Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles has the reputation as an aggressive general manager in the NFL Draft. This week, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell encouraged Roseman to live up to that reputation.
Not only did Barnwell argue the Eagles should trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft, the ESPN analyst explained Tuesday why it’s a necessary move for Philadelphia this spring.
“At No. 23, he’s stuck behind teams that could be thinking offensive tackle, including the Panthers at 19, Cowboys at 20 and Steelers at 21,” wrote Barnwell. “Moving up ahead of them might be necessary to get Johnson’s long-term replacement on the right side.
“There isn’t the same sort of hunger for a wide receiver immediately ahead of the Eagles, but the teams right behind Philly (the Browns, Bears, Bills and 49ers) could try to jump Roseman to get that wideout, which might necessitate the longtime general manager beating his rivals to the punch.”
Barnwell strongly voiced that the Eagles will address offense in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Philadelphia has selected defensive players with eight of their past nine Day 1 and 2 selections. But Barnwell sees that changing in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Eagles hold the No. 23 overall selection in the first round. They also have three selections on Day 2 and four on Day 3.
Will Eagles Make First-Round Trade?
GettyESPN’s Bill Barnwell argued Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles should trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Barnwell isn’t the first to suggest the Eagles will make a Day 1 draft night move. In fact, it’s actually become quite a popular scenario explored in 2026 NFL mock drafts.
Sharp Football’s Brandan Donahue predicted Roseman to trade up to No. 16 to grab Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid proposed the Eagles move up to the No. 17-20 range to select Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Both being at ESPN, Barnwell and Reid might have the same intel. But it’s still not surprising analysts have the Eagles moving up.
Roseman has traded up in the first round during three of the past seven drafts. That move makes sense again this year since it appears, at least on paper, the teams just ahead of Philadelphia have similar needs — offensive line and wide receiver.
If Roseman sees prospects he likes at those position going off the board in the teens, he could move ahead of the Dallas Cowboys at No. 20 to guarantee getting the player he wants.
What Howie Roseman Could Focus on in 2026 NFL Draft
GettyESPN’s Bill Barnwell explained the Philadelphia Eagles could be going through a roster transition over the next year.
In addition to a move up, Barnwell also sees the Eagles beginning to emphasize offense in the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s after years of Roseman concentrating on defense.
“Though the Eagles aren’t going to overturn their entire roster, that money is going to come from the offensive side in the big picture,” wrote Barnwell. “It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Roseman deal A.J. Brown after June 1, when the dead money on his deal can be spread over two years.
“Star right tackle Lane Johnson is nearing the end of his career. Dallas Goedert is probably in his final year with the Eagles. Only $2.5 million of Saquon Barkley‘s $16 million cash compensation in 2027 is guaranteed. This offense could look very different in a year or two as Philly’s money flows to the defense.”
To get ahead of those potential departures — Lane Johnson, Dallas Goedert and A.J. Brown — Roseman should be thinking about their respective positions in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That could help the Eagles seamlessly transition into their next era on offense.
Eagles Urged to Make Major 2026 NFL Draft Move