The Philadelphia Eagles are once again taking the position that big is beautiful in the NFL Draft, as they decided to address their offensive line depth by adding the biggest player in the entire class. Howie Roseman used the No. 68 overall pick to select Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell.
The Eagles have a history of developing offensive linemen, and with both Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson starting to hit the back end of their primes and/or careers, adding Bell to the mix as a developmental backup could lead to yet another case of the Eagles internally promoting a replacement.
While Bell is oozing potential, the Eagles are likely aware of some pitfalls that could lead to him ending up as just another toolsy prospect who never put it all together. Which path is Bell going to take as an Eagles prospect? Only time will tell.
Eagles select Miami OT Markel Bell in 2026 NFL Draft
Bell is listed at 6-9 and 346 pounds with a remarkable 36-inch arm length. With a 5.36 40-yard dash despite his superhero frame, Bell gradually started to show signs that he is turning his raw athletic reserves into tangible production on the field.
Bell was Carson beck's blindside protector on a Hurricanes line that included New York Giants No. 10 overall pick Francis Mauigoa. Bell was trusted to handle left tackle duties for that team, and he did s with aplomb. The same team who developed Mailata thinks they can get lightning to strike twice.
However, there is reason to doubt his ability to develop without their highly-regarded offensive line coach in Jeff Stoutland. Bell can be beaten with speed quite regularly on tape, and there is reason to worry about his poor technique coming back to haunt him against edge rushers he can't overwhelm with raw power alone.
Bell has everything any offensive coach would want to see from an offensive tackle, but he lasted this long for a reason. Given how the injury bug has caught up to this team quite hard last season, it should surprise no one if Bell ends up on the field in 2026.
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