Why the Eagles Should Draft an Offensive Lineman in Round One — No Matter What
The Eagles' offensive line isn't what it used to be. With Lane Johnson's clock ticking and Landon Dickerson's durability in question, Philadelphia needs to invest in the trenches before it's too late.
The JAKIB Staff
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Every dynasty the Eagles have built in the modern era started with one thing: the offensive line. The 2017 Super Bowl? Built on the back of Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Brandon Brooks. The 2022 run? Same foundation, different names, same philosophy.
So why is everyone so eager to draft a skill position player at 23?
The Uncomfortable Truth About This Offensive Line
The aging curve is real and it's coming fast. Lane Johnson is playing on borrowed time — he missed significant games last season, and at his age, a retirement announcement within 1-2 years wouldn't shock anyone in the building. Landon Dickerson's durability is a legitimate concern moving forward. Cam Jurgens is healthy now, but he's been banged up. Jordan Mailata turns 28 this month and took some hits last year.
This isn't a panic situation. It's a planning situation. And the Eagles have been trying to find Lane Johnson's successor for YEARS without success. The board hasn't fallen their way. This year, with a deep tackle class, it might finally break right.
The Case for Trading Up
Howie Roseman's recent draft history screams one word: UP. He traded up for DeVonta Smith. He traded up for Jordan Davis. He tried to trade up to 22 last year for Shod Campbell. When Roseman identifies a guy, he goes and gets him.
Monroe Freeling is the trade-up dream. Six-foot-seven, 314 pounds, 21 years old with a 4.94 forty and a 1.71 ten-yard split that's certifiably insane for his size. Draft analysts are comparing him to Joe Alt, who went fifth overall. If Freeling is your guy, you're probably looking at a top-12 move — expensive, but the ceiling is a perennial All-Pro left tackle.
The Stay-Put Plan
If trading up isn't in the cards, Blake Miller from Clemson is the name to watch at 23. He's a legitimate first-round tackle who could start at guard day one and kick outside when Johnson eventually hangs it up. It's the same development path the Eagles have used before.
Caden Proctor is the groupthink pick — 90% of mock drafts have him going to Philadelphia. But there are real concerns about his flexibility in a wide zone scheme, which is where the offense appears to be headed under Sean Mannion. If he can't execute reach blocks consistently, that's a problem.
Don't Get Distracted by Glitter
Fans always want the skill position players. The flashy receiver. The athletic tight end. But as analysis on Birds 365 this week made crystal clear: it doesn't matter how good your offensive coordinator is if the line can't block. Kevin Patulski could've been Bill Walsh reincarnated and nobody would've known because the protection broke down.
Draft the offensive lineman. Build the wall. Everything else follows.
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