As a rookie fifth-round pick out of Boston College last season, Philadelphia Eagles lineman Drew Kendall returned to an old haunt he hadn't visited since way back in high school: the guard position.
The now-departed Jeff Stoutland always valued versatility as much as anyone in NFL coaching circles, with many members of "Stoutland U" excelling in learning the nuances and intricacies at more than one spot in the trenches. Therefore, shortly after being drafted, Kendall diversified his skill set throughout his rookie campaign, getting reps in practice at both center and guard.
“All it is, is a couple inches over,” Kendall told NBC Sports Philadelphia's Dave Zangaro during the pre-season last year. “You’re 12 inches over from the center. It doesn’t sound like a big deal. But in the moment, it kind of gets you a little uncomfortable.”
Drew Kendall could have more important role on offensive line in 2026
While sitting for much of the season (inactive for 10 games), Kendall ended up starting Week 18's tilt with the Commanders at center, while notching snaps in blowouts, including the Las Vegas and first Commanders game. Meanwhile, in practice, Kendall quietly continued to hone his craft at both interior spots.
And now, as both injuries and free agency have impacted several key teammates of his, Kendall could find himself firmly in the mix for a starting role before long.
With Cam Jurgens hampered by injuries heading into the offseason, Kendall will need to remain ready to roll as a trustworthy contingency plan at center, especially with fellow reserve center/guard Brett Toth set to hit free agency.
But back to the guard spot, both guard spots, actually, are where Kendall's newfound versatility could really come in handy. With Landon Dickerson facing his own troubling ailments, and with Tyler Steen fresh off a decent but entirely unremarkable showing in his first campaign as a starter, Kendall could force his way into the picture at guard.
While Kendall was inactive for 10 games last season, the tale of talented rookies facing uphill climbs in their introduction to the NFL is as old as time, as not everyone arrives ready for key snaps in their new surroundings. As a highly decorated center from Boston College, Kendall has an excellent football pedigree and work ethic. It's well within reason to expect a solid, tangible improvement from him as he enters year two in Philadelphia.
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And now that he's more versatile, thanks to Stoutland, he could very well be in play at any of those three interior line spots on the Eagles' offensive line.