- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,256,894
- Reaction score
- 59
Lane Johnson believes the Philadelphia Eagles may already have his eventual replacement on the roster. After indicating that the 2026 season will probably be his last, Johnson offered an impressive endorsement of rookie offensive tackle Markel Bell.
Johnson also expressed confidence that Bell would do a good job when given an opportunity. That matters coming from a six-time Pro Bowl selection who has spent 14 seasons studying offensive line play and competing against the NFL’s best pass rushers. Philadelphia selected Bell with the No. 68 overall pick in the third round of April’s draft. The 6-foot-9, 358-pound tackle played on the left side at Miami, but the Eagles began cross-training him at right tackle during the offseason program.
Bell received first-team repetitions at right tackle while Johnson missed four training camp practices because of an excused personal matter. Those snaps gave the Eagles an early opportunity to evaluate how the rookie handled playing next to the starting offensive line.
Moving from left tackle to the right side is not automatic. Bell must adjust his footwork, hand placement, and protection angles as he learns to handle the speed and power of NFL edge rushers. The Eagles do not need him to master everything immediately. Johnson’s potential retirement gives Philadelphia a logical development timeline. Bell can spend his rookie season working behind one of the best right tackles in league history, contributing as a reserve and preparing for a larger role in 2027. The Eagles will continue evaluating Bell during training camp and the preseason. Fred Johnson also remains an experienced option, and Philadelphia won’t hand a future starting job to Bell based solely on his draft position.
Still, Lane Johnson’s endorsement should carry weight. Bell has impressed him with his ability, maturity and approach before playing his first preseason snap.
Replacing Johnson will be one of Philadelphia’s most difficult roster challenges. The Eagles may never find another player who matches his complete résumé, but Bell has already given Johnson confidence that the position could remain in capable hands.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Markel Bell receives major endorsement from Lane Johnson
Continue reading...
Johnson also expressed confidence that Bell would do a good job when given an opportunity. That matters coming from a six-time Pro Bowl selection who has spent 14 seasons studying offensive line play and competing against the NFL’s best pass rushers. Philadelphia selected Bell with the No. 68 overall pick in the third round of April’s draft. The 6-foot-9, 358-pound tackle played on the left side at Miami, but the Eagles began cross-training him at right tackle during the offseason program.
Bell received first-team repetitions at right tackle while Johnson missed four training camp practices because of an excused personal matter. Those snaps gave the Eagles an early opportunity to evaluate how the rookie handled playing next to the starting offensive line.
Moving from left tackle to the right side is not automatic. Bell must adjust his footwork, hand placement, and protection angles as he learns to handle the speed and power of NFL edge rushers. The Eagles do not need him to master everything immediately. Johnson’s potential retirement gives Philadelphia a logical development timeline. Bell can spend his rookie season working behind one of the best right tackles in league history, contributing as a reserve and preparing for a larger role in 2027. The Eagles will continue evaluating Bell during training camp and the preseason. Fred Johnson also remains an experienced option, and Philadelphia won’t hand a future starting job to Bell based solely on his draft position.
Still, Lane Johnson’s endorsement should carry weight. Bell has impressed him with his ability, maturity and approach before playing his first preseason snap.
Replacing Johnson will be one of Philadelphia’s most difficult roster challenges. The Eagles may never find another player who matches his complete résumé, but Bell has already given Johnson confidence that the position could remain in capable hands.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Markel Bell receives major endorsement from Lane Johnson
Continue reading...
