With the preseason opener behind us, training camp decisions are heating up. I evaluated the Philadelphia Eagles eight rookies across three categories based on their chances of making the initial 53-man roster:

• Lock: It would be a major shock if they were left off.
• Optimistic: Signs point to yes, but their spot isn’t guaranteed.
• Bubble: On the fringe and actively fighting for a roster spot.

Here is where each member of Philadelphia’s rookie class stands on the roster.

Makai Lemon: Locked

Lemon made his return to practice for the first time in over two weeks during the Eagles’ second joint practice with the Patriots. Drafted in the first round, two separate hamstring injuries has limited the USC product’s participation in training camp.

Still, Lemon was listed as a starter on the team’s unofficial depth chart. Even if he isn’t ready by Week 1, Lemon will play a massive part in the Eagles’ offense.

Eli Stowers: Locked

Stowers hasn’t hit the ground running in camp, struggling with blocking and route separation, issues that have relegated him primarily to third-team reps. However, he did show promise in his preseason debut, leading the team in receptions.

While his blocking still needs work and his offensive integration may take longer than anticipated, Stowers’ spot on the 53-man roster remains secure as Philadelphia’s prospective tight end of the future.

Markel Bell: Locked

Bell is making a seamless transition from left to right tackle, a position he had no prior experience playing, reportedly pulling ahead of Fred Johnson in the training camp battle for Philadelphia’s primary swing tackle spot.

He looked smooth in pass protection during his limited action against Baltimore. All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson, who recently announced that 2026 will likely be his final season in the NFL, praised the Miami product, calling Bell “one of the best rookies I’ve been around.” Bell’s strong performance has positioned him as a strong candidate to become Philadelphia’s next franchise tackle.

Cole Payton: Optimistic

The Eagles likely won’t keep four quarterbacks, which is why Payton isn’t a lock, but his performance in the preseason opener suggests his upside is worth more than keeping both Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee.

Playing only in the fourth quarter, Payton generated 82 total offensive yards, more than either Dalton or McKee, driven by his mobility and skill as a runner. At just 23 years old, Payton could serve as the Eagles’ long-term QB2.

Micah Morris: Optimistic

In 19 pass pro snaps against the Ravens, Morris did not allow a single QB hit, hurry, or sack. While an elite athlete at his size, Morris only had one year of starting experience at Georgia, but in Philadelphia, he’ll have the luxury to sit and develop without being forced into immediate action.

Cole Wisniewski: Bubble

Wisniewski made his practice debut this week after missing all of training camp with a hamstring injury. While he did receive a rep with the first-team defense, the Eagles safety depth has come into focus. Wisniewski can make a late push for a rotational role and as a special teams player in the remaining preseason games.

Uar Bernard: Optimistic

Bernard remains green, but his elite athletic traits make him a strong candidate for the 53-man roster, as the Eagles can’t risk losing him on cutdown day.

Keyshawn James-Newby: Bubble

James-Newby was carted to the medical tent on August 1st due to an ankle injury and has not been a full participant in practice since. As a seventh-round pick, he unfortunately has not had the chance to prove himself in practice or in the first preseason game. Currently on the outside looking in, James-Newby is trying to secure a spot on the 16-player practice squad more than the initial 53-man roster.