Should the Eagles trade down to accumulate more NFL Draft assets?
· Yahoo Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles could explore trading down in Round 1, a strategy that aligns with the organization's history of maximizing draft value. One of the most consistent yearly themes surrounding Philadelphia is the possibility of a trade down at pick No. 23.
Philadelphia has a well-established history of moving back to accumulate additional draft capital, and this year could be no different. With a deep draft class and multiple needs across the roster, the Eagles are in a prime position to maximize value. Eagles GM Howie Roseman is a huge supporter of trading up and down the draft boards, no matter the round or the assets at his disposal. Roseman, known for never sitting still, has always been an active draft-night trader and will likely make a move or two in rounds 1-3. Roseman has conducted over 60 draft-day trades over the past ten years, not including the 2015 draft when coach Chip Kelly snatched personnel control.
Visit rhodia.club for more information.
There are other times when Roseman will trade back, including giving the Ravens pick No. 32 for Lamar Jackson in 2018. Roseman has repeatedly shown a willingness to let the board come to him rather than forcing a selection. If the Eagles don't see a clear top-tier target at their pick, trading down becomes a logical—and likely—option.
The added picks could provide flexibility to address multiple positions, including offensive line, defensive line, and the secondary. For Philadelphia, the goal isn't just to make a pick—it's to win the draft. And trading down while adding more depth may be the best way to do it.
Here are five players the Eagles could target by trading down in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on high-upside prospects who could make an immediate impact in Philadelphia.
WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
A big physical presence at 6-0, 204 pounds, Cooper, Jr. played primarily in the slot during Indiana's 16-0 run to the national title. Cooper, Jr. had his most productive year, catching 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had one season of eligibility remaining.
Edge Rusher Akheem Mesidor, Miami
A dynamic and versatile pass rusher, Faulk ranked eighth in the SEC with 45 total pressures in 2024 according to Pro Football Focus. Overall, Faulk finishes his college career with 73 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.
OL Caleb Lomu, Utah
Spencer Fano's running mate at Utah, the 6-6, 308-pound Lomo, played in 25 total games, starting 22 and earning an All-Big 12 First Team selection. On the season, Lomo allowed just eight pressures and six hurries and didn't allow a sack in 357 pass blocking opportunities, per PFF; given up just one hurry in the last five games.
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
McNeil-Warren is a tall safety prospect who will attract interest from several NFL teams, following the successful transitions of Quinyon Mitchell and other Toledo defenders. He received Third-Team All-American recognition from the AP, becoming only the second Toledo player to make the AP All-America team in 18 years.
OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder is a huge physical specimen, but athletic enough to run routes and catch passes for the Crimson Tide.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles exploring trade-down options ahead of draft