Effective. That's how Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox would describe the Philadelphia Eagles' 2026 NFL Draft, and as the team prepares for rookie minicamp and OTAs, fans have to feel pretty good about the direction it continues to go.
Between several trades and strategic player selections, the Eagles continued to build depth while also supplementing their roster for the future. While many picks may not be Day 1 impact players, it's clear that Howie Roseman has continued to solidify himself as a premier talent evaluator in the NFL.
"It's impossible to feel like the Philadelphia Eagles aren't substantially better than they were a few days ago," Knox said. "General manager Howie Roseman delivered another impressive draft weekend by filling multiple short- and long-term needs. He traded up for USC receiver Makai Lemon, who will become an immediate starter if and when the Eagles trade A.J. Brown. He also added a high-end edge-rusher by trading for former Pro Bowler Jonathan Greenard. Along the way, Roseman picked up Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell, who may eventually become replacements for aging stars Dallas Goedert and Lane Johnson, respectively."
Eagles' 2026 draft being describled as "effective"
With rumors swirling around the status of A.J. Brown, the Eagles took a proactive approach by drafting a possible successor with Makai Lemon out of USC. Add in the fact he was able to "finnesse" the Steelers, who were planning on taking Lemon with their 21st pick, the Eagles now have a playmaking threat to combat Brown's departure.
Other under-the-radar selections that could support the franchise's future are Eli Stowers (54th overall) and Markel Bell (68th overall), both of whom show high upside and could be future replacements for Dallas Goedert and Lane Johnson, while also adding immediate credibility as depth pieces.
In the later rounds, Philadelphia also selected North Dakota State star Cole Payton, who could be a future developmental project, allowing Roseman to leverage Tanner McKee as a trade piece along with safety Cole Wisniewski, who could fit the mold of a Reed Blankenship.
Roseman also made waves by adding a project much to the same lineage as Jordan Mailata by drafting Uar Bernard, who, despite having no football experience, owns plenty of size and raw potential that could pay dividends through the NFL's International Player Pathway program.
Read more: Eagles' biggest question after 2026 NFL Draft is smacking them right in the face
Every move Roseman made this draft cycle served a purpose, lending credence to the "effective" label Knox has used to describe the Philadelphia Eagles' recent draft class. Between the selections and the trade for Jonathan Greenard, the Eagles' 2026 offseason has continued to allow the team to trend upward, not just this season but into the foreseeable future.
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