TL;DR
- ESPN's Matt Miller projects Alabama WR Germie Bernard to the Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Bernard could potentially replace A.J. Brown, who has expressed dissatisfaction with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- The Eagles rarely draft for need, but Bernard offers immediate slot role potential and future replacement.
- Despite the mock draft, the Eagles likely aim to retain A.J. Brown and may prioritize other positions.
Even though the 2025 NFL season is ongoing, it's always appropriate to consider the forthcoming 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN's Matt Miller recently published a first-round mock draft, and his analysis suggests the Philadelphia Eagles might pick a prospective successor for their prominent wide receiver, A.J. Brown.
Due to his ongoing dissatisfaction in Philadelphia, some believed the Eagles might attempt to trade Brown before the trade deadline. While no deal occurred, this discussion might resurface post-season, contingent on future developments.
ESPN's mock draft places Alabama wide receiver with The Eagles in the first round.
In Miller's projection, the Eagles secure additional depth at wide receiver by Choosing Alabama's Germie Bernard at pick number 29. Bernard is currently in his final collegiate year and is anticipated to be a top receiver prospect in this year's draft.
“The Eagles rarely draft for pure need in Round 1, opting for players who slip through the cracks and could be plugged in future use,” Miller wrote. “That's the case with Bernard, a dynamic receiver who could assume the slot role immediately and potentially replace A.J. Brown down the road.
“Bernard lines up all over Alabama's offense as a runner and receiver; he has eight touchdowns, 48 catches and 676 yards from a variety of alignments. While he's built like a running back at 6-1 and 204 pounds, Bernard is an explosive route runner. He has shown tough hands in contested-catch situations and uses crafty moves to create space.”
Several months and a significant amount of football remain before the draft, making it challenging to forecast a team's specific round targets. However, all signs point to the Eagles aiming to retain Brown in Midnight Green for the foreseeable future. He's significantly contributed to their recent achievements and has already established himself as one of the franchise's premier receivers.
The Eagles likely have other, more urgent, roster spots to fill in the draft, such as cornerback and offensive line. Consequently, it appears improbable they'd select a receiver in the first round. However, we must observe the remainder of the season's outcomes before attempting to forecast their draft strategy accurately.