The Philadelphia Eagles are kicking off the 2026 season with six rookies on their initial 53-man roster, but it is the astonishing four quarterbacks they are carrying that has everyone talking. Seriously, four QBs? That’s a huge commitment, and it speaks volumes about what they are trying to protect. Five of their eight draft picks made the cut, plus undrafted long snapper Rocco Underwood, who locked down his spot. Every single one of their selections from the first six rounds survived the roster frenzy. However, all three seventh-round picks, Cole Wisniewski, Uar Bernard, and Keyshawn James-Newby, got waived and are now up for grabs before Philly can even think about practice squad.
The First-Round Stud and the Quarterback Gamble
First-round wide receiver Makai Lemon, picked 20th overall out of USC, was a no-brainer for the roster. Even a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a chunk of practice could not derail him. He got back on the field late in the preseason, showed the usual rookie ups and downs in his NFL debut, but his immediate accountability after a dropped pass led to an interception? That kind of maturity is as impressive as any physical play. Philadelphia is banking on Lemon playing a “meaningful role” right away alongside DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, and Dontayvion Wicks.
But back to the QBs, because that is the real head-scratcher. Fifth-round pick Cole Payton from North Dakota State made the cut, and this was apparently “one of Philadelphia’s most interesting decisions.” They are carrying Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee, and now Payton. Why? To protect Payton from the waiver wire. The Eagles knew they could not just release him and sneak him onto the practice squad; every other team would get a shot. His athletic ability and “developmental potential” were big enough reasons to sacrifice an additional roster spot for a quarterback. That is a bold move, folks, and it tells you they really believe in that kid.
Developing Talent Everywhere Else
Beyond the first-rounder and the fascinating quarterback gamble, a few other rookies are poised for significant developmental roles. Eli Stowers, the second-round tight end from Vanderbilt, also battled a hamstring injury but still made the team. He is a former college quarterback, so he is raw but has “significant receiving potential.” They can bring him along slowly with Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, and E.J. Jenkins already there. Grant Calcaterra going on injured reserve might open doors for Stowers, but he has got to prove himself blocking and on special teams first.
Then there is Markel Bell, a third-round offensive tackle out of Miami. He is another developmental tackle, boasting “exceptional size and length.” The Eagles were not expecting him to win a starting job this year. The plan is to develop him behind veterans Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, letting him soak up knowledge from one of the league’s best offensive lines. Bell’s inclusion is a big reason Philadelphia is keeping 10 offensive linemen on the initial roster. And finally, sixth-round offensive guard Micah Morris from Georgia earned his spot by steadily improving throughout the summer. His size and experience playing against elite college competition make him a “natural developmental project” for the organization’s interior offensive line reserves, joining Willie Lampkin and Drew Kendall.
The Eagles are clearly investing big in the future, prioritizing these drafted rookies.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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