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Early ranking of Eagles' NFL draft picks by potential impact in 2026
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- Early ranking of Eagles' NFL draft picks by potential impact in 2026
The Eagles entered the 2026 NFL draft with one of the NFL's most complete rosters, but that didn't stop Howie Roseman from aggressively targeting premium talent, athletic upside, and long-term value. Fresh off another deep postseason run, Philadelphia focused on replenishing depth in the trenches, adding explosive playmakers, and building competition across the roster.
With OTAs, mandatory minicamp, and training camp fast approaching, several members of the Eagles' draft class are already poised to contribute in the 2026 season. Some rookies could push for starting roles immediately, while others may emerge as key rotational contributors on a roster loaded with veteran talent.
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Philadelphia added explosive talent and trench depth during the 2026 NFL draft. Here's an early ranking of the Eagles' rookies most likely to make an impact this season.
1. Makai Lemon, WRPhiladelphia traded up aggressively to land the explosive USC wide receiver, signaling how highly the organization views his long-term upside. Lemon brings elite speed, route-running polish, and versatility to an offense already featuring Jalen Hurts , A.J. Brown , and DeVonta Smith . While he won't immediately become the focal point of the passing attack, Lemon's ability to stretch defenses vertically and create explosive plays after the catch could earn him meaningful snaps quickly.
2. Eli Stowers , TE
In his first season at Vanderbilt, he recorded 638 yards and five touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC honors. In 2025, Stowers had a standout season with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns, once again receiving first-team All-SEC honors for the second consecutive year. Additionally, he was named a unanimous All-American, won the Mackey Award, and received the Campbell Trophy. Stowers will be the Eagles' second tight end and one of Hurts' favorite targets.
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3. Cole Wisniewski, S
Wisniewski became a key player on the Red Raider defense, playing safety and starting all 14 games in his only season at Texas Tech. He enters a safety competition in which Andrew Mukuba is the only guaranteed starter.
4. Micah Morris, G
Morris played in and started all 14 games during the season, contributing to an offense that averaged 32.1 points, 182.1 rushing yards, and 220.3 passing yards per game. He was also part of a Georgia offense that ranked third in the NCAA for first downs with 316 and was first nationally in fourth-down conversions at 76.5% during the regular season. With Landon Dickerson battling injuries in 2025, Morris could see early action in 2026.
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5. Markel Bell, T
Fred Johnson is the Eagles' swing tackle, but it's Bell who could get the call if Lane Johnson or Jordan Mailata suffers injuries. At Miami , Bell showed flashes of strong pass-protection ability and physicality in the run game, traits that align with what the Eagles prioritize at the offensive line. While he may not be expected to start immediately, his addition provides valuable depth and competition behind the starters.
6. Cole Payton, QB
From Carson Wentz to Trey Lance , North Dakota State produces solid prospects. A 2025 Walter Payton Award finalist (3rd), Payton led the Bison to a 12-1 record, including an 8-0 record in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in his first year as a starter. Payton Set NDSU single-season records for pass efficiency. After missing the final eight games of the 2024 season with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, he bounced back in 2025, finishing with 3,188 passing yards, 29 total TDs (16 passing, 13 rushing), and four interceptions. Payton could definitely see early action in select gadget plays.
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7. Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge
The Philadelphia Eagles select New Mexico outside linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby in Round 7 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 252 overall pick (via a trade with the Los Angeles Rams ). An undersized edge rusher, James-Newby, 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, started his college career at Montana Tech Junior College in Butte, Montana, where he had 4.0 sacks as a freshman and 9.0 in his second year. He transferred to Idaho after the 2022 season, then had 5 sacks in 2023 and 10.5 in 2024 before finishing one season in Albuquerque.
So in five seasons at three colleges at three different levels, he had 37 ½ sacks.
8. Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria
The Philadelphia Eagles used another pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with one of the most intriguing selections of the weekend, taking defensive tackle Uar Bernard with the No. 251 overall pick through the International Pathway Program. Bernard, a native of Nigeria, brings a rare blend of size and athleticism, measuring in at 6-foot-4½ and 306 pounds with 36-inch arms, 11-inch hands, a 39-inch vertical, and a reported 4.63 40-yard dash. Bernard has never played a down of organized football, and it's hard to see him seeing playing time as a rookie.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles draft picks ranked by immediate impact in 2026
