There is a plethora of rookies on the Philadelphia Eagles roster who could make the 53-man roster, but how many could actually start in 2026?
Eagles rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon is a lock to start in the slot at receiver, but really, outside of that, the rest may not start a game. Eagles Wire's Glenn Erby looked at rookies on the team that might end up starting games in 2026, with one undrafted rookie making the list: linebacker Deontae Lawson.
"On defense, Deontae Lawson has a path worth monitoring at linebacker. Jihaad Campbell is entering his second season, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has taken first-team reps, but the Eagles’ off-ball linebacker rotation remains a place where camp performance can change the depth chart quickly. Lawson’s physicality and instincts could give him a chance to earn early defensive snaps and eventually push for spot starts."
Deontae Lawson could be making a start in 2026 despite not being drafted
Lawson is coming off a solid season for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he racked up 80 tackles, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks in 2025. That performance landed him as a second-team All-SEC selection.
It was a surprise to many when Lawson did not get selected in the draft since he was seen as a Day 3 selection. He is coming off a down year in Alabama, which could have hurt his chances, but there's no doubt that he can play the linebacker position.
Philly's linebacker room is in an interesting place, with Lawson's college teammate Jihaad Campbell and two-time Pro Bowler Zack Baun as the clear-cut starters. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. had an outstanding OTAs, showing the Eagles that he needs to finally get some legit playing time on defense.
Outside of that, though, the position group is wide open at the bottom of the depth chart. Smael Mondon Jr. is most likely the biggest competition for Lawson and the man who could prevent him from getting playing time.
If Lawson wants to make the roster, he will have to do what Trotter has done in the first few years of his career and dominate on special teams. Should that work out, there's no doubt Lawson has the ability to make this team with ease.
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Injuries can always happen, but Lawson feels like he's too good just to sit on the sidelines for too long. The Eagles might be forced to play him, which is a strategy that could pay off in a big way for them.
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