The Philadelphia Eagles made some great selections in the 2026 NFL Draft as they look to rebuild their offense with plenty of youth.
Early on, through two weeks of OTAs, Eagles rookie third-round pick right tackle Markel Bell has been sticking out like a sore thumb as he has filled in for Lane Johnson's absence, but his 6-foot-9 and 340-pound size also helps with that. Eagles starting left tackle Jordan Mailata was asked about his early thoughts on Bell, and he gave his typical hilarious response to the question.
“Kel is a big fellow, man. I don't know where we found him," Mailata said via The Athletic's Brooks Kubena. "They said they found him out of Miami University. That's a lie. He's not of this planet.”
Jordan Mailata talks about Markel Bell's size
It's hard to argue against Mailata's comment about Bell, as his mammoth size is a big reason why the Eagles selected him. Last year at Miami, Bell allowed nine pressures, one quarterback hit, and zero sacks in 440 pass-blocking snaps.
Bell has all the tools to be the future right tackle for Johnson early on, and the reps he is getting at OTAs are so massive for him. He gets to go up against some great edge rushers to see what it is like in the NFL as he faces the likes of Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, and Nolan Smith Jr.
The best part about having Bell on the team is that he will be able to develop properly since he won't be rushed onto the field. He will have time to sit on the bench and learn from one of the best offensive tackles in NFL history, with Johnson.
Read more: Buzz around new Eagles defender at OTAs can't go ignored anymore
Bell already has the size to be a great NFL right tackle. Now it's all about whether he can develop the proper techniques to reach the same level Johnson has played at for over the past decade plus.
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