Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Eagles Wrap Up Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft with Quarterback and Guard Selections
4/26/2026, 2:35:48 AM
Core Event: Day 3 Selections
The Eagles entered the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft with three picks: the compensatory 178th overall in the fifth round, a sixth-round selection (officially the 207th after a trade), and a seventh-round pick at 244. They used the fifth-round slot on North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton and the sixth-round slot on Georgia guard Micah Morris.
Background & Context
Philadelphia’s first three picks—WR Makai Lemon (20th), TE Eli Stowers (54th) and OT Markel Bell (68th)—filled skill-position needs, while a trade for pass rusher Jonathan Greenard added defensive depth. With Jalen Hurts entrenched at quarterback and thin interior-line depth, the Eagles turned to Day 3 for a developmental quarterback and a size-heavy guard to back up Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen.
Player Profiles and Data
Cole Payton, a left-handed dual-threat from North Dakota State, posted 2,719 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 777 rushing yards and 13 rushing scores in his lone starting season and ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash. Micah Morris, a 6-foot-5, 334-pound Georgia guard, was a Second-Team All-Pro as a senior in 2025, started at both guard spots and posted a 4.5-second 40-yard dash. Both players possess athletic upside that could be refined.
Official Statements & Responses
Eagles GM Howie Roseman said the organization is “excited about the guys we have and the opportunities to add players,” framing the Day 3 picks as depth-building moves. Officials added Payton will join a quarterback room with Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, while Morris will vie for a swing-guard role behind Dickerson and Steen.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts flag Payton’s “shoddy mechanics” and limited FCS competition, warning he may stay a third-string QB3 without specialized packages. Morris is criticized for a “sky-high pad level” and uneven base width that could expose him to pass-rushers, making both picks high-risk.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets list the Eagles’ sixth-round pick as the 197th overall, yet NorthPennNow reports that the 197th was traded to the Rams for picks 207, 251 and 252, with the guard taken at 207. The identity of the seventh-round selection at 244 remains unconfirmed. Detailed scouting on Payton’s pocket timing also remains sparse.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cole Payton is no Taysom Hill, he’s better.” — Jake Heaps, former NFL quarterback coach
- “I think with what we’ve done and the players that we’ve added, overall, we’ll get through those couple hours,” — Howie Roseman, Eagles general manager
- “He’s a lefty with shoddy mechanics and subpar arm talent, but he still manages to deliver throws with touch to all three levels.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL Media analyst
- “According to Zierlein, he has the type of profile that's interesting to take a flier on in Day 3: "Morris has a rare blend of intelligence, power and movement talent, but the profile is a little too uneven.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL Media analyst
- “Or he could flame out in camp, not make the team, and spend the season on the practice squad like sixth-round pick Kyle McCord did last season.” — Jeff Neiburg, Inquirer analyst
What’s Next
Payton will enter camp as a developmental quarterback, likely seeing limited reps unless the staff creates “tricky packages.” Morris will compete for a swing-guard slot and may be eased into the rotation. The Eagles’ seventh-round pick is still pending, with speculation on defensive depth or a versatile lineman.
