With the Senior Bowl now in the books, NFL draft season is officially underway - and for the Philadelphia Eagles, the clock is ticking.
The Eagles had a strong presence in Mobile, where over 100 of the top 2026 draft prospects showcased their skills in front of NFL coaches and scouts. And while much of the buzz centered around the top-tier talent, the real story for Philadelphia might lie a little deeper in the draft - particularly in the trenches.
For years, the Eagles' offensive line has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity. Anchored by legends and developed under the guidance of longtime coach Jeff Stoutland, it’s been a unit that not only protected quarterbacks but set the tone for the entire offense. But times are changing - and fast.
Stoutland is no longer on the sidelines. Lane Johnson, a franchise icon and likely future Hall of Famer, is nearing the end of a remarkable career.
Cam Jurgens, who stepped into the center role this past season, struggled after offseason back surgery. And now, there’s the looming possibility that Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson could retire early after battling multiple injuries.
Suddenly, what was once a position of strength now feels like a question mark.
That makes the 2026 NFL Draft a pivotal one for GM Howie Roseman and the Eagles’ front office. Rebuilding the offensive line isn’t just a priority - it’s a necessity.
While many expect the Eagles to target a high-end tackle with the No. 23 overall pick - potentially Johnson’s successor - there’s also real value to be found on the interior. That brings us to one of the standout names from the Senior Bowl: Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge.
Rutledge turned heads in Mobile, not just with his physicality, but with his versatility and edge. The 6-foot-4, 316-pound lineman showed the kind of finishing mentality that offensive line coaches drool over.
“I’m a mauler,” Rutledge said during the week. “I finish dudes.
I put dudes in the dirt. That’s why I’m here, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”
And he backed it up. Rutledge played with a relentless motor, routinely driving defenders into the turf and playing through the whistle.
But what really elevated his stock was his ability to slide between guard and center during practice - answering one of the biggest questions scouts had about his game. It wasn’t just about raw power; it was about adaptability and intelligence.
He didn’t allow a single sack across 801 snaps last season - a stat that speaks volumes about his technique and consistency. He was a key cog in Georgia Tech’s ground game, helping pave the way for an offense that averaged 5.5 yards per carry - good for eighth in the nation among FBS programs.
Rutledge’s 2025 season didn’t go unnoticed. He earned first-team All-ACC honors and was named a second-team All-American by Walter Camp. And in Mobile, he cemented himself as one of the week’s biggest risers - a player who came in with something to prove and left with scouts buzzing.
Right now, Rutledge sits at No. 101 on the NFL Mock Draft Database’s big board - a projected third- or fourth-round pick. That could change quickly with the Combine and pro days still ahead, but if his stock holds steady, he could be a perfect value pick for a team like Philadelphia that needs to reload without reaching.
The Eagles did meet with Rutledge in Mobile - as did every other team - so there’s no exclusive connection just yet. But with Dickerson’s future up in the air and the interior line suddenly a position of need, Rutledge is a name worth circling.
He brings toughness, versatility, and a proven track record of performance - all traits that fit Philly’s DNA in the trenches. And if he’s still on the board come Day 2 or early Day 3, don’t be surprised if the Eagles make a move. They’ve rebuilt through the line before - and with Rutledge, they might just find another foundational piece.