It’s a good thing the Eagles’ 2026 draft class will not be judged by how its rookies perform during training camp.
The Eagles made eight draft picks in April, and through 10 practices, only a few of their rookies have stood out. Overall, it has been an underwhelming start for Philadelphia’s rookie class.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, here is our grades for the rookies’ training camp performances (a few grades will be incomplete due to injuries):
First-round pick Makai Lemon (incomplete)
Lemon is expected to be one of Philadelphia’s starting wide receivers, but he may struggle to make an impact early in the season.
Lemon has missed more than a week of practice with a hamstring injury. He has suffered two hamstring injuries over the last four months, losing valuable time as he tries to develop chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts and become more comfortable in Philadelphia’s offense.
Second-round pick Eli Stowers (4)
Stowers has been quiet in practice, and even though he has made progress recently, that progress has been very slow. It is too early to write off Stowers, but it appears that, at least for his rookie season, his role in the offense will be small.
Stowers, a former college quarterback, switched to tight end three years ago, and for that reason, it’s not surprising that he is off to a slow start. He is still learning the nuances of the position and is being asked to handle more blocking assignments. Realistically, it could take Stowers a few years to become a complete tight end.
Over the next few weeks, Stowers can erase concerns about his development if he looks more explosive and consistently makes plays.
Third-round pick Markel Bell (8)
Bell has made the best impression so far, and he could eventually become the most important player of this rookie class if he is chosen as Lane Johnson’s heir apparent. The 6-foot-9, 346-pound offensive tackle has great movement skills and is light on his feet. He received first-team reps on the days Johnson missed and has held his own against Philadelphia’s deep group of edge rushers.
Fifth-round pick Cole Payton (6)
Payton looks to be an intriguing developmental quarterback prospect. He has a strong, snappy arm and is always pushing the ball into tight windows. His fearless approach as a passer can be both a strength and a weakness. He has pushed the ball into tight windows to create explosive plays, but he has also thrown too many interceptions.
Payton’s athleticism makes him a threat in the running game, too. He has shown enough so far to make Philadelphia’s 53-man roster.
Sixth-round pick Micah Morris (6)
After missing some time with a shoulder injury, Morris made a good impression during one-on-one blocking drills this week. He is very strong and powerful.
A one-year starter at offensive guard for Georgia, Morris is still raw in certain areas, but has enough talent to get onto the 53-man roster.
Seventh-round pick Cole Wisniewski (incomplete)
Wisniewski has missed nearly two weeks of practice with a hamstring injury. He needs to return from soon to beat out Maximus Pulley and Kapena Gushiken for the fourth safety spot.
Seventh-round pick Uar Bernard (5)
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Bernard, the Nigerian native, just put on a helmet for the first time four months ago. During his first training camp, the defensive tackle beat a few of the backup offensive linemen in one-on-one drills. He has unique strength and explosive traits. Now he just has to continue to learn more about playing his position and the sport.
Edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby (incomplete)
James-Newby snagged an interception in a seven-on-seven drill during the first week of practice, but that was the last time we saw him. He injured his ankle the next day and has been out for nearly two weeks. At this point, he has a very small chance of making the Eagles’ roster. He is a practice-squad candidate at best.
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