The Philadelphia Eagles' 2026 draft class is already making headlines, with three rookies earning coveted invitations to the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles this May. This annual event, running from May 14-17, serves as the unofficial kickoff for the league's newest stars, giving them a platform to connect with fans, media, and brands—including the sports apparel world.
Leading the charge is wide receiver Makai Lemon, the Eagles' first-round pick at No. 20 overall. Philadelphia made a bold move, trading up three spots with the Dallas Cowboys and shipping picks No. 23, 114, and 137 to secure the USC standout. Lemon's college résumé is nothing short of spectacular: he posted 1,156 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns last season, earning unanimous All-American honors. For Eagles fans, he represents the kind of explosive playmaker who can stretch the field and energize the offense from day one.
Tight end Eli Stowers brings a different kind of firepower. Drafted 54th overall out of Vanderbilt, Stowers won the Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end, thanks to a rare blend of size and athleticism. His PFF receiving grade of 85.3 and a jaw-dropping 45.5-inch vertical leap made him one of the most physically gifted pass-catchers in the entire draft. The Eagles are banking on him to fill the void left by Dallas Goedert's prime years, and his invite to the Premiere signals that the league sees him as a future star.
Rounding out the trio is quarterback Cole Payton, selected 178th overall from North Dakota State. Payton is a dual-threat dynamo who threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns while also rushing for 777 yards and 13 scores last season. As a developmental piece behind Jalen Hurts, he may not see the field immediately, but the NFLPA's nod puts him on the radar as more than just a depth chart name. His versatility and athleticism make him a fascinating project for the Eagles' coaching staff.
For fans and collectors, the Rookie Premiere is also a chance to see these players in their first official NFL gear—from jerseys to training apparel. It's a moment that bridges college stardom with professional promise, and the Eagles' trio is ready to make their mark.