Eagles take Lane Johnson's replacement in latest mock draft
Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson may be signed through 2027, but that won’t stop the Eagles from drafting his replacement, according to one NFL insider.
According to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, not only will the team draft Johnson’s successor in the 2024 NFL Draft, they’ll go to his alma mater to get him. Philadelphia drafted Johnson out of the University of Oklahoma with the No. 4 pick in 2013 and Jeremiah thinks they’ll take Sooners’ tackle Tyler Guyton 22nd overall in this year’s draft.
Guyton’s collegiate career started with TCU where he split time between offensive tackle and H-back. He caught a touchdown pass to end the 2021 season before transferring to Oklahoma in 2022.
In his first year as a Sooner, Guyton played in 10 games, making five starts at offensive tackle before moving to right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed two sacks and no hits in 400 snaps and 191 pass-blocking plays.
He made nine starts as the team’s starting right tackle in 2023 while earning an All-Big-12 honorable mention. He’s described as nimble and light-footed for a man of his size with an explosive first step and good balance.
At six-foot-seven and 327 pounds, Guyton is slightly bigger than Johnson, but nowhere near the finished product Johnson was in 2013.
Scouts are quick to point out Guyton’s athleticism, but many believe he would benefit from some time on the bench. While naming Guyton as one of the potential steals of the 2024 NFL Draft, The Draft Network's Ian Cummings also says he needs more time to develop.
“Ideally, Guyton doesn’t start on Day 1 while he’s still learning the more minute details of tackle play,” Cummings says, “With a year or two of additional growth, he has the upside to be an impact starting RT, with a superb pass-blocking feel and versatility in the run game.”
With Johnson under contract through 2027 and one of the NFL’s best offensive line coaches in Jeff Stoutland on the staff, Philadelphia can afford to be patient with Guyton. When speaking with reporters, Johnson said, "I plan on finishing my career strong. I think I have a few good years left and I'm going to take it to the limit."
In the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt Philadelphia to start grooming his heir apparent and learning the ropes from a player like Johnson wouldn’t hurt Guyton either.
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