Eagles 2026 NFL Draft
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Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine argued the Philadelphia Eagles could target a defensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles have selected four defensive prospects from the University of Georgia in the past four drafts. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine argued the Eagles could dip back into the same well to fill a surprising need in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In an article naming one surprise need each NFL team could address early in this year’s draft, Ballentine identified the defensive line for the Eagles.
Then while labeling three potential targets, Ballentine identified Georgia’s Christen Miller as a possible draft pick for Philadelphia.
“We can’t discount them taking an explosive defensive tackle from Georgia. Christen Miller is the latest from the pipeline and Howie Roseman loves his Georgia Bulldogs,” wrote Ballentine.
Last year, the Eagles picked Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon in the fifth round. Philadelphia didn’t select any Georgia Bulldogs the prior year, but in 2023, the Eagles took both Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round.
During 2022, general manager Howie Roseman also selected Georgia’s Jordan Davis in the first round.
Miller registered 23 combined tackles, including four tackles for loss last season. He also had 1.5 sacks.
Could the Eagles Target Defensive Line Early in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Eagles suffered significant losses at defensive end, linebacker and safety during NFL free agency. Philadelphia could solidify any of those positions early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ballentine, though, suggested defensive line as a potential target for a couple reasons. First, the Eagles have always placed a huge emphasis on the defensive line over recent years under Roseman.
With that team philosophy, the Eagles have earned three trips to the Super Bowl.
Secondly, drafting a defensive lineman early in the 2026 NFL Draft will allow the Eagles to get ahead on a potential 2027 need.
“Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo form a young, dynamic core of defensive tackles in Philadelphia. The problem is that it’s getting to be decision time on their long-term futures,” wrote Ballentine.
“Davis inked a three-year, $78 million extension. So the nose tackle is staying. However, Moro Ojomo and Jalen Carter are both set to hit free agency in 2027, and it’s hard to see Philly affording both.
“That could set the Eagles up to take a replacement a year ahead despite other needs on the roster.”
Spotrac projected Carter to be worth about $84 million on a 4-year extension. Eagles On SI’s John McMullen argued Ojomo could receive $20-plus million on an average annual basis as well if he has another strong campaign this fall.
Why Christen Miller Could Land in Philadelphia
Miller was one of three potential defensive line targets Ballentine proposed the Eagles could pursue early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The other two were Florida’s Caleb Banks and Penn State’s Zane Durant.
With Miller, though, the Eagles would be tapping into a familiar source that’s produced three starters for Philadelphia’s defense the past four years.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Miller the No. 3 defensive tackle on his 2026 NFL Draft big board. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein sees Miler eventually becoming an above average starter, but the analyst did seem to put a ceiling on his upside.
“Miller is an even-front nose tackle who can rattle pads and gain early advantages at the point of attack,” Zierlein wrote. “He has good stack-and-shed against single blocks but lacks the prototypical mass of a space-eater. He will lose his anchor to double teams and strong angle blocks at times.
“He’s average at matching lateral movement off the snap but is generally aware of play design and hustles across gaps to squeeze run lanes. He’ll continue to bulk up and should become a good starter who is more consistent than dominant along the interior.”