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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Philadelphia Eagles, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Philadelphia Eagles 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
During an offseason dominated by A.J. Brown trade rumors and criticisms of Jalen Hurts, the selection of Makai Lemon (first round) was a logical choice. Lemon has the ability to line up wide or in the slot, which gives the Eagles plenty of flexibility as the offense goes through a transitional phase. Due to his position flexibility and reliable hands, Lemon was one of the safest prospects in this class, regardless of position. Based on route-adjusted data, Lemon’s catch rate was 11% above expected during his time at USC, which set a high floor for his production and gives him the potential to be a high-volume weapon in the slot. The only questionable aspect of the selection was the choice to pair DeVonta Smith with another undersized receiver, which will make it harder for the Eagles to move their receivers around in search of the best matchup.
Eli Stowers (second round) might help with that issue, as he’s more of an oversized slot receiver than a tight end. Philly will probably try to develop Stowers’ blocking technique, and there’s hope for continued growth given his relatively recent transition to the position, but it would be surprising if he sees significant action as an in-line tight end in blocking situations early in his career. So while Philly likely needs a replacement for Dallas Goedert soon, Stowers might not have the well-rounded skill set to fill his shoes.
Markel Bell (third round) is a developmental prospect who will be given an opportunity to learn behind Lane Johnson before potentially competing for the right tackle job when Johnson retires. Bell, a former JUCO transfer, made progress during his time at Miami, but made just 21 starts over two years. Despite having one of the strongest offensive line units in the country, Miami running backs only averaged 1.6 yards before contact when running to Bell’s gap in the line, ranked 99th among power-conference tackles.
Cole Payton (fifth round) is a good athlete with a big arm, but didn’t see the field until his redshirt-senior year at North Dakota State. His best-case scenario as a rookie is to win the third-string job, though the presence of Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton makes that uncertain. McKee and Dalton are both on expiring contracts, so Payton might have a chance to earn the backup job in 2027.
Micah Morris (sixth round) only started 19 games during his five years at Georgia. He’s a physical interior lineman who provides depth at both guard spots. Given Georgia’s ability to develop offensive linemen, it would be surprising if the Bulldogs didn’t already get the most out of him.
Cole Wisniewski (seventh round) will provide depth at both safety positions, and his extensive special teams experience should allow him to make the roster. He handled the jump from North Dakota State to Texas Tech well last season and should be a capable backup, even if athletic limitations don’t allow him to ever win a starting job.
Uar Bernard (seventh round) was drafted out of Nigeria. He has not played organized football but trained with the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. The Eagles plan to develop him as a defensive tackle, but he is likely multiple years away from seeing meaningful action.
Keyshawn James-Newby (seventh round) will compete for a roster spot as an edge defender, but it’s a crowded depth chart. He’s a good athlete, and his 19% pressure rate generated off the edge at New Mexico last year is certainly intriguing, but he’ll be a 24-year-old rookie with almost no experience against power-conference competition, so it’s tough to trust his production.
This draft class was a little more risky than the typical group of prospects put together by Howie Roseman. There is plenty of developmental upside, so we should not be surprised if this turns into one of the better classes five years down the road, but the floor is low considering how much development is needed by everyone outside of Lemon.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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