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Saturday, November 7, 2026Local news for Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Bucks County Tribune · 196 West Ashland Street, Doylestown, PA 18901

Eagles Losses Prompt Early Look at 2027 Draft Needs

With the team entering its seventh consecutive defeat, Philadelphia officials are weighing edge rushers and interior linemen among top prospects.

By Mei Lin ·

Illustration for: Eagles Losses Prompt Early Look at 2027 Draft Needs
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The Philadelphia Eagles have lost their sixth straight game, falling to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. The losing streak leaves the team struggling to make a playoff push and has turned attention toward the 2027 NFL draft. As the roster falters, the front office is evaluating which positions require immediate reinforcement.

The team’s inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks has become a primary concern. Despite trading for Jonathan Greenard in the 2026 draft, the defensive line has not generated enough rush. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. have shown promise but lack consistency. The 2027 draft class offers several talented options to fix this deficiency.

South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart and Texas’ Colin Simmons are the top prospects in this group. Stewart faced a one-game suspension earlier in the season but has returned to form. Simmons suffered a high ankle sprain and missed the last two games. Both players possess explosive first steps. Other candidates include Alabama’s Devan Thompkins and Yhonzae Pierre, as well as Notre Dame’s Boubacar Traore and Clemson’s Will Heldt.

The offensive line presents another major need. Lane Johnson’s retirement and the trade of Cam Jurgens weakened a unit that anchored recent Super Bowl runs. Injuries have compounded the problem. Landon Dickerson’s future is uncertain, and Tyler Steen will become a free agent next summer. The 2027 class is strong at interior positions, offering depth at guard and center.

Minnesota’s Greg Johnson is the top interior prospect. He is a physical run blocker with the athleticism to recover in pass protection. He has played both guard and center in college. Notre Dame’s Anthonie Knapp switched to left guard this season and has excelled in the new role. Iowa’s Kade Pieper offers speed and strength, having practiced at center during the spring. Several offensive tackles, including Indiana’s Carter Smith, may also be viewed as interior candidates by NFL teams.

The quarterback position remains a watch item. Jalen Hurts is under contract through 2028 and is recovering from blood clots in his lungs. If his return is in doubt, the team will look closely at the 2027 quarterback class. Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, plays at Texas. He has shown flashes of high-level play but has not consistently performed as a top overall pick.

Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker has been the most consistent passer this season among top prospects. He has started 23 games in his career. Other players to monitor include Oregon’s Dante Moore, Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, Miami’s Darian Mensah, and Notre Dame’s CJ Carr. Missouri’s left-handed quarterback Austin Simmons and South Carolina’s dual-threat LaNorris Sellers also draw attention for their unique skill sets.

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