Everyone knew the Philadelphia Eagles were going to look at offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft to try to find a potential successor of right tackle Lane Johnson, and they were able to find one in third-round selection Markel Bell.
The mammoth 6-foot-9 tackle has the talent to potentially be a starter in the next year or two, but it will depend on his development. Luckily for Bell, he's got Johnson and left tackle Jordan Mailata to learn from. Bell talked about the opportunity to learn a thing or two from them.
“I'm just ready to get right beside them, be a sponge, and learn everything I can from the great two vets," Bell said via NBC Sports Philadelphia's Dave Zangaro. 'They’re good. They’re the best, man. Not really too much I can say to that question. I mean, I watch a lot of good guys, but them two for sure. For me to have them at my leisure, that’s a blessing.”
Markel Bell is looking forward to learning from two of the best in the NFL
While Mailata hasn't gotten the Pro Bowl selections, he has consistently been graded out as one of the best left tackles in the NFL over the years. Everyone knows about Johnson as he is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career.
Bell will be able to take advantage of the situation and learn from those two, as he needs to work on some technical aspects. It was similar to when Mailata was learning to play football, and Johnson, the number four overall pick back in 2013, stepped in and took the starting job from Day 1.
This is a big year for Bell, despite the fact that he won't have any pressure to play in 2025. He needs to show the Eagles in practice, though, that they don't need to spend a first-round pick next year on an offensive tackle to be the official replacement for Johnson.
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The Eagles are feeling a lot better about the depth on the offensive line, and Bell appears to have the potential to get the job done in the future. Eagles fans can only hope he becomes that guy they need.
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