The Eagles' 2026 draft class faced the Philadelphia media for the first time at rookie minicamp, and their comments revealed a lot about the mentality this group brings to the NovaCare Complex. Here's the complete breakdown of what each rookie said - and what it tells us about their future in midnight green.

Eli Stowers, TE: The Student of the Game

Stowers made it clear from his first answer that he understands what it takes to play tight end in the NFL.

"I think you just start from the foundation. So, you know, the formations, the terminology, how did they identify fronts, you know, how did they identify combos in the run game, things like that."

While most rookies talk about making plays and proving themselves, Stowers immediately went to the mental side of the position. He praised position coach Jason Mahaffey's work with him and fellow tight end Dae'Quan Wright, saying "Coach Mahaffey's been doing a good job with me and Dae'Quan, just kind of giving us the foundation."

On veteran quarterback Sean Mannion, Stowers showed maturity beyond his years: "I know that he's going to be really good for this program. He's a really smart mind."

Perhaps most importantly for Eagles fans, Stowers addressed his blocking mentality head-on: "The will to want to block - I have that and I want to be the best blocker that I can be."

That's Dallas Goedert energy. That's Zach Ertz energy. Stowers gets it.

Markel Bell, OL: The Grateful Grinder

Bell's emotional response to being drafted speaks volumes about his journey.

"Just first getting the phone call, man. It was a blessing. It was a dream come true."

But Bell didn't let the moment go to his head. His very next statement? "The work starts tomorrow."

When asked about learning from Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, Bell couldn't contain his appreciation: "They're good. They're the best. They're the best. They're the best, man. Just for me to have them at my leisure, man, it's a blessing."

The Eagles have built their offensive line culture around players who want to be great, not players who think they already are. Bell repeated "they're the best" three times - that's not media training, that's genuine awe. He's walking into a room with two All-Pro tackles and treating it like graduate school.

Cole Payton, QB: The Competitor

Payton revealed some interesting dynamics about the quarterback room and his relationships with his new teammates.

"I'm the ultimate competitor. I love love the game of football like I keep saying. I'm a great teammate. My character's, you know, I think at a premium."

That self-description mirrors the language the Eagles have used about Jalen Hurts for years. This organization values quarterbacks who hate losing more than they love winning.

On fellow rookie Cole Wisniewski, Payton was effusive: "It's been special. Cole's the man. Not only is he a great football player, but he's a really good dude. When he got picked in the seventh round, that was so awesome."

Payton also revealed that both Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee texted him after the draft to congratulate him, showing the Eagles' quarterback room is already welcoming him. He noted he's met Andy Dalton so far, and learning from Dalton's 14+ years of experience will be invaluable.

Micah Morris, DB: The Film Junkie

Morris arrived in Philadelphia already feeling the love - and he's ready to earn it.

"I'm in awe. I mean, it's an amazing place. I'm just so blessed and so happy to be here. I felt the love in the city. I really did. People in the airport like just knew me and were just happy."

That reaction at the airport shows how engaged Eagles fans are with the draft. Morris noticed, and it clearly made an impression.

On his approach to development, Morris dropped the most important quote of the entire press conference:

"You can't watch enough film. Just film film film because that's your game reps."

He also emphasized "taking advantage of the practice reps and mental reps" - the kind of mindset that separates NFL players from college stars. At this level, preparation IS performance. You can't just show up and be more athletic than everyone anymore.

Cole Wisniewski, S: The Fangio Disciple

Wisniewski understands exactly where he landed and who he's learning from.

"I mean, I think everyone in the country knows about how passionate both this media market and fan base is. You see it in movies, too, and it shows up everywhere."

He's done his homework on Philadelphia and isn't scared of the intensity. But it's his comments on Vic Fangio that stood out most.

On learning Fangio's two-high safety system: "I think one thing that it really helped me with is you have such an idea of where the ball is going to hit. Being able to understand where the ball is going to where the offense wants the ball to hit."

Wisniewski acknowledged that "tons of teams across the country are doing this now" before delivering the key line: "Being able to come to the source is awesome."

He called Fangio "the source" - and he's right. Fangio literally invented the two-high safety system that now dominates the NFL. For a safety prospect, this is like a young chef apprenticing under Gordon Ramsay.

Keyshawn James-Newby, EDGE: The Speed Rusher

James-Newby kept it simple and direct - exactly what you want from an edge rusher.

"I'm a speedy guy. I like to use my speed to my advantage."

On Philadelphia itself: "I like Philly. I looked at it as I was flying in. It was a beautiful city."

The Eagles already have power rushers in Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, and Jonathan Greenard. James-Newby's speed could provide a nice change of pace in the rotation - and his self-awareness about his skillset is encouraging. He knows exactly what he is.

The Big Picture

What stands out across all these interviews is the humility and eagerness to learn. Not a single rookie talked about starting right away or demanding playing time. Every single one emphasized learning, developing, and earning their spots.

Stowers wants to be "the best blocker." Bell says "the work starts tomorrow." Payton calls himself "a great teammate." Morris is studying "film film film." Wisniewski is grateful to learn from "the source." James-Newby knows he's "a speedy guy" and nothing more - yet.

That's not an accident - that's the type of player the Eagles targeted in this draft. Howie Roseman and the scouting department clearly prioritized character and coachability alongside physical tools.

If these rookies follow through on the mentality they displayed at this press conference, the 2026 draft class could be a foundational group for the Eagles' next championship run.