Significant transformations have reshaped the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line following the unexpected departure of Lane Johnson into retirement and the deal sending Cam Jurgens elsewhere. Heading into their matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the franchise is set to deploy its fourth distinct blocking combination of the year. Below is a detailed look at this revamped front five.
Left Tackle: Jordan Mailata
Remarkably, Mailata stands as the sole remaining active starter from the offensive wall that secured a Super Bowl victory for Philadelphia merely two seasons back (though Landon Dickerson remains with the team on injured reserve). Taking on the role of the group’s most seasoned veteran, Mailata continues to serve as a dependable protector safeguarding Jalen Hurts’ blind side.
Left Guard: Willie Lampkin
Following Jurgens’ departure, Willie Lampkin is scheduled to earn his inaugural NFL starting opportunity. Measuring only 5-foot-11, Lampkin holds the title of the shortest offensive lineman in professional football, an attribute that caused him to go unselected during the 2025 NFL Draft even after earning First Team All-American honors in his senior year at UNC.
Lampkin emerged as one of the standout performers during summer practices, delivering dominant preseason displays while earning high acclaim from fellow players. Though critics flagged his height as a disadvantage, Lampkin leverages his lower center of gravity to gain positional advantage and possesses an array of countermoves when initially beaten. Observing his performance against first-string opponents will be compelling, as a strong showing could alter Philadelphia’s future offensive line strategy.
Center: Jake Majors
Majors is another player set to experience his first official NFL game action. Much like Lampkin, Majors initially entered the league with another club as an unselected free agent, was subsequently waived following a health setback, and landed on Philadelphia’s practice squad a year ago. Despite putting together an impressive summer camp, the sheer depth along the Eagles’ line meant he opened the year on the practice squad for a second consecutive term.
An injury to Drew Kendall has opened the door for Majors to be elevated for the international contest across the Atlantic. During his collegiate career with the Texas Longhorns, Majors set a school milestone by making 56 career starts.
Right Guard: Tyler Steen
Alongside Mailata, Steen is the only offensive lineman who has opened every matchup this year in the starting lineup. Now in his second campaign as a primary starter, Steen has kept his sack allowed count at zero while ranking 17th out of 73 evaluated guards per Pro Football Focus. With his contract expiring at the end of the year, all eyes will be on whether Philadelphia chooses to retain him or allow him to explore the market—a common trend under general manager Howie Roseman, who previously allowed starting guards like Isaac Seumalo and Mekhi Becton to depart.
Right Tackle: Markel Bell
Completely filling the shoes of Lane Johnson is an unreachable standard, yet the key question is whether Bell can provide serviceable stability at the position. The rookie third-round draft choice endured a tough full debut against the Rams, yielding six total pressures (the most on the team), though that game marked his very first appearance at right tackle at any competitive football level.
For 14 years, Philadelphia enjoyed the privilege of isolating Johnson on his side of the field without extra help, routinely trusting him to dominate his opponent. Moving forward, watching how tactical adjustments unfold will be crucial—specifically whether the coaching staff incorporates additional tight end chip blocks or assigns extra assistance against edge rushers facing Bell.
This piece was initially released by Athlon Sports on October 10, 2026, featuring first in their NFL coverage. Select Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
