Eagles' 2026 NFL draft: Best pick, head-scratching pick, best value

The Philadelphia Eagles completed their 2026 NFL draft, making slight overhauls to Sean Mannion's unit by adding five talented, versatile offensive players to the roster. The first two picks are future stars and likely 2025 starters, while all five players offer elite skill sets and the potential to develop into critical starters. Further signifying a change is coming at wide receiver, Philadelphia traded up to add Makai Lemon, all but officially signaling the end of the A.J. Brown era.

In all, the Birds made eight selections and three trades – including one that netted a Pro Bowl-caliber outside linebacker, Jonathan Greenard.

With the rookie minicamp complete, we're looking at a full breakdown of the Eagles' 2026 draft class, highlighting the best pick, top value, ideal scheme fit, and the most puzzling selection.

Best bang for buck

Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

Consensus rank: 127

Pick number: 178

Difference:+51

A player who, according to some experts, might be a potential third or fourth round pick. Payton fell into the Eagles' lap, highlighting the value Philadelphia had to secure. Payton brings athleticism, mobility, and a versatile skill set that could fit well within the Eagles' new offensive system under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion. With the Bison, he showed the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, giving him potential value as a multi-dimensional quarterback at the next level.

The eyebrow-raiser

3d-68: Markel Bell, T, Miami

The Eagles aren't known to reach, but landed the giant offensive tackle 48 spots higher than expected. Bell brings size, length, and developmental upside to a unit that has long been the foundation of Philadelphia's roster-building philosophy, but has seen a change with Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator and Jeff Stoutland out as offensive line coach. Bell allowed zero sacks in 558 pass pro snaps for Markel Bell in 2025.

Best scheme fit

Makai Lemon, WR, Southern Cal

Considered one of the top pass catchers in the draft, Lemon was the third wide receiver selected and went eight picks later than he was ranked. Lemon is a gritty running back who plays receiver and utilizes his 5-11, 192-pound frame to dominate in yards after catch. His positional versatility will allow Lemon to mesh well with DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown.

Day 3 pick who is most likely to start

Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

A talented, but stiff safety who could replicate Reed Blankenship's rise, Wisniewski fell into the Eagles' lap late in round seven. Wisniewski was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Comeback Player of the Year award after missing the entire 2024 season. He became a key player in the Red Raider defense, playing safety and starting all 14 games during his only season at Texas Tech. He finished as the third-leading tackler on the team with 78 total tackles (38 solo), leading all defensive backs and trailing only linebackers Jacob Rodriguez (128) and Ben Roberts (90). Wisniewski was one of four Red Raiders to record 70 or more tackles, marking a first for the team since 2015.

Best draft day phone call

Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria

Grade: B+

A 300+ pound defensive player who can run faster than running backs, the International Pathway Program pick was scooped up by Philadelphia in the seventh round when most prognosticators didn't have him on draft boards.

When Howie Roseman called Nigerian DT Uar Bernard before the Eagles drafted him...

Uar said: "I'm gonna have to walk there."

Howie said: "You don't have to walk, we're going to get you a flight."

Incredible.#Eaglespic.twitter.com/3NaAwkF2Hl— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) April 27, 2026

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles NFL draft analysis: Best value, scheme fit, head-scratcher