Here’s what 5 Eagles rookie head coaches did with their first NFL draft choice

While Lane Johnson was actually Howie Roseman’s selection, the first draft choice of the Chip Kelly era was a home run.

Perhaps the greatest gift Andy Reid gave Philly was the roadmap for building a consistent winner. More often than not, Big Red selected an offensive or defensive lineman in Round 1. Howie Roseman has continued the blueprint, and prior to being stripped of power and buried in the equipment room, in 2013, he drafted two franchise legends.

Zach Ertz was the 35th overall selection during Round 2. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson was the fourth overall selection in Round 1.

Since capturing the starting role at right tackle during his rookie season, he has gone on to become one of the best offensive linemen in the league. He has the honors to prove it. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl four times (2017–2019, 2022). He’s also a two-time First-Team All-Pro selection (2017, 2022). He’s also a Super Bowl Champion.

At the close of the 2022 season, Lane owned the second-highest pass-blocking grade among tackles (84.8) according to PFF. He owned the fifth-highest overall grade.

Pass rushers that line up on Lane’s side haven’t seen a lot of success recently. He was the only offensive tackle in the NFL that didn’t surrender a sack or quarterback hit during the 2022-2023 NFL season.

Philly showed their appreciation by signing him to a massive one-year extension with $30 million guaranteed to keep him in the midnight green through 2026. That will probably ensure that he retires as an Eagle. He deserves that. He’s been a joy to watch throughout his career, and like McNabb and Byars, he’s among Philly’s all-time greats.

Eagles history: The 5 greatest NFL Draft steals since 1970

Here's a tip of the cap to the greatest NFL Draft steals in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles (in no particular order).