NDN: Eagles face life after Jaelan Phillips as Seahawks confront Jalen Milroe future

The first couple of days of free agency have been interesting as several key players have moved on, which could have a major impact on how the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds. In this week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we look at how the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss of Jaelan Phillips could impact their draft, why the Chiefs are no longer targeting Jeremiyah Love, and why Seattle may already be deciding to move on from Jalen Milroe.

Jaelan Phillips replacement in Philadelphia

The Eagles suffered a big loss in free agency when Phillips signed with the Carolina Panthers. While there are still several quality defensive linemen available in free agency, the team could also address the need in the 2026 NFL Draft. One first-round option is T. J. Parker of Clemson, a long and disruptive pass rusher who was nearly unstoppable in 2024 before taking a step back this past season. A mid-round player to watch is Derrick Moore from Michigan, whom the Eagles met with at the NFL Combine and who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last year.

Could Seattle be ready to move on from Jalen Milroe

The Seattle Seahawks may already be preparing to move on from Jalen Milroe, whom they selected in the third round of last year’s draft. One sign of this is that Seattle met with quarterbacks Taylen Green and Cade Klubnik at the NFL Combine. This, combined with the fact Milroe saw no playing time after the team’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5, could suggest he is not currently part of the team’s long-term plans.

Chiefs targeting defensive tackle

One position the Kansas City Chiefs will likely target in the 2026 NFL Draft is defensive tackle. It is a spot they could address within the first three rounds, as All-Pro Chris Jones will be 32 next year and the team has little proven talent at the position outside of him. One player they could consider on Day 2 is Domonique Orange from Iowa State, an impressive athlete for a 6-foot-2, 322-pound defensive tackle.

Concern with Kenyon Sadiq

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is the top tight end in this year’s class and an elite athlete, running a 4.39 40-yard dash and posting a 43.5-inch vertical, but there is a concern about his consistency and effort. Draft analyst Todd McShay reported that some inside the Oregon program have been frustrated, saying, “While he is a great blocker and looks like this tough guy, effort and program-type guy on the field on Saturdays, the contradiction is maybe the effort was a little bit better when he was tight end No. 2 last year.” These concerns could be enough to push him to the later part of the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Rams are showing interest in Brenen Thompson

While the Rams have one of the best passing games in the NFL, one area they would like to improve is adding more speed to their wide receiver corps. A Day Three prospect they have shown interest in is Brenen Thompson of Mississippi State. Thompson, the fastest player at the NFL Combine with a 4.26 40-yard dash, finished second in the SEC with an 18.5-yard average per catch and set a school record with 1,054 receiving yards.

Compensatory draft picks announced

The National Football League announced its compensatory draft picks this week, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens receiving the most with four selections each. The Minnesota Vikings were awarded the highest compensatory pick at No. 97 overall. In total, 33 compensatory selections were handed out.

Chicago Bears still need to address strong safety

The Chicago Bears had an active start to free agency, signing several defensive players led by former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant. Bryant is expected to fill the free safety role, which means the team could still look to address strong safety in the 2026 NFL Draft. Two strong safeties who could make sense for Chicago in the middle rounds are Zakee Wheatley of Penn State and VJ Payne of Kansas State.

Eli Heidenreich moving to wide receiver

It appears Navy running back Eli Heidenreich will make the switch to slot receiver in the NFL, something that became clear when he only participated in wide receiver drills at his recent Pro Day. The move makes sense given that Heidenreich is Navy’s all-time leading receiver and spent time both in the backfield and in the slot last season, catching 51 passes for 941 yards while also rushing 77 times. As a receiver, he has shown reliable hands, dropping only two passes last season, and the ability to make catches in traffic, hauling in 72 percent of the passes thrown his way in those situations, according to PFF.

Cheifs no longer in the Jeremiyah Love race

In my latest NFL Draft Buzz article, I highlighted how the Chiefs could look to move up the board in the 2026 NFL Draft to select explosive Notre Dame Fighting Irish football running back Jeremiyah Love. However, the free agent signing of Kenneth Walker III likely changes that outlook. With their running back need now addressed, Kansas City could instead focus on the defensive side of the ball with its two first-round picks.

Offensive tackle not a need for the Giants

One position the Giants were widely mocked to address with the fifth overall pick was right tackle. However, the first day of free agency showed that may no longer be the case after the team re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor. That move gives New York two solid tackles with Eluemunor on the right side and Andrew Thomas at left tackle.