After the 2026 NFL Draft, there are eight new Philadelphia Eagles rookies, each at a different position. All have different expectations heading into the season.
The team did a great job of adding depth along both the defensive and offensive lines, adding a standout receiver to ease the loss of A.J. Brown, and bringing in a young tight end to potentially carry on the franchise’s illustrious history at the position. Entering the draft, the Eagles had storylines and issues to address. These include A.J. Brown’s departure, the futures of Dallas Goedert and Lane Johnson, issues with depth and the perceived weakness at safety beyond budding star Andrew Mukuba.
The team once again prioritized other positions over safety, passing on various prospects with significant upside. It was only at the end of the seventh round that the Eagles decided to pick a safety. In those same rounds, they drafted a backup quarterback and added depth along the offensive line. With the safeties on the roster unproven, it is hard to imagine the team will not make a move in free agency or through other means to address the position.
While the Eagles do need to develop and bring in depth that can step up in the future, as all teams do, they also need to draft for immediate impact to contend. What picks fit the ‘win now’ mindset, and which are longer plays for sustained success?
Round 1, Pick 20 (No. 20 overall): Makai Lemon, Wide Receiver, USC
Makai Lemon was the Eagles’ first selection of this rookie class. With A.J. Brown’s departure from Philadelphia, Makai Lemon steps into an immediate role as the No. 2 wide receiver, Z role. This means DeVonta Smith is poised to enter his first season as the No. 1 wideout.
Lemon also has the ability to line up and create separation as the outside or X receiver. This will keep defenses on their toes and allow the team to exploit schemes in a Sean Mannion-designed offense. Lemon profiles as the Puka Nacua to Smith’s Davante Adams, and Mannion can use him as Ben Johnson used Amon-Ra St. Brown with the Lions.
Expect immediate results from this duo and to see Lemon with more than a couple of ESPN “SportsCenter” highlights. Expect a season in which he could become the first Eagles rookie receiver to record 1,000 yards. There is a slight concern with Lemon’s hamstring, which may keep him from practicing until training camp.
Round 2, Pick 22 (No. 54 overall): Eli Stowers, Tight End, Vanderbilt
Eli Stowers joins a well-rounded position group, clearly coming in behind Dallas Goedert as the No. 2 tight end; Johnny Mundt and Grant Calcaterra, however, are likely behind Stowers on the depth chart. Stowers has clear upside in packages where he is asked to be an additional pass threat but must prove his abilities as a blocker. He has said he is extremely willing to improve his blocking: “Converting from quarterback to tight end, the biggest thing is learning the technique, but the other aspect is having the will to block, which I have.”
If blocking remains a work in progress, Mundt is extremely capable, so it won’t be a make-or-break for Stowers’ playing time. While his stats might not stand out this year, with enough double-tight end formations, or by stepping up at the right time, Stowers can make an immediate impact, especially in the end zone.
Round 3, Pick 4 (No. 68 overall): Markell Bell, Offensive Tackle, Miami
Markell Bell joins the long list of Eagles offensive linemen drafted as developmental projects. Bell is huge, and his feet are not necessarily slow for his size; however, he will need to improve. The key difference between Bell as a project and previous projects like Jordan Mailata is that Jeff Stoutland is no longer the Eagles’ offensive line coach. The line’s scheme is likely to change significantly with Stoutland gone, as Lane Johnson noted in a recent news conference.
The main thing to watch is Bell’s development through OTAs, training camp and the season, as he does not appear to be in line for significant playing time if all goes according to plan. This does not mean Bell won’t be ready soon, as he is already being prioritized over Myles Hinton for backup left tackle. Chris Kuper also seems more than capable as a line coach, and there is hope he can emulate Stoutland’s ability to develop prospects.
Round 5, Pick 38 (No. 178 overall): Cole Payton, Quarterback, North Dakota State
Cole Payton being selected in the fifth round is far from an indictment of the Eagles’ current quarterback situation, despite the narrative about Jalen Hurts’ job security. Payton appears to be in line to take over Tanner McKee’s role, as McKee has been demoted to third-string quarterback in OTAs. The situation appears to be trending toward a trade for McKee.
The goal for Payton would be a few good moments as a backup within his rookie contract, then being traded for more value than was spent on him. That being a fifth-round pick, there is definite upside in that department. Andy Dalton also adds a wrinkle to the situation; nonetheless, there will not be many opportunities for Payton in the foreseeable future. The situation is far from Payton breathing down Hurts’ neck.
Round 6, Pick 26 (No. 207 overall): Micah Morris, Guard, Georgia
Another offensive line project, this time in the interior. As it stands, Morris is a depth pick who can relieve pressure from the oft-injured Landon Dickerson. Morris shows rare athleticism for his size but needs the development and mentoring mentioned earlier with Markell Bell.
With the right attitude and a penchant for learning, Morris could become a permanent fixture in the future of the offensive line. That depends on many factors; for now, he is a depth piece with a lot to prove.
Round 7, Pick 28 (No. 244 overall): Cole Wisniewski, Safety, Texas Tech
Cole Wisniewski performed well at Texas Tech and stood out as a tackler in open space — something teams wants to see from a safety. That said, there is more merit to Cooper DeJean helping out at the safety spot currently occupied by Marcus Epps than Wisniewski getting any meaningful playing time.
Wisniewski has yet to make an impact in OTAs, and that is not likely to change come training camp. He was worth the pick, but his actual role with the Eagles is extremely uncertain.
Round 7, Pick 35 (No. 251 overall): Uar Bernard, Defensive Tackle, International Pathways
There has been a lot of buzz around Uar Bernard, from the media to everyone in the Eagles organization.
His athleticism is something all Eagles fans—and fans of other teams—are aware of at this point. There has not been much reported on how he has fared in OTAs yet. Over the course of the offseason—joint practices, training camp, preseason games—there will soon be a real sense of where he is, football-wise.
It is important not to place too many or too high expectations on Bernard at this point, as he is only just learning the sport. There is real confidence, though, that sometime in the next couple of seasons he will make his presence known. He could have a similar breakout as Jaylx Hunt. This pick was made with patience in mind.
Round 7, Pick 36 (No. 252 overall): Keyshawn James-Newby, defensive end, New Mexico
There is not much to go on with Keyshawn James-Newby. He finds himself at the bottom of the depth chart, similar to Uar Bernard, but his situation is not the same.
Bernard is expected to have a long runway to acclimate to the league. In contrast, James-Newby was very productive in college and is likely expected to contribute sooner rather than later. This pick is reminiscent of Antwuan Powell-Ryland, and not just because of the hyphenated last name. Anything above the practice squad would be a success for James-Newby.
Eagles Rookies In Store for a Big Summer
Looking ahead, it will be important to see Lemon ramp up as the season approaches, track Stower’s progress as a blocker in relation to his role on the team, and gauge the potential of the other draft picks. The team has completely retooled and made significant adjustments at all levels, including the coaching staff. The one exception remains the safety position. This could be indicative of trust in Epps or a bigger move to come.
The preseason will benefit all the young players and new additions alike. It will allow guys such as A.J. Epenesa and Dontayvion Wicks time as they adjust to the system. It will also allow the coaching staff to assess players’ progress both individually and in relation to one another. That is an important task for this Eagles team stacked with new talent.
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