ​

In pass protection, Bisontis snatches defensive tackles and throws them to the ground. He could ultimately get selected in the first round.

Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa ​

Dunker gave up zero sacks at right tackle in 2025. He’s projected to play guard in the NFL to hide some of his athletic limitations. He’s another strong, physical, heavy-handed guard prospect who wins with power and effort. The Eagles could start him at left or right guard in 2027.


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