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Two Game-Changers for the Eagles to Stockpile Talent in the 2026 NFL Draft

Sep 2, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiah Love (12) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Tennessee State Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

For a moment in time ,  the Eagles’ 2024 season looked as if it were hanging by a thread.

The addition of new Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore hadn’t been an especially impressive move through four games — and the Eagles were heading into the bye week at 2–2, having suffered a 33–16 loss to the team that had ended another run in the NFC Playoffs nine months earlier.


The subsequent change propelled the Eagles to a 14–3 record and an eventual second Lombardi Trophy.

The Eagles began to run the ball.


We are now less than eight weeks away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and while running back probably isn’t a position that is high on the Eagles’ list of needs going into 2026 — Philly has never been shy about stockpiling talent at any position — especially when game-changing potential is available for Howie Roseman and the Eagles Draft Room.

On the surface ,  it’s hard to remember that Saquon Barkley did eclipse 1,000 yards this past season with the difficulty that he encountered game after game. But indeed, he was a 1,200-yard rusher. Behind him , newly acquired Tank Bigsby was a nice change of pace — bringing fresh legs to the Eagles’ offense. At the same time, a myriad of injuries slowed Clemson product Will Shipley after an impressive rookie season, which included a 77-yard game in the NFC Championship Game.

Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

But Saquon Barkley has just turned 29, and Jalen Hurts is now 27. Protecting Hurts with a solid running game will be key to his thriving next season. Even with the prospect of Bigsby returning this season — the Eagles must be deep at running back and in 2026 — once again allow the ground game to set up the offense.

Jeremiah Love and Jadarian Price

The two top options on most NFL Draft Boards are Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love and Jadarian Price. It’s a one-two punch that got Notre Dame into the National Championship Game in 2025.

In that season ,  the two combined for over 2,400 yards and 36 touchdowns. Love is the all-time touchdown leader at Notre Dame.


Who knows if either will be available with the 23rd pick?

At least one of them.



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