Rookie Roles

The Eagles in less than two weeks report to the Jefferson Health Training Complex for training camp. The start of a new season invites anticipation and optimism, with each team beginning the months-long marathon on equal footing.

With regard to the Eagles, some of that optimism stems from the potential contributions of a promising rookie class highlighted by wide receiver Makai Lemon and tight end Eli Stowers. Both receiving threats profile as long-term solutions, but Lemon and Stowers will be tasked with important roles as rookies. Beyond them, the haul yielded a collection of first-year players vying for depth roles, and a fascinating long-term developmental prospect.

ITB PHOTO/ANDREW DICECCO: Makai Lemon will rely on Aaron Moorehead’s teaching to develop as a rookie.

Below, I’ve compiled my projected rookie outlooks for each member of the Eagles’ 2026 draft class.

WR Makai Lemon (Round 1, No. 20)

Lemon missed much of spring drills with a hamstring injury but was on hand as a spectator, absorbing mental reps. Presumably, he’ll have some catching up to do when training camp opens, but Lemon will be relied upon to undertake a significant offensive role in the early going. The USC standout promises to dazzle in camp as a route-runner and separator, and should see a fairly high-volume of targets during the sessions. His chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts will grow naturally through repetition, but Lemon will have plenty of opportunities this summer to make up for lost time. The dynamic pass-catcher doesn’t just headline his draft class; Lemon factors most prominently into the Eagles’ 2026 plans. In his first season, Lemon steps into the role of a primary receiver, complementing the likes of DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks.

TE Eli Stowers (Round 2, No. 54)

Aside from a couple of receptions in team drills, Stowers had a quiet spring. While mildly surprising, Stowers will be positioned for an awakening this summer. He’ll garner plenty of opportunities to showcase his receiving chops while continuing to develop as a blocker. From a big picture perspective, Stowers represents the future, with veteran Dallas Goedert rejoining the team (again) on a one-year deal. In 2026, however, Stowers’ role doesn’t appear to be as clear. The team in free agency added a blocking specialist in veteran Johnny Mundt, who for now is expected to slot in behind Goedert. Even still, Stowers’ athleticism and mismatch capabilities figure to keep him in the mix for a consistent role in his first season.

OT Markel Bell (Round 3, No. 68)

A mountainous offensive tackle, Bell showcased his versatility this spring, repping at both left and right tackle. The Miami product probably needs a season to develop, refining technique and increasing play strength, but Bell certainly looks the part. The Eagles drafted Bell with the future in mind, as the team re-signed veteran Fred Johnson in free agency, but I’ll be curious to see if he can eventually usurp Johnson at some point this season as the top backup tackle. Regardless, Bell profiles as a gifted prospect with growth potential. Bell in his first season with the team will serve a reserve role, learning the ropes behind cornerstone tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.

Cole Payton’s development behind the scenes will be a year-long Eagles storyline.

QB Cole Payton (Round 5, No. 178)

Payton finds himself in an interesting situation. With Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton clearly ahead of him in the pecking order, practice reps will be scarce for the North Dakota State product. That’s where the post-practice developmental periods become especially crucial to his progress. Spring practices, predominantly pass-centric, served as a reminder that Payton is very much a work in progress. Growing pains should be expected. Still, Payton’s athleticism and reputation for extending plays suggest he’ll offer glimpses of promise along the way, making him difficult to part with. Should he make the 53-man roster, Payton would serve as the Eagles’ third or fourth quarterback in Year 1.

OG Micah Morris (Round 6, No. 207)

Morris joins a deep pool of developmental linemen vying for a spot on the Eagles’ roster. He’ll need to clear a hurdle or two to survive cutdowns, most notably veteran interior lineman Michael Jordan, but working in Morris’ favor is that he represents upside. The Georgia product, who has experience at both guard spots, is a powerful mauler who should find success in training camp paving the way in the run game. I could see the Eagles going a bit heavier on trench depth this year, which would bode well for Morris.

GETTY IMAGES: Texas Tech’s Cole Wisniewski, a seventh round pick, will try to make the 53 at a thin position.

S Cole Wisniewski (Round 7, No. 244)

Wisniewski, at 6-foot-3, 219 pounds, brings unique size to the position room. While range probably wouldn’t be considered among his more dominant traits, Wisniewski is also a better athlete than the consensus suggests. The battle for the final position slot promises to be compelling, but Wisniewski, in my estimation, enters camp as the favorite. Wisniewski’s pathway to the 53-man roster is likely to hinge on his special teams prowess, typically a determining factor for those on the roster bubble. Right now, I envision Wisniewski making the roster and carving out a prominent role on special teams in Year 1.

DT Uar Bernard (Round 7, No. 251)

Bernard assuredly won’t factor into the Eagles’ on-field plans in 2026, but the organizational investment was made with a long-term view in mind. A novice to the sport, Bernard, a native of Nigeria, must first grasp the technique and fundamentals before he’s ready to contribute on the field. For Bernard, this summer will be about learning and establishing a foundation, which was always baked into the equation. The Eagles have the infrastructure in place to support Bernard’s development, notably underscored by a staff dedicated to player development. The response to the selection has been met with considerable intrigue, though the developmental process will require the benefit of time and patience. Still, I’m leaning towards Bernard sticking on the 53-man roster, which would allow for critical practice reps during the season.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com