The Philadelphia Eagles have grown accustomed to hearing praise for their draft-day decisions. Year after year, general manager Howie Roseman earns applause for maneuvering the board with precision, finding value where others don't, and building a roster that consistently contends. So when a notable NFL analyst hands the Eagles a C+ grade for their 2026 draft class, it raises eyebrows. That's a grade that feels out of place for a front office that typically lives in the "A" or "B" range.

The criticism centers on one pick in particular: the third-round selection of offensive tackle Markel Bell. While analyst Pete Prisco applauded the aggressive trade-up to land wide receiver Makai Lemon—calling it vintage Roseman, calculated and decisive—he singled out the Bell pick as Philadelphia's weakest among their eight selections.

"I didn't love the pick of tackle Markel Bell in the third, but the Eagles have a great track record of drafting and developing linemen. So they get a little bit of the benefit of the doubt here," Prisco noted.

It's a fair point. The Eagles have built a reputation as one of the NFL's premier developer of offensive line talent. From Jason Kelce to Lane Johnson, Philadelphia knows how to mold raw clay into polished stone. And Bell is about as raw as they come—literally.

Standing nearly 6-foot-9 and tipping the scales well over 340 pounds, Bell is a mountain of a man with rare physical traits. His size alone makes him an intriguing prospect. He's the kind of player who immediately catches your eye on the field, a massive presence with the kind of frame that offensive line coaches dream about. But there's a catch.

Bell is more projection than polish. His game lacks refinement, and his consistency will ultimately determine whether he becomes a starting-caliber tackle or just another big body who couldn't put it all together. For now, the Eagles are betting on their track record and their coaching staff to unlock his potential. And if history is any guide, that's a bet worth watching.