Eyes Up Front

When assessing the Eagles’ immediate roster needs, defensive tackle probably isn’t among the positions that’s front of mind. And that’s logical on the surface, as the Eagles return the same collection of talent in 2026, headed by Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

But roster construction isn’t always about piecing the puzzle together for the here and now; there’s also the long-term component to consider that requires planning for the future. The team extended Davis earlier this offseason and a lucrative payday awaits Carter, a considerable financial commitment to the position.

Then there’s fourth-year pro Moro Ojomo, entering the final year of his rookie deal. Ojomo, 24, racked up six sacks last season in his first exposure to an expanded role. Should Ojomo respond with similar production next season, it could be difficult to keep him in the fold from a team-building perspective. Interior pass rushers typically yield aggressive suitors on the open market.

The Eagles drafted Ty Robinson in the fourth round last spring, but he played sparingly as a rookie and remains a bit of an unknown entity. Byron Young, who last season played ahead of Robinson, also enters the final year of his rookie contract.

So, while landing an interior defensive lineman on draft weekend might not be as urgent as identifying a future offensive tackle or providing more optionality at safety, adding another cost-controlled option to the mix would be a move with the long term view in mind.

With that in mind, I took a look at some intriguing mid-round options at the position:

Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M

Onyedim spent his first four seasons at Iowa State before transferring to Texas A&M for his final season. The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder started 12 games for the Aggies, producing 49 tackles (9.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He uses his length well and plays with urgency and anticipation.

Tools aside, Onyedim didn’t compile much in the sack column, but teamed with a defensive line coach like Clint Hurtt could develop that aspect into a strength. Onyedim, who turns 23 in May, started 33 games over his final three seasons. The former Aggie is a projected third-round pick.

Chris McClellan, Missouri

A starter in 21 of his final 26 games at Missouri, McClellan, 22, projects as an arrow-up prospect. The 6-foot-4, 313-pounder, who spent his first two seasons at Florida, is strong at the point of attack and displays the active hands needed to disengage from linemen. McClellan’s development as a pass rusher is perhaps most appealing, turning in a career-high six sacks in 2025 after totaling 2.5 the year before, and his eight tackles for loss last season underscores his appetite for disruption (and destruction, for that matter).

McClellan’s experience and availability are also worth noting, as the Oklahoma native appeared in 51 games over four seasons. The Missouri product projects as a rotational piece equipped to handle volume if necessary, and is currently a projected to come off the board late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.

Gracen Halton, Oklahoma

Despite combining for just 10 starts over the past two seasons, Halton capitalized on his opportunities, producing 8.5 sacks over that span. The 6-foot-2, 293-pound defender is undersized and lacks ideal arm length (31 1/8″) but is twitchy and explosive and boasts an unrelenting motor. His 13 tackles for loss over the past two seasons also highlights his knack for knifing through and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Adding to the intrigue is that Halton, 22, also provides added appeal in the way of alignment versatility. He’ll need to develop his play strength and projects as a rotational player at the next level, but Halton will provide some juice as a change-up. The former Sooner is a projected fourth-round pick.

Athleticism is what makes Southeastern Louisiana DT product a potential NFL Draft pick.

Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana

Proctor, one of my favorite interior defensive linemen in this class, is a prospect I’ve remained bullish on from the start. With Proctor, it’s the athletic traits and pass-rush upside that’s most appealing. For perspective, Proctor registered nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss a season ago, but it was his disruptive tendencies and down-to-down consistency that ultimately reeled me in.

At 6-foot-2, 291 pounds, Proctor, 22, doesn’t sport prototypical size for the position, though he atones for his lack of measurables with lateral agility, violent hands and lightning-quick burst off the snap. The “small school” label can sometimes pose as a stigma, but Proctor, by all accounts, produced at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He also accumulated a pair of sacks against LSU. Against top competition, that’s what you’re looking for. Proctor’s skill set conjures shades of Ojomo, so you don’t have to squint to see the fit in Philly. A projected fourth-round pick, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if Proctor sneaks into the backend of Day 2.

Demonte Capehart, Clemson

Capehart, who turns 24 in July, is the oldest prospect listed. His career at Clemson was a bit of a slow burn; Capehart arrived in 2020 and redshirted and played in just five games the following season. It wasn’t until 2024 that Capehart even logged a start – he started 12 games over his final two seasons – but his size and traits are sure to entice a team on Day 3. An imposing 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Capehart possesses desired length and is far more spry than one might expect at his size.

What immediately stands out is Capehart’s strength and power at the point of attack, along with fierce striking ability. Capehart uses his arm length, hovering around 34 inches, to his advantage and should provide a boost in short-yardage situations. The limited college production and injury history are worrisome, to be sure, but Capehart could be worth a swing if he’s around when the Eagles pick in the sixth-round.

Other names to know: Gary Smith III (UCLA); Aaron Hall (Duke); Josiah Green (Duke)

[Editor’s note: These prospects are highlighted in the event the Eagles acquire picks beyond where they select in Round 6. They could also be of interest as priority free agents.]

The Eagles met with Smith III at the East-West Shrine Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. Smith (6-1, 319) is more of a one-dimensional, space-eating interior lineman. He spent his first two seasons at Duke before transferring to UCLA for his final four seasons. Smith III missed the 2024 season due to injury, but was a 2025 honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. He turns 25 in November.

The Eagles were on hand for Duke’s Pro Day, and I can definitively say they met with Green while there. Green (5-11 7/8”, 284, 31 5/8” arm length) is undersized but quick. Last season, he totaled 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. Green performed well at the school’s Pro Day, recording a 1.65 10-yard split, 4.43 shuttle and 7.43 3-cone. He also totaled 36 reps on the bench press — a program record.

Hall, 23, spent his entire five-year career at Duke, logging 27 starts and six sacks over the past two seasons. The 6-foot-4, 297-pounder was a team captain last season and earned 2025 third-team All-ACC recognition.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.