The Philadelphia Eagles are back in training camp and look to end the 2026 season on a different note. This team's success starts and ends with how dominant their offensive line is, and right tackle Lane Johnson plays a massive role in that.
When healthy and on the field, he's easily one of the best tackles in the league, but his time in Philadelphia is nearing an end. But he's making sure to take rookie tackle Markel Bell under his wing. Johnson spoke to reporters on Wednesday and expressed excitement around Bell.
According to The Athletic's Brooks Kubena, Johnson revealed that Bell is a good student who works really hard, constantly listens, and isn't a complainer. Johnson added that Bell is mature and his size/movement skills give him plenty of potential.
"He’s going to be a big problem in this league.”
And while Bell isn't expected to play this season, Johnson is clearly high on the rookie tackle.
Lane Johnson sees something special in Eagles rookie Markel Bell
With the 68th pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft, the Eagles snagged Bell. Over a year and a half, Bell was the starting left tackle for the Miami Hurricanes. Last season was when his production on the field took a jump. He logged 1,034 offensive snaps, and at 358 pounds, he didn't allow a single sack.
Bell stands at 6-foot-9 and will tower over most people who step on the field. Despite being that large of a human being, Bell is very light on his feet. He can use his long arms to keep pass rushers at bay but still needs to work on certain techniques. And that's where learning from a stud like Johnson will help him out.
Bell played left tackle in college, but the Eagles are transitioning him over to the right side. And that's why Johnson has taken him under his wing.
And Bell has made it a priority to watch Johnson closely, as he expressed to Jeff Kerr of Eagles SI.
"Me personally, I don't like to bother people. I let people's work speak for themselves. Lane Johnson, when he's there, you know he's there not by his words but by his actions."
Even though Bell has only been around for a few months, what he's done both on and off the field has caught Johnson's attention for all the right reasons. The six-time Pro Bowler pondered retirement this offseason before returning for his 14th season.
Read more: Nick Sirianni didn't clear much up about key Eagles position battle
While everyone in Philly wants Johnson out there on the field, the Oklahoma product is making it known he's a fan of his potential successor, and that should give everyone confidence in the caliber of player that Bell can become.
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