The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to success. With five Super Bowl appearances and two Lombardi Trophies to their name, this franchise has given its fans more than a few reasons to cheer.
From the pre-merger championship days to the modern era, the Birds have built a legacy that most franchises would gladly trade for. But in the NFL, history is a nice backdrop - not a shield from present-day problems.
And right now, the Eagles are staring down an issue that’s become all too familiar: the pass rush needs help.
This offseason, Philly’s front office is once again turning its attention to the edge. The Eagles have long prided themselves on defensive dominance - think Buddy Ryan, Jim Johnson, Reggie White - but the current unit hasn’t lived up to that standard. So, with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the focus is shifting to finding that next game-wrecker off the edge.
At No. 23 overall, the Eagles won’t have their pick of the entire class, but recent history suggests that elite talent can still fall into their lap. Just ask Jalen Carter (2023) or Quinyon Mitchell (2024). With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top edge rushers who could be on Philadelphia’s radar come draft night.
David Bailey, Texas Tech
Let’s start at the top. David Bailey is widely projected as a top-15 pick, and for good reason.
He’s the total package - size, speed, technique, and production. While the odds of him slipping to No. 23 are slim, he’s worth keeping on the board just in case draft-night chaos opens the door.
Stranger things have happened.
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
If you watched the College Football Playoff, you probably saw Rueben Bain Jr. making plays all over the field. He racked up 45 tackles, 8.5 sacks, a pick, and a forced fumble this season, showcasing the kind of disruptive presence Philly desperately needs.
At 6'3", 275 pounds, Bain brings a powerful frame and a relentless motor. He may not be available when the Eagles pick, but if he is, he’d be tough to pass up.
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk is a physical specimen - 6'6", 288 pounds with a wingspan that can swallow up ball carriers. His 2025 numbers (29 tackles, two sacks, three pass breakups) were down from his 2024 production (45 tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble), but the tools are all there. He’s a high-upside prospect who could blossom in the right system, and Philly’s D-line rotation could be just that.
R. Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
If the Eagles are looking for pure speed off the edge, R. Mason Thomas might be their guy.
At 6'2", 249 pounds, he’s lighter than some of the other prospects, but he makes up for it with burst and bend. He’s expected to run a 40-yard dash in the sub-4.5 range, and his 2025 stat line - 26 tackles, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup - shows he can produce.
He’d bring a different flavor to Philly’s front, one that could complement their bigger-bodied linemen.
Zion Young & Damon Wilson II, Missouri
Looking for value on Day 2? Missouri might have a pair of answers.
Zion Young is a 6'6", 265-pound edge who posted 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. His teammate, Damon Wilson II, added 23 tackles, nine sacks, two pass breakups, and an interception.
Both bring length, athleticism, and upside - the kind of traits that make for excellent second-round targets.
The Eagles have built their identity on winning in the trenches, and if they want to return to the top of the NFC, reinforcing the edge is a must. Whether it’s a first-round splash or a second-day steal, this draft class offers plenty of intriguing options. The Birds don’t need to reinvent the wheel - they just need to get back to what’s worked for them for decades: a relentless pass rush that sets the tone for everything else.