As the Eagles gear up for a pivotal offseason, all eyes are on how they’ll reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. With scouts descending on Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl, Philadelphia’s front office is deep in evaluation mode-and wide receiver is firmly at the top of the priority list.
In a recent first-round mock draft, Zachariah Branch is projected to land in Philly with the 23rd overall pick. The Georgia standout (and former USC transfer) put together his most productive season yet, hauling in 81 catches for 811 yards and flashing serious playmaking ability with 17 explosive receptions.
But it’s not just the numbers that pop-it’s how he gets them. Branch is electric in the open field, a stop-and-start nightmare for defenders, and he brings added value as a dynamic threat in both punt and kick return situations.
So why the urgency at receiver? Let’s start with the situation surrounding A.J.
Brown. Despite his elite production, Brown’s future in Philly is murky.
The star wideout has four years remaining on his deal, but off-field tension and locker room noise have made his long-term fit with the team increasingly uncertain. With offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo no longer at the helm, the Eagles appear to be at a crossroads with Brown-and a trade isn’t off the table.
Add in the fact that WR3 Jahan Dotson is heading into free agency, and suddenly the Eagles’ once-loaded receiver room looks a little thin. DeVonta Smith continues to be a reliable force-he just wrapped up another 1,000-yard season despite the offense’s inconsistency-but he needs help. And that’s where Branch fits in.
Branch isn’t just a flashy athlete-he’s a battle-tested player with 37 college games under his belt, including high-stakes matchups in the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. He’s shown he can rise to the occasion, and his skill set mirrors the traits that made Dotson a first-rounder: crisp route-running, elite acceleration, and the ability to stretch the field or work underneath.
For GM Howie Roseman, targeting a player like Branch makes sense on multiple fronts. He’d bring immediate juice to the offense, offer long-term upside on a rookie contract, and give the Eagles flexibility as they navigate potential moves involving Brown. It’s not just about replacing production-it’s about building a more balanced, cohesive unit around Smith and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
And while wide receiver might be the headline, it’s worth noting that the Eagles also have pressing needs at cornerback and tight end. That makes Branch’s potential rookie deal even more appealing, freeing up cap space to address other holes on the roster.
Bottom line: Whether or not A.J. Brown stays in midnight green, the Eagles need more firepower on offense. Zachariah Branch looks like a player who can provide just that-and maybe a little more.