Markel Bell, the former Miami offensive tackle, opened Eagles OTAs with first-team work at right tackle while Lane Johnson was absent. The move offers one of the Hurricanes' most interesting 2026 NFL Draft picks an early chance to show why Philadelphia used a third-round selection on him.
Philadelphia Eagles 3rd round pick, Markel Bell, is being looked at to play a much more important role in year one than most expected.
— David (@DavidNeiszPHL) May 29, 2026
He could be RT2, not Fred Johnson.
His camp progress is one of the more intriguing to follow. https://t.co/CIFtMuOFVs
Markel Bell opens OTAs with first-team reps
Bell was the Eagles' first-team right tackle during Wednesday's OTA practice without Johnson on the field. Now, Bell isn't suddenly pushing Johnson for a starting job. OTAs are voluntary, players are not in pads and there is no live contact. But it is still notable because Bell is beginning his NFL career at the exact spot many projected as his long-term home.
Bell played left tackle at Miami, but he had practiced on the right side with the Hurricanes.
My #Eagles practice observations from OTAs:
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 28, 2026
- First glimpse at Sean Mannion’s scheme
- Markel Bell gets starter snaps
- Defense looks sharp
That, depth chart notes and more here: https://t.co/XvG1Nc3ELk
Philadelphia drafted Markel Bell for traits and upside
The Eagles selected Bell with the No. 68 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Bell measured 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds with 36 3/8-inch arms and an 87 1/8-inch wingspan.
Bell started all 16 games at left tackle during his senior season, did not allow a sack in 558 pass-blocking snaps and earned third-team All-ACC honors while helping the Hurricanes reach the national championship game.
5 sleeper Eagles offensive players at OTAs:
— Eagle Times (@_EagleTimes) May 26, 2026
🦅 Cole Payton — dual-threat QB project
🦅 Johnny Wilson — bounce-back year incoming
🦅 Dameon Pierce — physical RB depth
🦅 Stone Smartt — TE wildcard
🦅 Markel Bell — long-term tackle pipeline
Some of these guys make the 53. 👀🦅 pic.twitter.com/HbnIPd5bnR
Lane Johnson is back for his 14th NFL season
Johnson is back after missing the final seven regular-season games last year and Philadelphia's NFC wild-card loss with a Lisfranc injury. He has been one of the best right tackles of his era, but he is also 35 and closer to the end of his career than the beginning.
Philadelphia has a strong history of planning ahead on the offensive line instead of waiting until a hole appears. Bell fits that model and the Eagles clearly see the long-term vision for him.
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