Training camp for the Philadelphia Eagles could go in so many ways, as it has truly been a mixed bag of performances.
Most of the attention is on the offense and how they are progressing under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. So far, there have been good days and some ugly ones. That is typical to see in training camp when a big change occurs.
Eagles fans, though, are more curious about how the rookies on the offensive side of the ball are doing. Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers, the team's top two picks, haven't done much for various reasons. How about third-round pick Markel Bell?
Eagles are seeing some signs of a future with Markel Bell
Bell was drafted specifically to see if he would be the successor to starting right tackle Lane Johnson. The Eagles have exposed Bell to playing left and right tackle in OTAs and training camp.
During training camp, though, Bell has been taking a lot of the first-team reps at right tackle. Johnson has missed most of camp so far after being excused for a personal matter.
This has opened the door for Bell to get the much-needed reps and prove himself. In the latest practice, NBC Sports Philadelphia's Ryan Fowler shared his notes on how Bell did in the 11-on-11 drill.
"Markel Bell looks smooth and easy. Mixes up looks with feet/punch timing. Excellent in pass pro."
Last season, Bell allowed nine pressures, one quarterback hit, and zero sacks in 440 pass-blocking snaps with the Miami Hurricanes. He played a massive role in Miami making it all the way to the national title game.
The potential is there with him, as it showed last season in college. He just needed to show some of those same traits in training camp.
So far, he seems to be doing all the right things and performing well. There have been reports of edge rushers like Jalyx Hunt beating Eagles tackles off the line easily, which will be something both Bell and starting left tackle Jordan Mailata will have to clean up.
Standing at 6-foot-9 and nearly 350 pounds, Bell has the size the Eagles want in their offensive linemen. If he can show he can move quickly, he can serve as a lead blocker on outside runs and be consistent in pass protection; there's a strong chance the Eagles can stop their search for Johnson's future replacement.
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Training camp is showing the positive signs that Eagles fans wanted to see from Bell. They have to hope he can keep the momentum going into the three preseason games ahead.
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