The 2026 NFL Draft just wrapped up, and Philadelphia went right to work in the draft. Howie Roseman and the Eagles made eight selections, along with three trades.
Philly’s Draft Trades
Philly traded the 23rd pick, 114, and 117th pick to the Cowboys for the 20th pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The Eagles received Jonathan Greenard and a seventh-round pick in 2026 from the Vikings in exchange for a third-round draft pick, which is the 98th pick and a 2027 third-round pick. Philadelphia traded the 197th pick to the Rams for picks No. 207, 251, and 252.
Makai Lemon
The Eagles took Makai Lemon, a wide receiver from USC, with the 20th pick in the draft. Lemon was supposed to be an earlier pick as he was recognized as one of the best receivers in the draft. This, of course, adds more fuel to the fire of the possibility of A.J. Brown departing very soon. Philly made free agency moves at the wide receiver position over the offseason, acquiring Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, and Dontayvion Wicks. Devonta Smith is still there as well and should be the wide receiver one. Despite all of those acquisitions, Lemon should make an immediate impact for the Eagles. Lemon recorded 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns for USC this past season.
Eli Stowers
In the second round, the Eagles selected Eli Stowers, a tight end from Vanderbilt. Dallas Goedert is 31 years old and has a year left on his contract. Stowers will be an impact player for the Eagles as Jalen Hurts leans on his tight ends. He received the 2025 John Mackey award as the nation’s top tight end. Stowers recorded 62 receptions, 769 yards, and four touchdowns with Vanderbilt during the season.
Markel Bell
The Eagles added a new offensive lineman in tackle Markel Bell from Miami with their third-round draft pick. The O-line has dealt with injuries this season, and Lane Johnson was considering retirement. Johnson has been one of the best in the league. Landon Dickerson also considered retirement as well. Philly has been known to have a great offensive line and looks to continue to do so with Bell.
Cole Payton
In the fifth round with the 197th pick, the Eagles selected Cole Payton out of North Dakota State. Payton joins a quarterback room with Hurts, Andy Dalton, and Tanner McKee. He recorded 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, four interceptions, and completed 72 percent of his passes. Payton is also a dual-threat quarterback, running for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Micah Morris
Philly selected guard Micah Morris out of Georgia in the sixth round with the 207th pick. Morris will add extra security and depth for the offensive line.
Seventh Round Picks
In the seventh round, Philadelphia selected Cole Wisniewski, a safety out of Georgia Tech, Uar Bernard, a defensive tackle from the International Player Pathway (IPP), and Edge Keyshawn James-Newby, from New Mexico. Wisniewski will address an Eagles safety room that lost Reed Blankenship. He can see some field time this upcoming season. Bernard has never played football, but this will be a project similar to Jordan Mailata. Mailata became an all-pro talent and one of the best left tackles in the league. He had a great performance in the combine. He ran close to a 4.6 and had a vertical jump of nearly 40 inches. James-Newby had nine sacks for New Mexico, which led his team. He will fight for a roster spot to be a part of the edge room.
The Eagles had a good draft where they addressed their needs and got young pieces who can contribute right away. If potential reaches its max, then this draft class can be really good in the future, but for now, it is still good.
