Eagles management defends 2026 rookie class amid preseason performance concerns

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman cautioned against making early judgments on the team's 2026 draft class following mixed preseason performances. First-round wide receiver Makai Lemon missed significant training camp time due to a hamstring injury and recorded only three catches for 3 yards in the preseason finale. Second-round tight end Eli Stowers and other rookies also saw limited action or were placed on the practice squad. Roseman pointed to the developmental paths of previous draft picks like Jordan Davis, Cam Jurgens, and Nakobe Dean as evidence that rookie contributions often take multiple seasons to manifest. The Eagles are set to open their regular season against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 13. While Lemon is expected to see the field, coaching staff continue to emphasize long-term growth over immediate impact for the rookie group.

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