The Philadelphia Eagles currently hold the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Depending on their plans with star WR A.J. Brown, could a trade up be on the horizon?

The Philadelphia Eagles have never been afraid of risk during the NFL Draft. Jordyn Tyson scares plenty of people as a young player and prospect, but will his potential be too tempting for the Birds?

If so, they won’t be able to sit on their heels and pick him in all likelihood.

Jordan Tyson creating buzz ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The talented wideout from Arizona State created some more stirring around his profile when he had a workout in front of a lot of league execs this past Friday. Tyson is now expected to go somewhere between the fifth and sixteenth pick, according to Matt Miller.

“With Jordyn Tyson working out today for teams, it’s been interesting to hear scouts and coaches talk about him. You hear comps to OBJ in terms of movement skills and Justin Jefferson with how loose and fluid he is. There are the concerns with the injuries. Some believe it’s connected to a lack of strength. He’s not very strong. Is it that easy and correctable or not? Teams are going through that now, because the talent is elite!” — James Palmer

Tyson is seen as one of the most divisive prospects in this class. There are seemingly concerns about his play strength and injury outlook going forward.

On the flip-side, he has incredible upside due to his route running, explosiveness when healthy, and prototypical size for a top NFL WR.

Trade up scenario for Eagles in first round

With these updates to Tyson’s stock, it makes things a bit more interesting if the Eagles have him high on their board for night one. The Birds currently have the 23rd overall selection, and given that projected range for Tyson, he would be gone by the time the pick if they don’t get aggressive.

Fo course, this situation links back to A.J. Brown. If Roseman wants to keep Brown, the WR need is nowhere near worth a first-round pick. Philly still has Devonta Smith in the fold and also acquired Dontayvion Wicks (plus signed him to a new deal) from the Green Bay Packers just last week.

We will see if the Birds get ultra-aggressive in round one. They may opt to find a Lane Johnson replacement in the first round or potentially select a difference maker on defense.

The Philadelphia Eagles are always looking to the future during the NFL Draft. Howie Roseman could look to a developmental SEC offensive tackle to replace Lane Johnson in the first round this year.

Mock drafts never know quite what to do for the Philadelphia Eagles in any year. 2026 is no different. Howie Roseman’s team could go in a plethora of directions, particularly if they plan to trade A.J. Brown sometime after the draft.

Replacing a franchise legend may be in the cards for Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni.

Eagles choose Lane Johnson replacement in latest mock draft

Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling was the pick at 23rd overall for the Eagles in the latest first-round mock draft from A to Z Sports.

“The Birds have shown some interest in these developmental, physical tackles. Freeling fits the profile they have liked in the past and can be the incumbent replacement for Lane Johnson after 2026.” – A to Z Sports

Freeling is the third-ranked OT in this year’s class, according to NFL Draft analyst Kyle Crabbs. With a late first-round grade, this selection by Philly lines up both need and value when it comes to the Georgia Bulldogs prospect.

“Freeling will check all the stereotypical boxes for a left tackle. He's got experience on the right side, too. But as a one-year full-time starter, his forecast calls for plenty of projection. He's essentially a 90th percentile athlete for offensive tackles across the board but his stunning size, length, and twitch do come with some costs. He's got a high center of gravity that requires vigilance in both the run game and when mirroring in protection. It tests his punch placement at times, too - which can create some frustrating misses at the point of attack. But one thing is for certain: he's on the fast track. Freeling has played more and more over his three seasons and took massive strides in 2025.” — Crabbs

Freeling is a ceiling play in the first round. His incredible size and athleticism will be tempting for Philly if he lasts until the back half of round one.

The Eagles have been connected to many offensive tackles expected to go early in this year’s draft, and Freeling is one who many think could go in the top 20. With that, the Birds could be forced to make a move up via trade. For a player who may not have a role as a rookie, that is a bit of a risk.

On the flip-side, 2026 may be the swan song season for Lane Johnson. He’s had an unbelievable career for the Eagles and will be a future Hall of Fame member. Johnson did consider retirement early this offseason and dealt with multiple injuries in 2025, though.