Philadelphia adds late Day 3 safety Cole Wisniewski at No. 244, betting on size, run defense, and special-teams upside as roster depth.
Philadelphia’s 2026 NFL Draft came down to a familiar strategy: add competition to the back end, where value is often found rather than promised.
With the No. 244 pick, the Eagles selected safety Cole Wisniewski from Texas Tech, a late Day 3 addition aimed at strengthening depth in the secondary—and, just as importantly, boosting special teams.
What the Eagles may be looking for at No.. 244
On-field impact in 2025, at least in the most trackable stat categories, wasn’t flashy: zero interceptions and six passes defensed.. But those numbers don’t automatically undercut the pick.. Late-round defensive backs can be evaluated less on headline plays and more on whether they can reliably do the jobs coaches ask for—especially when the roster picture is tight.
The Eagles’ motivation also appears practical.. Wisniewski isn’t coming in as a finished answer.. He’s more likely competing for a spot as a depth safety who can contribute early and often on special teams. an area where teams often keep their best athletes on the field even if they aren’t starting in the defensive backend.
The strengths: size. run defense. and special teams value
Scouting assessments describe him as a “big safety” whose best football shows up around the line of scrimmage.. That’s a niche that can be valuable in modern roster planning: defenses need defenders who understand run fit responsibilities. and they also need players who can do it repeatedly without losing their discipline.
Just as critical is his special teams ceiling.. Kick and punt coverage requires a specific blend of toughness, anticipation, and willingness to take on contact at full speed.. Even if coverage in space isn’t his most natural strength. teams are often willing to live with that limitation if he can consistently win his assignments in the phases of the game where his size and effort can translate.
The concern: lateral coverage and what it means for his chances
For a player competing for a roster spot, that becomes a question of usage. If he can earn a role where his responsibilities keep him closer to the line—while still allowing him to cover kicks and punts—he has a clearer path.
But if a team needs him to cover too often in space, his evaluation could quickly become more about what he can’t do than what he brings. That’s the reason this pick feels like a “depth and special teams” bet more than a “starting safety” bet.
Why late Day 3 selections still matter in 2026
The Eagles. like most teams. are constantly balancing starters’ talent with the reliability of the players who come in when the game gets messy—early injuries. tough matchups. and weeks where rotational usage becomes necessary.. A player like Wisniewski fits that mold if he can be trusted on the field when the game is moving at full speed and the margin for error is small.
There’s also a human element to what the Eagles have done in this class.. Wisniewski’s college story includes a transfer year. and those transitions can be mentally demanding—new teammates. a new playbook. and a new rhythm.. If a player can earn a draft selection after that kind of change, it often signals more than physical traits.. It can point to adaptability, coachability, and resilience.
What happens next for Wisniewski
In the coming months, the most revealing part won’t be a single highlight reel—it will be how he handles the details: tackling angles, assignment discipline, and whether his transition limitations show up less than expected in preseason reps.
If he makes the team, he may not be the headline of the Eagles’ defense. But he could become the type of player every contender relies on—present, dependable, and just annoying enough on kick and punt coverage to tilt the game.