The NFC East has been a battleground of rivalries, with the Philadelphia Eagles often setting the tone for dominance in recent years. But as the 2025 season winds down and the Eagles remain in the playoff mix under head coach Nick Sirianni, the front office is already eyeing the future. In a landscape where the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders are scrambling to keep pace, Philly’s potential moves in the 2026 NFL Draft could send shockwaves through the division. Enter AJ Schulte’s latest 3-round mock draft from A to Z Sports—a blueprint that has the Eagles landing a massive steal at wide receiver to supercharge Jalen Hurts’ offense, fortifying their defense with a plug-and-play safety, and taking a high-upside swing at tight end. If Howie Roseman pulls this off, the rest of the NFC East better buckle up.
Round 1, Pick 22: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State – The Massive Steal That Reignites the Offense
Let’s start with the crown jewel of this mock: Jordyn Tyson sliding all the way to No. 22. In a draft class loaded with talent, Tyson is widely regarded as a top-10 prospect when healthy, boasting elite timing, route-running precision, and the kind of ball skills that make him a nightmare for defenses. Schulte’s scenario has the Eagles getting lucky here, as other teams inexplicably pass on him—perhaps due to minor injury concerns that should clear up with clean medicals.
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Why is this a steal? The Eagles’ offense, built around Hurts’ deep-ball prowess and “punkin-chunkin” style, has shown cracks this season. A.J. Brown’s future in Philly is uncertain amid contract drama and reported distractions, even if his frustrations are justified. If the Eagles trade Brown to free up cap space—potentially to retain edge rusher Jaelen Phillips—Tyson steps in as the perfect replacement. Imagine him lining up alongside DeVonta Smith and other weapons: his speed and separation ability would give Hurts a reliable deep threat, stretching the field and opening up the run game for Saquon Barkley. Roseman’s philosophy of taking the best player available shines here, turning what could be a roster hole into a strength. For NFC East foes like the Cowboys’ secondary or the Giants’ rebuilding defense, facing a rejuvenated Eagles passing attack? That’s a wake-up call they won’t sleep through.
Round 2, Pick 53: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon – Boosting the Defense with Immediate Impact
Shifting to the defensive side, the Eagles address a glaring need in the secondary with Dillon Thieneman at Pick 53. Philly’s defense has been solid but lacks depth at safety, where injuries and inconsistencies have exposed vulnerabilities. Thieneman, the second-best safety in this class behind only a few elite names, is mocked here as tremendous value—often projected as a first-rounder in other exercises.
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What makes Thieneman a game-changer? He’s NFL-ready from day one, with instincts, range, and tackling prowess that fit seamlessly into Vic Fangio’s scheme. In a division where quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Daniel Jones (or whoever the Giants trot out next) love to test deep, Thieneman’s ability to patrol the back end could shut down big plays. Paired with existing stars like Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell in the corners, this pick bolsters the entire unit, making the Eagles’ defense even more formidable. It’s not just about stopping the run or rushing the passer; it’s about creating turnovers and dictating terms. The Commanders and their young QB might think they’re rising, but a strengthened Eagles secondary? That’s the kind of boost that keeps divisional rivals up at night.
Round 3, Pick 69 (via NYJ): Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor – A Swing on Raw Potential to Diversify the Attack
Rounding out the mock, the Eagles take a calculated risk on Michael Trigg at Pick 69, acquired via a hypothetical trade with the New York Jets. With Dallas Goedert’s contract expiring after this season, tight end could become a massive offseason priority. Trigg represents upside galore: at 6’4″ with a massive catch radius, he’s a mismatch nightmare who fights for every ball and looms over smaller defenders.
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Sure, this is a swing—Trigg’s production at Baylor hasn’t always matched his traits, and he’ll need coaching to refine his blocking and route tree. But his nifty footwork and smooth athleticism for his size scream potential in Kellen Moore’s offense. Picture him as a red-zone weapon for Hurts, adding a different dimension to an already explosive group. If Goedert walks or gets traded, Trigg could develop into a starter; even if not, he’s depth with star upside. In the NFC East, where defenses are gearing up to stop the Eagles’ stars, adding this kind of wildcard keeps opponents guessing.
Why This Mock Draft Scenario Spells Trouble for the NFC East
This trio of picks—Tyson, Thieneman, and Trigg—strikes a perfect balance between immediate help, long-term upside, and addressing clear roster needs. It’s classic Roseman: opportunistic, value-driven, and forward-thinking. While the Eagles chase playoffs in 2025, this mock reminds us that sustained success comes from the draft. The Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders have their own rebuilds underway, but if Philly executes something like this in 2026, the division hierarchy could solidify in their favor for years.
Fans should be thrilled; this isn’t just filling holes—it’s building a contender. As Schulte’s mock illustrates, the Eagles aren’t resting on laurels. The NFC East just got its wake-up call: the birds are reloading, and the hunt is on. Stay tuned as draft season heats up—who knows what twists await in Pittsburgh come April?