Could Markel Bell Be the Eagles' Most Important Developmental Player in 2026?

As Eagles fans have learned over the years, Philadelphia’s most important roster moves typically involve loading up the trenches. Within the past couple years, this has occurred on the defensive side of the ball. However, the Birds switched things up, adding what could be seen as a major draft steal to the offensive line. Markel Bell may not be a household name yet, but he certainly has the potential to become one. While much of the attention this offseason has focused on the dramatic shift in the Eagles offensive skill room, Bell's development could have a significant impact on the franchise’s future.

With a height of 6-foot-9 and weighing 364lbs, Bell immediately stands out on the practice field. His enormous frame, combined with exceptional arm length and wingspan, makes it difficult for pass rushers to disengage from his blocks, giving ample time for a quarterback to make a play, and keeping the offense on the field, something the Birds struggled to do during the 2025 campaign. During his final season at the University of Miami, he did not allow a single sack on over 550 pass-blocking snaps, emulating a level of greatness achieved by 14-year Eagles veteran Lane Johnson. To put things into perspective, Johnson averages 600 pass-blocking snaps before allowing a single sack.

So far at OTA’s, he’s impressed players and coaches, taking first-team reps at the right tackle position. These opportunities have allowed Bell to work alongside more experienced and skilled players, compared to the second and third-team counterparts. However, these first-team reps are not indicative of Bell immediately stepping into a starting role. Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata remain the undisputed starters at the tackle position. Yet, the Birds don’t need Bell to be an immediate starter, a subtle advantage for the rookie offensive lineman, allowing time for him to learn and grow under Lane Johnson, one of the best right tackles in football.

While his size can be seen as advantageous, there is a drawback to this, specifically with his colossal height. Because of this, maintaining leverage can be a challenge. Defensive linemen who gain leverage underneath taller tackles can create problems, particularly in the run game, an area the Eagles are looking to bounce back in after an underwhelming performance last season. Bell’s real first test will begin when training camp arrives and the pads come on. That’s when coaches can truly assess his approach, strength, and readiness as an NFL competitor.

While no player will ever replicate the overpowering performance delivered by Lane Johnson, all careers eventually come to an end. Entering year 14, amateur and professional analysts have wondered about Johnson’s successor. If there’s one thing the Eagles (especially Howie Roseman) do well at, it is preparing for the future. This trend appears to be consistent with the selection of the 3rd-round draft pick. Whether Bell ultimately becomes Johnson’s successor, develops into a swing tackle, or provides valuable depth across the offensive line remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Eagles view tackle as a position worth investing in before it becomes a need, and at this point in time, Bell seems to be trending in the right direction towards the role of successor.

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