Reasons for more optimism about an already-elite Eagles offensive line
We've grown to know future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees (Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson). We've enjoyed the pleasure of getting to know some solid starters that contributed to the first Super Bowl win in franchise history (Brandon Brooks and Halapoulivaati Vaitai). The young guys (Jordan Mailata, Cam Jurgens, and Landon Dickerson) have given us cause to believe the future is bright. We love our Philadelphia Eagles, and we have known for a while that every roster construction begins in the trenches.
Peters moved on a while ago. Jason Kelce hung the cleats up in March, but Jeff Stoutland, the best offensive lineman on the planet, is the mainstay. He has been with the organization since 2013 and has survived two coaching changes. He's one of the few things we can thank Chip Kelly for.
Stout will be with the organization for as long as he desires. He's probably the supreme reason to believe in Philly's O-line, but there are plenty of other reasons to do the same. Here are five of about two dozen we could mention.
Cam Jurgens played next to Jason Kelce before taking over for him, and that experience is invaluable.
This is something we don't talk about often, but we ought to mention it more. Cam Jurgens was drafted to take over for Jason Kelce when the G.O.A.T. called it a career.
In year one, the understudy took mental reps. In year two, he played beside him as Philly's starting right guard. So, he's watched from the sideline and has battled next to him in the trenches. That experience is invaluable.
It's go time in year three. Trust us!
The depth along the offensive line will be even better.
Philly found a diamond in the rough last season in undrafted rookie free agent Fred Johnson. They drafted Tyler Steen in 2023 before adding Trevor Keegan and Dylan McMahon this past April. They lost Jack Driscoll and Sua Opeta to free agency but added Mekhi Becton and Matt Hennessy by way of free agency.
All that's been said to say this. Opeta and Driscoll are talented, but if you can lose them and still wind up with Becton and Keegan among others (the latter is going to be a stud), one word comes to mind... upgrade...
Trevor Keegan is injured, but without him, the Eagles still have some young guys to be excited about.
Trevor Keegan is injured. If there was a battle for the starting right guard position, he isn't in it, but he's someone to watch in the future. He is going to be good, damn good. Write that down. We can be quoted
We know what some of you are thinking. 'He's a fifth-round draft choice.' Yes... He is, but this was a deep draft class for linemen. Philly got a steal here. They may have also found another in undrafted rookie free agent Anim Dankwah. He's a six-foot-eight, 330-pounder from Howard.
Keegan was a First-Team All-Big Ten nod in 2022, a Second-Team All-Big Ten mention in 2023, and a team captain on a College Football Playoff National Championship-winning Michigan Wolverines roster. Philly also added a stud through the International Player Pathway Program in Laekin Vakalahi.
He won't count against the roster, but there's hope that the Aussie becomes Jordan Mailata 2.0.
Fred Johnson, Matt Hennessy, and Brett Toth are also worth mentioning. Johnson probably has the best shot at making the roster, but the other two will also compete to become depth options.
Saqupn Barkley's addition has given this group an adrenaline boost.
Nothing fires an offensive line up like run-blocking with a lead on the scoreboard. Something tells us the Birds will have several opportunities to do so this season with all of the offensive firepower they have. Enter Saquon Barkley.
Philly's O-line has helped usher Miles Sanders and D'Andre Swift to Pro Bowl nods during the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons. Now, the Eagles add Saquon Barkley to the mix. Are you serious?
Expect to see him salting a few games away behind the best offensive line in football. Frankly, we can't wait to see it.
We mentioned that Jeff Stoutland is the G.O.A.T., right?
Since joining the Birds in 2013 as a member of Chip Kelly's staff, six Birds that have enjoyed his tutelage have found their way onto a Pro Bowl roster or an All-Pro Team or both. Here's the rundown.
Pro Bowlers
Jason Peters (2013-2016)
Evan Mathis (2013, 2014)
Jason Kelce (2014, 2016, 2019-2023)
Lane Johnson (2017-2019, 2022, 2023)
Brandon Brooks (2017-2019)
Landon Dickerson (2022, 2023)
First-Team All-Pros
Jason Peters (2013, 2019)
Evan Mathis (2013)
Lane Johnson (2017, 2022)
Jason Kelce (2017, 2021-2023)
Second-Team All-Pros
Jason Peters (2014)
Lane Johnson (2021, 2023)
It isn't often that position coaches find their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but Stout is worth the conversation about making an exception. He's the dean of Stoutland University. His resume speaks for itself. Sound the alarm. Tell all of your friends. The Eagles O-line will shine again this season.