To say it was a rough week for the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line last week would be an understatement. It started when All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson abruptly retired, followed a few days later by the team trading interior lineman Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens.
However, the Eagles could have even bigger problems this coming offseason, with two more starters potentially on their way out.
Starting right guard Tyler Steen is expected to be a free agent, while starting left guard Landon Dickerson is currently battling a knee injury and is not guaranteed any money after the season, which could lead to him being cut.
If Philadelphia loses both players, the team could suddenly have major holes to fill along an offensive line that has been one of its biggest strengths for years.
The replacement for Johnson is likely already on the roster in Markel Bell, who the Eagles selected with the 68th overall pick in this year's NFL Draft. While Bell is massive at 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds, there are serious questions about whether he is the long-term answer at right tackle due to his lack of mobility.
When it comes to the guard spot, the concerns come with who else the Eagles could lose this coming offseason. There is a strong possibility the team could move on from both Steen and Dickerson, and if they do, the cupboard at guard is suddenly very bare.
Why the Eagles could target an offensive guard early in the 2027 NFL Draft
These questions will likely lead Philadelphia to look to fill these needs and add much-needed depth along the offensive line in the 2027 NFL Draft, where they have a total of nine picks.
When it comes to the offensive tackle position, they may look at an offensive tackle with their first-round pick, but unless Bell looks awful for the rest of the season, I see them looking more to add competition for him in the middle of the draft.
Two prospects who could make a ton of sense early on Day 3 are Kentucky's Lance Heard and Minnesota's Nathan Roy.
However, I would not be shocked if the team took an offensive guard in the first or second round. One prospect they could strongly look at in the second round is Missouri's Cayden Green. While Green plays offensive tackle for the Tigers, the powerful, athletic offensive tackle could easily slide inside to guard in the NFL.
Green would make a lot of sense for Philadelphia, especially if the team needs to replace one or both of its starting guards. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line could also be valuable for a team facing so much uncertainty up front.
The Eagles have built one of the NFL's strongest offensive lines for years, but the group is suddenly facing more questions than it has in quite some time.
With Johnson gone, Jurgens traded and the futures of Steen and Dickerson uncertain, Philadelphia has some important decisions to make. While finding a long-term answer at right tackle remains important, the bigger need could end up being at guard.
How the Eagles approach the offensive line in the 2027 NFL Draft could go a long way toward determining whether they can maintain one of the biggest strengths of their team.
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