The Philadelphia Eagles' 2026 NFL Draft class may not provide a ton of immediate impact, but Howie Roseman landed multiple players who profile as quality long-term starters.
The Eagles need to walk a developmental tightrope in 2026, blending the development of these players with the goal of pursuing a championship once more.
When looking at the handful of picks who made the 53-man roster, what exactly constitutes a solid season in this group's first steps into the professional arena?
Predicting a perfect 2026 season for every Philadelphia Eagles rookie
WR Makai Lemon
Stats: 50 catches, 700 yards, 6 touchdowns
Lemon's injury has put him behind schedule, but if he is able to translate his USC separation skills to the pros, he should start the year as the No. 3 wide receiver behind DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks.
Long-Term Goal: Emerge as a clear WR2, show slot/outside versatility
Lemon will likely overtake Wicks by the end of the season, which is exactly what Philly had in mind when they traded away AJ Brown. If he can get open as a boundary receiver and in the slot, the sky is truly the limit in 2027 and beyond.
TE Eli Stowers
Stats: 15 catches, 250 yards, 2 touchdowns
Stowers' struggles have been the talk of camp. While he is not cooked as a pro player, 2026 will clearly be more about his maturing physically and gradually improving. This season is all about development over stats for the Vanderbilt product.
Long-Term Goal: Add some weight while developing as a blocker
Stowers is too skinny to be an in-line tight end and not quick enough to be a wide receiver. The best case for Stowers is to put on some weight, become even below-par as a run-blocker, and use his verticality to create mismatches on the interior.
OT Markel Bell
Stats: 2 starts
Bell has physical gifts that can't be taught. Even though he will begin 2026 as a backup, the Eagles are confident in their offensive line coaching turning him into someone who could eventually earn a starting role.
Long-Term Goal: Show enough to be a possible Lane Johnson stopgap
Johnson has hinted at retirement after this season. Even if Bell is not the long-term answer at the tackle position, Bell could flex just enough to become Johnson's 2027 replacement. After that, a long-term decision can be made.
QB Cole Payton
Stats: No Stats
Unless something drastic happens, Payton will not see the field as a rookie. However, he is still worth developing, especially since his playmaking on the move could help him replicate what Jalen Hurts brings to the table if an injury arises.
Long-Term Goal: Beat out Andy Dalton to become QB3
Hurts isn't going anywhere, and the Eagles clearly like what McKee Brings to the table. With solid deep accuracy and great mobility, Payton's youth might be enough to win out over Dalton's experience.
OG Micah Morris
Stats: 1 start
Morris was drafted to provide offensive line depth behind Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, and Cam Jurgens. With a giant 6-5 frame and plenty of power, Morris has the physical tools to succeed.
Read more: Giants CB might have forgotten why Eagles have NFL's best cornerback room
Long-Term Goal: Show versatility as a backup chess piece
Morris is not viewed as a future starter, but if he is able to hold his own as a guard who can slot in at center and/or tackle should the need arise, the Eagles will keep bringing him back.
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