With the 2025 NFL season complete, capped off by a Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl victory, NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, are in full swing with their off-season programs, with free agency and the draft as top priorities.
With ESPN's Field Yates coming out with his first mock draft since last December, Yates believes that the Eagles will use the number 23 pick to draft Lane Johnson's possible replacement in the future, Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor.
"The Eagles have work to do along the offensive line this offseason, especially with the injury issues that 35-year-old right tackle Lane Johnson had in 2025. Iheanachor had a great week at the Senior Bowl that fortified his status as one of the highest-upside players in this class. He has terrific size at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, plus his nifty footwork allows him to hold up in pass protection.
Iheanachor will need time to develop, as he did not play high school football and must refine his technique. (He took nine penalties in 2025, too.) Philly would be an ideal landing spot since he can sit and learn behind a future Hall of Famer for at least a year."
Eagles find best Lane Johnson replacement in latest mock draft
The Eagles are now without one of the NFL's best offensive line coaches, Jeff Stoutland, who has been credited with developing several Pro Bowl Eagles during his tenure. Right now, with Stoutland gone, the Eagles will rely on their experience; however, one key piece to their success is currently on the backend of his career.
Johnson, who many consider one of the best right tackles in the NFL over the past two decades, has dealt with plenty of injuries this past season as he enters his age-36 season. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Johnson's possible replacement is Iheanachor, who mirrors Johnson's frame.
Iheanachor's stock has risen after a strong week at the Senior Bowl, further pushing him up NFL teams' draft boards. His large frame, combined with his footwork, innate football IQ, and athletic ability, has been praised by scouts.
Iheanachor has a background similar to that of Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata. Iheanachor didn't play high school football; he came out as a basketball player, which gives him plenty of upside despite being extremely raw technically (he committed nine penalties in 2025).
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With Mailata and Johnson still on the roster, Iheanachor can learn and develop from two All-Pro talents who can groom him as a suitable long-term replacement. While other reports have the Eagles taking a cornerback or tight end, investing in their offensive line seems to be the most practical option at this time for the franchise's future.