College coaches point out diamond in the rough that makes a ton of sense for Eagles in 2026 NFL Draft

Philadelphia’s front office has spent the pre-draft cycle fixated on wide receiver, offensive tackle, and edge-rusher help, but a quiet recommendation from the college ranks could nudge the Eagles toward an under-the-radar safety on day three. In a recent ESPN survey of Football Bowl Subdivision coaches, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian singled out Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe as the class’s premier bargain.

“His football IQ is elite,” Sarkisian told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. “He’s a guy who’s going to not only contribute on defense but on special teams, so there’s value for him there.”

The 6-foot, 200-pound senior is projected as an early fourth-round pick, a slot that has become fertile ground for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman when he wants high-floor role players without burning premium capital. Taaffe’s résumé supports the sales pitch: he closed Texas’s 27-17 rivalry win over Texas A&M on Nov. 28 with a game-sealing interception at the 3-yard line, one of three picks during a breakout 2025 campaign.

Philadelphia’s depth chart at safety offers more questions than answers heading into the draft. Andrew Mukuba is penciled in atop the depth chart after a season-ending injury cut short his 2024, while veteran additions Marcus Epps and J.T. Gray are viewed more as core special-teamers than every-down defenders for a roster with Super Bowl aspirations. The uncertainty could create an opening for a versatile rookie who can play in the box, split deep, and immediately cover kicks.

Roseman has historically deprioritized the position, yet last spring’s selection of linebacker Jihaad Campbell in the third round showed he will deviate from that philosophy when value intersects need. Taaffe, who turns 23 in late November, fits that profile: a three-year starter, team captain, and special-teams demon who allowed a 48.9 passer rating when targeted as the deep-half defender in 2025, according to Longhorns coaches.

The Eagles currently hold one fourth-round selection and two fifth-rounders, capital that aligns with Taaffe’s expected draft band. If the board breaks as many analysts predict, Philadelphia could find itself choosing between addressing the glamour positions or securing a cerebral safety who has already thrived in the pressure cooker of the SEC.

The draft begins later this month, and Taaffe’s name is unlikely to be among the first announced. But inside the NovaCare Complex, the Texas product may already be circled as the type of day-three gem that keeps championship windows propped open.