The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up their 2026 NFL draft by injecting fresh talent into the offense, adding five versatile playmakers to Sean Mannion’s unit. The first two selections project as future stars and likely starters in 2025, while the entire class brings elite skills and the potential to become key contributors. A clear shift at wide receiver emerged when Philadelphia traded up to land Makai Lemon, effectively signaling the end of the A.J. Brown era. With OTAs on the horizon, here’s one thing to appreciate about each of the eight draft picks.
**1st Round – 20th Overall: Makai Lemon, WR, Southern Cal – Grade: A+**
Lemon plays with a gritty, running back mentality at receiver, using his 5-11, 192-pound frame to dominate after the catch. He rarely lets the ball hit the ground (2.8 percent career drop rate) and was the only Big Ten player with over 500 yards after catch in 2025.
**2nd Round – 54th Overall: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt – Grade: A**
A former quarterback, Stowers set the NFL scouting combine record for vertical leap at his position with a 45.5-inch jump, while also posting a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and an 11-foot-3 broad jump.
**3rd Round – 68th Overall: Markel Bell, T, Miami – Grade: B**
Bell brings exceptional size and length, and he allowed zero sacks over 558 pass protection snaps for the Miami Hurricanes in 2025.
**5th Round – 178th Overall: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State – Grade: B-**
Payton offers athleticism, mobility, and a versatile skill set that could thrive in the Eagles’ new offense under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion. With the Bison, he demonstrated the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, giving him value as a multi-dimensional quarterback at the next level.
**6th Round – 207th Overall: Micah Morris, G, Georgia – Grade: B-**
At Georgia, Morris built a reputation for his strength at the point of attack and his ability to hold up in both run and pass protection. His interior versatility gives the Eagles another developmental piece who can compete for depth early while learning behind one of the league’s most established offensive line groups.
**7th Round – 244th Overall: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech – Grade: C+**
A talented but somewhat stiff safety who could mirror Reed Blankenship’s rise, Wisniewski finished as the team’s third-leading tackler with 78 total stops (38 solo), leading all defensive backs. He trailed only linebackers Jacob Rodriguez (128) and Ben Roberts (90). Wisniewski was one of four Red Raiders with 70+ tackles, a first for the program since 2015.
**7th Round – 251st Overall: Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria – Grade: B+**
A 300-plus pound defensive player who can outrun running backs, Bernard comes through the International Pathway Program. He brings a rare mix of size and athleticism, measuring 6-foot-4.5 and 306 pounds with 36-inch arms, 11-inch hands, a 39-inch vertical, and a reported 4.63 40-yard dash.
**7th Round – 252nd Overall: Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge, New Mexico – Grade: C+**
The talented edge rusher posted nine sacks last season and 10.5 the year before. Over his college career, he started 46 games and recorded 23.5 sacks.