With the 2026 NFL Draft complete, many analysts and fans have taken to the internet to discuss their favorite teams' draft classes and how they project to the future success of those teams.
Recently, The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked each draft class for each NFL team, believing that the Eagles had the seventh-best class from this past weekend.
It's no secret that Howie Roseman has continued to "win" with his ability to consistently build a competitive roster year after year, constantly putting the Eagles in championship contention during his tenure as Eagles general manager. His most recent class has allowed Philadelphia to begin its transition with plenty of depth and upside while also filling some immediate needs as well.
Eagles had a stellar draft class in 2026
The 2026 Eagles draft class consisted of eight players, each filling their own niche that could pay dividends for the Eagles' future. First-round pick Makai Lemon allows the Eagles plenty of flexibility at the wide receiver position, as the team awaits the impending trade of A.J. Brown. Mid-round picks tight end Eli Stowers and offensive lineman Markel Bell could be the heir apparent to Dallas Goedert and Lane Johnson, as both players are now in the back end of their careers.
Brugler also highlights fifth-round pick quarterback Cole Payton, who could be used as a "Taysom Hill"- like option, possibly softening the wear and tear on Jalen Hurts. Payton, who measures at 6-foot-3, 232 linebackers and runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, had some scouts recommending he could transition to tight end. He provides an athletic option for Philadelphia, which could also allow the team to trade quarterback Tanner McKee for additional draft capital.
The Eagles also managed to select Uar Bernard from the international player pathway program, in the same fashion that the team selected Jordan Mailiata whose developed into an All-Pro offensive lineman.
Throughout the 2026 draft, the Eagles found value at every selection, allowing the team to continue improving not only this season but also moving forward as a franchise. It's also worth noting that Keyshawn James-Newby, Cole Wisniewski, and Micah Morris, all of whom were late-round picks, are expected to compete for roster spots on the 53-man roster as well.
Read more: Eagles fantasy owners will go crazy over Makai Lemon's potential for 2026
Brugler had the Eagles as the fourth-highest draft class in the NFC this draft cycle. He ranked the Cleveland Browns as the number-one class and the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 32nd-best class this year.
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