March 31, 2026, 7:22 a.m. ET
The Philadelphia Eagles are leaving no stone unturned as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, and one need stands out above the rest: finding the future at offensive tackle. Lane Johnson won’t play forever, and with his career entering its final stretch, the search for a successor feels more urgent than ever. No disrespect to Fred Johnson following his one-year deal, but he profiles best as a reliable swing tackle, not a long-term answer. If Philadelphia is serious about securing its next starter, the draft has always been the logical path, and that’s exactly where its focus appears to be.
That brings us to an intriguing development: Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor has confirmed the Eagles are among the teams he’ll visit during the pre-draft process. Frankly, it’s a move that feels long overdue. He has steadily climbed draft boards following a strong 2025 campaign, where he showcased the kind of pass protection consistency NFL teams covet.
While some evaluators project him as a second-round pick, others view him as one of the top offensive line prospects in the class. And with offensive tackles always at a premium, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a first-round run at the position push his name into the top 25.
That’s where things get interesting for Philadelphia.
Might the Eagles invest early draft capital into Iheanachor if he becomes available?
Holding pick No. 23, the Eagles could find themselves in a position where value meets need. The future of the offensive line is quietly becoming one of the franchise’s more pressing long-term questions, particularly with Lane Johnson nearing the latter stages of his career. Adding a player like Iheanachor would not only provide depth but also a potential succession plan at a premium position. What stands out most about Iheanachor is his balance between readiness and upside. He’s already proven capable in pass protection, allowing minimal disruption over a high volume of snaps, but like many young linemen, there are areas of refinement, particularly with discipline and limiting penalties.
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Still, those are the types of traits that organizations trust their coaching staff to clean up.
With Howie Roseman always thinking a year ahead, this visit feels like more than due diligence. It feels like preparation for a scenario where the Eagles once again invest in the trenches and potentially secure their next cornerstone offensive lineman.