sports

2026 NFL Draft: Top wide receiver prospects for the Eagles to watch

Whenever one tackles the mental exercise of dissecting the Philadelphia Eagles and what the most pressing needs are, the wide receiver position might not be the one that they mention immediately. Then again, maybe they do, and that statement is made in error.

It may not seem that way on the surface, but peel things back a layer. The position's long-term picture becomes less certain.

A.J. Brown has been the subject of trade speculation. The third wide receiver on the depth chart, Jahan Dotson, is an impending free agent after Philadelphia declined his fifth-year option.

Suddenly, something comes into focus. A room that once looked deep could hinge heavily on DeVonta Smith carrying WR1 responsibilities. That isn't an awful proposition, but if that were to happen, there would be limited evidence of support for him.

Even if Brown stays, the fear becomes preparing for volatility. Last season was a tough one, physically and emotionally.

The Eagles have never been shy about investing in offensive weapons. It's time to do so again. Philadelphia's top three tight ends from last season are all staring at free agency.

As far as the wide receiver depth chart goes, after Brown, Smith, and Dotson, the Eagles have Darius Cooper, Johnny Wilson, and Britain Covey on the roster. Now, that is scary. Let's look at some of the receiver talent that will be available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State Sun Devils

Once we reach the 2026 NFL Draft, don't be shocked if Jordyn Tyson is the first wideout taken. If you're unaware, he's the younger brother of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson.

The former Sun Devil has plenty of reason to be excited about his own pro potential. He, like everyone else on this list, would make sense in an Eagles jersey, but if he did land in Philadelphia, that would have meant the Birds ignored other needs in Round 1 to add another wide receiver.

It isn't impossible, but it does seem highly unlikely.

Carnell Tate, Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State receivers tend to arrive NFL-ready. Tate won't be the exception. His size and speed combination would give the Eagles another boundary option opposite Smith, or A.J. Brown, or both.

His experience in a pro-style passing offense also lowers the transition risk, but again, if he's the choice, it means the Eagles drafted a wide receiver in Round 1.

Denzel Boston, Washington Huskies

Denzel Boston brings length and catch-point dominance. Those are obviously traits the Eagles value when building red-zone packages.

He could fill a possession and contested-catch role if Brown were ever moved. In the meantime, he settles the issues about depth and talent concerns.

K.C. Concepcion, Texas A&M Aggies

The last time the Eagles took a wide receiver from Texas A&M, it didn't work out well. No worries... K.C. Concepcion probably provides an upgrade.

Versatility is Concepcion's calling card. He can line up inside and outside. He can also contribute to gadget packages, which should be music to the ears of an offense lacking creativity.

Makai Lemon, USC Trojans

Makai Lemon offers explosiveness and run-after-catch ability. He adds juice to an offense that occasionally lacked easy yardage plays.

His skill set fits well with quick-hitting concepts and space creation. He also gives the Eagles a slot receiver, one who is small but also shifty.

Malachi Fields, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Malachi Fields has the size profile of a classic X receiver. That gives Philadelphia insurance if Brown's future ever changes.

He could develop into a physical chain-mover with red-zone upside. Think of him as a better Johnny Wilson, one who won't struggle so much to get comfortable with what the Eagles are hoping to do early.

Germie Bernard, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last but not least is Germie Bernard, a nice talent who hails from DeVonta Smith's alma mater. Like Smith, he's pro-ready.

He's a safe projection. He offers reliability, route discipline, and toughness. All are traits coaches trust early. All are traits that will endear him to the Eagles' tough but adoring fan base.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Top wide receiver prospects for the Eagles to watch

Read full story at Yahoo Sport →