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The Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with some strategic moves that have caught the attention of football enthusiasts.
In a significant coup, the Eagles nabbed Eli Stowers, a standout tight end known for his impressive performance at the NFL Combine and his status as an All-American, with the 54th overall pick. This addition promises to bolster their offensive lineup with Stowers’ athletic prowess.
Not resting on their laurels, the Eagles swiftly orchestrated a trade that sent ripples through the league. They exchanged their No. 98 pick and a 2027 third-round selection with the Minnesota Vikings to acquire edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, along with a seventh-round pick. This move demonstrates the Eagles’ commitment to strengthening their defensive front.
Jonathan Greenard, who recorded three sacks in 12 games last season, had previously amassed an impressive 24.5 sacks over the past two seasons with the Vikings and Texans. The trade was accompanied by a lucrative contract extension for Greenard, securing him with a four-year, $100 million deal, half of which is guaranteed. This new contract provides Greenard with a fresh start after seeking one during his previous four-year, $76 million contract.
For the Vikings, this trade aligned with their long-standing demand for a Day 2 pick. They successfully augmented their draft capital, including a coveted Day 2 pick in the 2027 draft, which is anticipated to be rich in talent. This strategic maneuver could pay dividends for the Vikings in the future.
The Eagles, who are expected to trade away receiver A.J. Brown after June 1, were in the market for a premium pass-rusher after surprisingly losing Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers in free agency.
And Stowers gives the Eagles a jump start on replacing Brown’s production and replacing tight end Dallas Goedert, who is coming off a 10-touchdown season but will be a free agent in 2027.
Good things come to those who wait … and Kayden McDonald waited longer than anyone.
As the only prospect left in the green room at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, McDonald’s agony ended quickly Friday when he was the fourth pick of the second round by the Texans.
The 6-foot-2, 326-pound Ohio State defensive tackle McDonald wiped tears from eyes, hugged his family members, made his walk to the stage with the television cameras glued to him, stopped to tap the logo of his savior Texans and then engulfed commissioner Roger Goodell in a long hug as the crowd of about 300,000 fans cheered his moment.
Sensing that the Giants might be targeting McDonald at No. 38 after trading away Dexter Lawrence, the Texans — who were the Giants’ partners on the 2025 Jaxson Dart trade — moved up from No. 38 to No. 36 with the Raiders. But it turned out that McDonald wasn’t in the conversation for the Giants, sources told The Post.
“I’m just so blessed, so thankful, so emotional,” McDonald said. “Where I came from, now I’m here, it’s a blessing.”
McDonald slides into arguably the NFL’s most dominant defense, where he will play between two All-Pro edges in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson.
“He’s a strong two-gapping nose tackle who is heavy-handed,” an NFL source said, “and has natural instincts against the run.”
An equally emotional moment happened later in the second round, when the Falcons selected CB Avieon Terrell at No. 48. Terrell was sitting next to his older brother A.J., who plays cornerback for … wait for it … the Falcons.
Yes, the Falcons very well could start brothers as their outside cornerbacks.
At a draft party in Atlanta (of course), A.J. hugged Avieon so hard that he knocked his younger brother’s hat off.
North Jersey native Chase Bisontis’ homecoming plan was dashed as soon as Big Blue filled its need at right guard with Francis Mauigoa (No. 10).