Eagles Rookie Camp Roundup: A Slice Of Lemon , Veteran Tryouts, And Coaching Debuts

The Eagles’ 2026 rookie class gathered on the field in South Philadelphia for the first time Friday during a light practice designed to kick off the onboarding process.

Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon makes his practice debut at rookie camp on May 1, 2026. | John McMullen/Eagles On SI

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles’ 2026 rookie class gathered on the field in South Philadelphia for the first time Friday during a light practice designed to kick off the onboarding process.

The session lasted over an hour and included 48 players, 30 of whom were participating on a tryout basis.

Among the tryouts were five veterans: offensive lineman Michael Jordan, running backs Khalil Herbert and Elijah Mitchell, edge rusher Isaiah Thomas, and wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson.

Also participating were two players from the Eagles’ 2025 practice squad: offensive lineman Hollin Pierce and defensive tackle Gabe Hall.

The workout marked the on-field debut for the team’s premium draft picks: wide receiver Mekai Lemon (wearing No. 9l), tight end Eli Stowers (No. 87), and offensive tackle Markell Bell (No. 72). 

Eli Stowers #Eagles pic.twitter.com/AqPd1RXpOg

— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) May 1, 2026

Day 3 quarterback Cole Payton (No. 10) was the only signal-caller on hand, while International Pathway Program hopefuls Uar Bernard (No. 93) and Josh Weru (No. 46) took part in their first organized football practice.

Cole Payton. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/LTfXxbfLmW

— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) May 1, 2026

The Eagles’ undrafted free agent class was also confirmed, headlined by Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (No. 47), Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright (No. 45), and Florida long snapper Rocco Underwood (No. 37). 

Underwood is currently the only long snapper on the Eagles’ offseason roster, with no tryout players at the position — a positive sign for the rookie.

Luke Akers, son of franchise legend David Akers, was on hand trying out as a punter rather than a kicker like his father. The younger Akers handled both punting and kicking duties at times during his time at Northwestern. 

The Eagles also had North Carolina kicker Rece Verhoff in on a tryout.

Sean Mannion #Eagles pic.twitter.com/7hc5nR9qHD

— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) May 1, 2026

The practice also served as the on-field debut for several new coaches on the staff. Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion watched Payton closely during individual drills, even catching some passes from the strong-armed rookie, while quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier focused on sharpening the rookie’s footwork.

Offensive line coach Chris Kuper worked with a group of six linemen led by Bell and sixth-round pick Micah Morris, incorporating medicine balls and stick drills into the individual work. 

Senior offensive assistant Jerrod Johnson, a former quarterback, also threw to the receivers during position drills.

Many familiar Nick Sirianni staples remained as well, including strip circuits and ball-security drills.