Despite Lane Johnson’s return at age 36, which he confirmed recently, the Philadelphia Eagles prioritize right tackle among their positions of interest at the NFL Scouting Combine. The event runs from today through next Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection remains elite when healthy but missed the final eight games, including playoffs, last season due to a Lisfranc foot injury. Johnson has considered retirement in recent years but met with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and offensive line coach Chris Kuper. He anticipates thriving in their West Coast-oriented system.
Over his 13-year career, the Eagles hold a 110-57-1 record with Johnson on the field and 18-27 without him. Last season, they went 8-2 with him and 3-5 in his absence. Drafted fourth overall in 2013 from Oklahoma, Johnson anchors a line that faced depth issues in 2025.
Offensive Line Challenges
Left tackle Jordan Mailata, a seventh-round pick in 2018, credits his development to coaching. Three-time Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson underwent meniscus surgery before the season and dealt with neck, shoulder, and ankle injuries. Center Cam Jurgens, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, recovered from back surgery, missed three games with a knee injury, and suffered a concussion.
These issues contributed to the offense’s regression. General manager Howie Roseman targets line reinforcements at the combine. The Eagles pick 23rd in the first round of April’s draft and hold eight selections overall, including projected compensatory picks: one first- and one second-rounder, and two each in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds.
Key Positions of Need
Tight End
Tight end Dallas Goedert, 31, played 15 games last season, scoring a franchise-record 11 touchdowns as Jalen Hurts’ red-zone target. With his restructured deal expiring, he likely departs, leaving a significant gap.
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq tops the tight end class, followed by Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers and Ohio State’s Max Klare. Other prospects include Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame), Oscar Delp (Georgia), and Jack Endries (Cal). The Eagles may need creative solutions.
Cornerback (CB2)
Two years ago, Roseman selected outside cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and slot corner Cooper DeJean in the second. Without re-signing Adoree’ Jackson, 31, at the second boundary spot, the Eagles seek an upgrade from a deep cornerback class.
Michigan’s Will Johnson and Ohio State’s Denzel Burke lead prospects, with Tacario Davis (Arizona), Denver Harris (UNLV), Toriano Pride Jr. (Missouri), and Avieon Terrell (Clemson) also highly rated. Third-round options offer high upside, though premium corners may go early.
Strong Safety
Undrafted rookie Reed Blankenship from Middle Tennessee State in 2022 has become a reliable defensive leader. As an unrestricted free agent turning 27 next week, he faces uncertain free agency.
“You think about it … and it’s tough,” Blankenship said after the season. “I was emotional coming in here, just knowing the guys I came in with, it’s not going to be the same. Who knows where we all end up? That’s just part of the business side of it. They can’t keep us all. I wish they could.”
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs ranks elite among safeties and projects top-10 to 15. Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren follows, with Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Kamari Ramsey (USC), Zakee Wheatley (Penn State), A.J. Haulcy (LSU), Bud Clark (TCU), Michael Taaffe (Texas), and Jakobe Thomas (Miami) in the mid-tier.
Jaelan Phillips Decision
Re-signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, 27, acquired from the Dolphins for a third-round pick before last year’s deadline, hinges on salary demands. Phillips recorded five sacks, 14 QB hits, 53 tackles, four pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a recovery in 17 games split between teams. He stabilized the front upon arrival in November.
The edge class features Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. as a potential top-five pick, trailed by David Bailey (Texas Tech), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M). Watch T.J. Parker (Clemson), Mason Thomas (Oklahoma), Romello Height (Texas Tech), and Gabe Jacas (Illinois).
Key Offseason Dates
- Feb. 23-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine.
- March 3: Deadline at 4 p.m. ET for franchise or transition tags.
- March 9-11: Legal tampering for unrestricted free agents.
- March 11: League year and free agency begin at 4 p.m. ET.
- March 29-April 1: Annual league meeting, Phoenix.
- April 15: Deadline for team visits with draft prospects.
- April 17: Restricted free agents may sign offer sheets.
- April 20: Offseason workouts begin for teams with returning coaches.
- April 22: Rights of first refusal for restricted free agents; off-site prospect visits.
- April 23-25: 2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh.
- May 1: Fifth-year options for 2023 first-rounders.
- May 1-4 or May 8-11: Rookie minicamps.
- May 11: Rookie development programs.
- May 19-20: Spring league meeting, Orlando.
- June 1: Lesser cap hits for cuts/trades.
- July 15: Franchise tag signing deadline.
- Mid-July: Rookie training camps.
- Late July: Full training camps.
Additional Notes
Cam Jurgens, 26, underwent stem cell therapy at BioXcellerator in Medellin, Colombia, including intradiscal infusions, ozone therapy, cryotherapy, and physical therapy. “I’m excited to get healthy and get ready for this next season,” Jurgens posted on Instagram. “That’s why I’m down here. … Go Birds!”
Running back Saquon Barkley expressed excitement for Mannion’s offense. “I’ve had a lot of different coaches and head coaches and been a part of a lot of systems. I don’t think I really came across a system like this,” Barkley told NFL Network. “For me, it’s refreshing. You get something new. You get to learn something new.”
The Eagles will consider trade offers for wide receiver A.J. Brown but require an overwhelming proposal.
