2026 NFL Draft Results: Eagles welcome 8 new rookies to Philadelphia

ELI STOWERS

Stowers being a total non-factor as a blocker is a bit frustrating after watching how the Eagles really suffered from complete liabilities in that regard last season. But his pass-catching potential is intriguing and there’s reason to believe he can get better since he’s relatively newer to his position. The Eagles needed to take a tight end in this draft since they have no real viable options under contract beyond 2026.

MARKEL BELL

If they had their druthers, the Eagles probably would’ve preferred to take a tackle in the first round. But the board didn’t work out that way for them. Instead, they’re taking a chance on Mt. Markel, who is absolutely massive. Might his 6’9” height work against him in terms of leverage? He’ll have a chance to develop as a depth option.

COLE PAYTON

The QB Factory never sleeps. Some will say this is a “wasted pick” but the Eagles don’t have a quarterback under contract for 2026, outside of Jalen Hurts. If Payton develops into a solid backup, that’s a big win. Plus, there’s thought he might have some Taysom Hill-like potential.

MICAH MORRIS

The Eagles needed to address their interior offensive line depth at some point in this draft. They lost depth at this position in free agency, they’re returning two starters with injury questions, and Tyler Steen is set to be a free agent after 2026. Morris has an attractive profile; he’s big with long arms and has good athletic testing numbers. But the Eagles will have to coach him up to make him into a viable option.

COLE WISNIEWSKI

People wanted the Eagles to address the same position much earlier than this but, hey, better late than never. Wisniewski seems like more of a depth option and special teams guy, realistically speaking. We’ll see if he can beat the odds and become more than that, just like Reed Blankenship did.

UAR BERNARD

Bernard has never played football in his life, so, he’s a total projection. But he’s an athletic freak worth taking a chance on. Total long shot with a late Day 3 pick. It’s a major win even if he merely develops into a rotational role player at some point in his career.

KEYSHAWN JAMES-NEWBY

KJN has a track record of production at some lower levels of college football. He’s probably a practice squad guy as a rookie but we’ll see if he can push for a roster spot.

TRADE CONSIDERATIONS

The Eagles acquired Jonathan Greenard and signed him to a contract extension during the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s an underrated player who’s been one of the most disruptive edge rushers (second in total pressures in 2024) in the NFL for some time now. The Eagles’ pass rush needed a boost and it got one with the Greenard addition.

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENCY (UDFA)

The Eagles aren’t done adding rookie talent to their roster; they’ll be immediately signing more players in undrafted free agency. Philadelphia has been able to find some UDFA contributors in recent years such as Darius Cooper, Reed Blankenship, Britain Covey, etc. We’ll see if Roseman can find some more diamonds in the rough.

WORK TO BE DONE

• It’s worth noting that free agent signings no longer count against the Eagles’ compensatory pick formula beginning on April 27. So, they could look to make another veteran addition or two.
• Safety was addressed late on Day 3 but the Eagles might still look for some more proven help at that spot.
• The Eagles still do not have a long snapper on the roster. Not exactly an urgent position to fill, but, still …

GRADE THE DRAFT

I’ll be issuing my own grade after taking a beat to digest everything. In the meantime, make your voice heard by voting in the poll and jumping in the comment section below!