Mel Kiper’s Surprising First-Round Replacement for Dallas Goedert

The Philadelphia Eagles offense has one free agent, tight end Dallas Goedert.

According to NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., they could replace him with pick No. 23 in the NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper Jr. Shakes Up the Eagles’ Draft Strategy

Kiper released his latest mock draft on ESPN.com earlier this week and has the Eagles selecting tight end Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon.

While many eyes will be on offensive line, edge rusher or cornerback, Kiper has Philadelphia going in a very different direction with the No. 23 overall pick.

Sadiq had eight touchdown receptions last season, and he's explosive and does a lot of damage after the catch. NFC defenses would have a tough time matching up with him because of his speed and 6-foot-3, 245-pound size.

As Kiper points out, quarterback Jalen Hurts connected with Goedert for 11 touchdowns, so the tight end is a key target in the Eagles offense, which is getting a new play caller, Sean Mannion.

The Offensive Line Outlook: Good News for 2026

Another option could be offensive line, which got two peices ls of good news recently. Both Landon Dickerson and Lane Johnson announcing they would be returning for 2026 after rumors of retirement popped up during the week of the Super Bowl.

Kiper had the Eagles selecting Alabama lineman Kadyn Proctor in his previous mock draft.