Eagles Sign Markel Bell, Wrap Draft Deals

Other third-round picks have been signed in recent days, further lowering the number of draftees yet to officially ink their first contracts in advance of training camp. Bell has continued that trend. He will spend the summer continuing to prepare for his rookie campaign, although padded practices will of course be far more important than the work done in the spring from an evaluation standpoint.

Bell spent time in junior college before joining Miami in 2024. After making 12 appearances during his first year there, Bell became the starting left tackle for the Hurricanes this past season. His performance in that role helped Miami reach the national title game. Francis Mauigoa was, as expected, a top-10 pick in April’s draft. Bell had to wait longer to hear his name called, but he represented the Eagles’ third pick of the event when he came off the board at No. 68.

Philadelphia will not have revered offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland in place for 2026, but the team’s longtime tackle tandem of Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson remains. Those two will be counted on to continue as starters for at least one more season. The swing tackle role appears to be available to Bell instead of veteran Fred Johnson, though. His showings in training camp will be key in establishing the offensive tackle depth chart.

With every member now officially on the books, here is a final look at the Eagles’ 2026 draft class:

• Round 1, No. 20 (from Packers via Cowboys): Makai Lemon (WR, USC) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 54: Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 68 (from Jets): Markel Bell (T, Miami) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 178*: Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 207 (from Texans via Rams, Titans and Eagles): Micah Morris (G, Georgia) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 244 (from Texans via Vikings): Cole Wisniewski (S, Texas Tech) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 251 (from Rams)*: Uar Bernard (DT, International Player Pathway) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 252 (from Rams)*: Keyshawn James-Newby (EDGE, New Mexico) (signed)