Eagles Focus on Defense, Ignore Tight End in Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles surprised many during the recent NFL Draft by neither trading veteran tight end Dallas Goedert nor selecting a new tight end, despite widespread speculation. General manager Howie Roseman emphasized that the team remained committed to following their draft board and prioritizing value, focusing heavily on bolstering their defense with their first five picks and making several trades to increase draft capital. Roseman also noted the organization's evolving approach, including not drafting any players from their pre-draft 'top 30' visits, which had previously been a hallmark of their strategy. While Roseman praised Goedert's contributions and character, he left the veteran's future with the team uncertain, citing potential post-June 1 salary cap considerations. Analysts and draft evaluators widely regarded the Eagles as one of the winners of the draft, crediting Roseman's adaptability and roster management for keeping the team among the NFL's elite. The Eagles further positioned themselves for future success by increasing their projected 2026 draft stockpile to 12 picks, including 11 in the first five rounds.