NFL Draft Experts Share Final Predictions for Eagles with 23rd Pick: Trenches, Trades, or a Surprise?

The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and no team in the league carries more intrigue at the back end of the first round than the Philadelphia Eagles. Holding the No. 23 overall pick, general manager Howie Roseman has positioned his franchise with a rare combination of roster depth and draft capital flexibility. But as the clock ticks down, league experts remain sharply divided on what the Eagles will actually do. Will they fortify the trenches? Will they capitalize on a falling blue-chip prospect? Or will Roseman pull the trigger on yet another signature draft-day trade?

According to multiple evaluators, the answer is as complex as it is exciting. The Eagles enter this draft with a roster that is already a Super Bowl contender, meaning they can afford to be patient—or aggressive. Here is the final breakdown of what the experts are predicting for Philadelphia at pick No. 23.

The Case for the Trenches: Why Georgia’s Monroe Freeling Fits the Eagles’ Blueprint

One of the most persistent rumors leading into draft night involves the Eagles targeting an offensive tackle. While the team currently has solid starters, the future at the position is uncertain. Lane Johnson is still elite but aging, and Jordan Mailata has battled injuries. This is where Georgia’s Monroe Freeling enters the conversation.

According to Philly Voice and prominent Eagles analyst Jimmy Kempski, Philadelphia may actually trade up to secure Freeling. Kempski has been adamant that the Eagles view Freeling as a potential cornerstone, comparing his skill set to the elite tackles drafted early in recent years. “In pass pro, Freeling has excellent feet, and can easily mirror/match opposing pass rushers,” Kempski noted. “In the run game, he can execute difficult reach blocks, he’s effective on combo blocks, and he has the athleticism to track down linebackers and defensive backs in space down the field.”

The Georgia product also brings a nasty edge to his game—a trait the Eagles covet. His ability to play both left and right tackle only increases his value. If Roseman is convinced that Freeling is a top-15 talent, a small trade-up from No. 23 (perhaps packaging a third-round pick) would be a quintessential Eagles move. The logic is simple: secure a franchise tackle now, and worry about the depth chart later.

• Key trait: Elite footwork and mirroring ability in pass protection
• Versatility: Experience at both LT and RT
• Fit: Immediate contributor with long-term starting potential
• Prediction: Eagles trade up 4-6 spots to snag Freeling

The “BPA Falls” Scenario: Edge Rusher or Wide Receiver Drops into Their Lap

Not every expert believes the Eagles need to force a tackle pick. In fact, many evaluators see a scenario where positional runs—particularly at offensive tackle and quarterback—push exceptional talent down the board. If a top-tier edge rusher or a dynamic wide receiver slides to No. 23, Philadelphia could once again benefit from patience, landing a player with top-15 talent without having to move up.

The Eagles’ defensive line is already a strength, but adding a young, explosive edge rusher to pair with Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham (who is nearing retirement) would be a luxury pick with long-term payoff. Similarly, the wide receiver room, led by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, is elite—but depth behind them is thin. A receiver with elite speed or contested-catch ability could be the final piece for an already explosive offense.

“Philadelphia is in a sweet spot,” one AFC scout told us. “They don’t have a glaring hole. That means they can take the best player available and let the board come to them. If a blue-chip pass rusher falls because teams panic-pick quarterbacks, the Eagles will sprint to the podium.”

This approach aligns with Roseman’s recent history. In 2024, he let the board fall and landed Quinyon Mitchell at No. 22—a player many had ranked in the top 15. If a similar scenario unfolds in 2026, don’t be surprised if the Eagles stay put and simply take the best player available, regardless of position.

• Best-case slide: A top-10 edge rusher or WR falls to 23
• Why it works: Roster is deep enough to absorb a non-need pick
• Expert take: “Expect the unexpected” – consensus among league insiders
• Prediction: Eagles stay put, draft a falling blue-chip prospect

The Roseman Factor: Why a Trade (Up or Down) Is Always on the Table

If there is one universal truth about Howie Roseman, it is this: he loves to trade. The Eagles’ general manager has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and unpredictable draft-day operators in the NFL. Several experts point to Philadelphia’s history of draft-day trades, suggesting a move up for a targeted player or a trade back to accumulate future assets remains firmly on the table.

With additional picks available and a roster that already boasts depth, Roseman has the ammunition to strike. A trade-up for Freeling (as Kempski suggests) is one option. But a trade back is equally plausible. If the Eagles feel the value at No. 23 is not elite, they could slide back into the late 20s or early 30s, pick up an extra second- or third-round pick, and still land a quality starter.

“Howie is a chess player, not a checkers player,” one NFC executive explained. “He’s already thinking about the 2027 draft. If trading back nets him an extra first-rounder next year, he’ll do it without hesitation. He trusts his scouting department to find starters in the second and third rounds.”

The Eagles’ recent success with mid-round picks—such as Milton Williams and Landon Dickerson—only reinforces this philosophy. Whether Roseman moves up, stays put, or trades back, the consensus among experts is clear: expect the unexpected when Philadelphia is on the clock at No. 23.

• Trade-up target: Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)
• Trade-back target: Accumulate 2027 capital or a second-rounder
• Roseman’s track record: 5 trades in the last 3 first rounds
• Prediction: A trade is 60% likely—either up or down

Final Verdict: What Will the Eagles Actually Do at Pick 23?

After analyzing the expert opinions, the most likely outcome is a calculated trade-up for Monroe Freeling. The fit is too perfect: a versatile, athletic, and nasty offensive tackle who can learn behind Johnson and Mailata before taking over a starting role. The Eagles have shown they are willing to be aggressive for the right player, and Freeling’s Combine performance only solidified his status as a top-tier prospect.

However, the beauty of the Eagles’ position is that they have options. If Freeling is gone before No. 20, Roseman will pivot. He may trade back, or he may simply take the best player available—whether that is an edge rusher, a wide receiver, or even a cornerback. The roster is strong enough to absorb any pick.

Bottom line: The Philadelphia Eagles will not be boring on draft night. Whether they trade up for a star tackle, let a falling playmaker land in their lap, or trade back to stockpile picks, the result will be a team that gets better. For a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations, that is the only outcome that matters.

Keep your eyes on the clock at No. 23. Howie Roseman is about to do what he does best: surprise everyone.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.