The Eagles will open the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens, providing Philadelphia’s rookies with their first opportunity to translate training camp progress into an NFL game.
The evening will carry different stakes throughout the rookie class. First-round pick Makai Lemon is expected to become a significant part of the offense, and he's unlikely to play, while several late-round selections and undrafted free agents are fighting for roster spots, reserve roles and opportunities on special teams.
Availability will be worth monitoring after Lemon, Cole Wisniewski and Keyshawn James-Newby missed Philadelphia’s Aug. 11 practice because of injuries. The Eagles selected eight players in the 2026 NFL draft and initially signed eight undrafted free agents, creating a first-year group with players worth tracking on both sides of the football.
Here are 10 Eagles rookies to watch against Baltimore.
Makai Lemon, wide receiver
Lemon’s health is the first storyline to monitor after the No. 20 overall pick missed practice time with a hamstring injury. If cleared to play, the opener would offer the first look at how Philadelphia plans to deploy him within Sean Mannion’s offense. Lemon has the route-running ability and versatility to line up in multiple spots, but the priority will be getting him through his debut healthy while allowing him to begin developing timing with the Eagles’ quarterbacks.
Eli Stowers, tight end
Stowers has spent much of camp working behind Philadelphia’s established tight ends, but the preseason should provide a larger workload. The second-round pick arrived with impressive athletic traits and receiving production, but his path to an immediate offensive role will depend on becoming a dependable blocker and mastering the details of the position. Every snap against Baltimore should provide Stowers with valuable experience after a relatively quiet start to camp.
Markel Bell, offensive tackle
Few rookies on the roster are more physically imposing than the 6-foot-9, 346-pound Bell. The third-round pick has worked on both sides of the offensive line and impressed during one-on-one drills at left tackle during Philadelphia’s final padded practice before the opener. Bell’s size and length are obvious, but the preseason will test his footwork, balance and ability to handle NFL speed rushers. His development could be especially important with Lane Johnson approaching the end of his career.
Cole Payton, quarterback
Payton should receive one of his most extended opportunities since joining the Eagles as a fifth-round pick. The former North Dakota State quarterback offers an intriguing combination of passing efficiency, mobility and toughness, but preseason football will require him to manage the huddle, process coverages and protect the football. Philadelphia has a crowded quarterback room, making every series important as Payton attempts to establish his place within the organization’s developmental plans.
Micah Morris, offensive guard
Morris brings SEC experience and excellent size to an offensive line competition that remains unsettled behind the starters. The former Georgia guard played both sides of the line during his college career, giving Philadelphia another versatile interior option. Against Baltimore, the focus should be on how Morris handles power, maintains leverage and communicates with the linemen beside him. A steady performance would help the sixth-round pick strengthen his case for a reserve role.
Uar Bernard, defensive tackle
Bernard remains one of the most intriguing developmental players in Philadelphia’s rookie class. The seventh-round pick is still learning the technical demands of defensive line play, but his size and athletic traits give the Eagles something to develop. Preseason action will reveal how Bernard responds to the physicality of NFL offensive linemen and whether he can maintain his gap responsibilities. He should receive enough snaps to make an impression in a deep defensive tackle rotation.
Keyshawn James-Newby, outside linebacker
James-Newby’s status must be monitored after an ankle injury kept him out of practice ahead of the opener. If available, the seventh-round pick will have an opportunity to show whether his college pass-rush production can translate against NFL tackles. James-Newby recorded nine sacks during his final season at New Mexico, but his roster case will also depend on his ability to set the edge, play the run, and contribute on special teams.
Deontae Lawson, linebacker
Lawson may have been undrafted, but his experience and production at Alabama make him one of Philadelphia’s most notable rookie free agents. He finished his college career with 283 tackles and served as a two-time captain, giving him the type of background that should help him adjust to a demanding defensive system. Against Baltimore, Lawson’s instincts, tackling and communication will be under the microscope. Special-teams performance could ultimately determine whether he claims a roster spot.
Kapena Gushiken, cornerback
Gushiken has the athletic profile to become an intriguing developmental cornerback/safety. The undrafted rookie reportedly ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at Mississippi’s pro day after starting 12 games and recording 55 tackles during his final college season. Speed alone will not secure a roster spot, however. Gushiken must show disciplined coverage technique, finish tackles and make himself valuable on special teams in a crowded Philadelphia secondary.
Maximus Pulley, safety
Pulley enters the preseason as an undrafted player capable of forcing the Eagles to take a longer look. He earned FCS All-America honors at Wofford after recording five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, during his final college season. That production shows his ability to find the football, but the preseason will test his range, tackling and command of Philadelphia’s defensive assignments. With Wisniewski nursing a hamstring injury, Pulley could receive additional opportunities to improve his roster standing.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 10 Eagles rookies to watch during preseason opener vs. the Ravens