Who is Markel Bell, the player who will likely replace Lane Johnson?

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Markel Bell. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Who is Markel Bell, the player who will likely replace Lane Johnson?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 6, 2026 8:48 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles fans will see much more of rookie offensive tackle Markel Bell for the rest of the season.

Eagles longtime starting right tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement on Tuesday night. The 14-year veteran, who recently appeared on the injury report for personal reasons, said he's hanging up his cleats to improve his "mental health."

Fred Johnson is listed as the backup to Lane Johnson, 36, on the Eagles depth chart. Still, Bell started in a 24-20 Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Philadelphia after the eighth-year veteran was listed as questionable because of a knee issue. The rookie is expected to remain in the spot until further notice.

What else should you know about Markel Bell?

Bell, a former Miami Hurricanes star, emerged as one of the biggest winners from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He measured at 6-foot-9, 346 pounds, and ran a 5.36-second 40-yard dash. That's quite fast for a player of his stature.

Miami OL Markel Bell really just ran a 5.36u at 6'9" and 346 pounds

The big fella was MOVING

(Via @NFL)

pic.twitter.com/woPWRCXW7P
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 1, 2026

Despite his impressive physical tools, Bell wasn't considered a blue-chip prospect because of concerns about his pass-protection skills. Pro Football Focus credited him with 26 pressures allowed in two seasons at Miami.

"Bell is high cut and faces some disadvantages because of how he is built, but he compensates with his length and ascending awareness, which suggests he has NFL starts in his future," wrote The Athletic's Dane Brugler in his preseason scouting report.

Now he'll make those starts. Bell (pick No. 68 of the 2026 NFL Draft) clearly needs more seasoning, but the Eagles have a knack for turning raw O-linemen into quality starters.

The Eagles took offensive tackle Jordan Mailata with pick No. 233 in the seventh round of the 2018 draft, even though the Australian had never played college football. He grew up playing rugby instead.

Mailata didn't make his debut until the 2020 season, but he has rewarded the Eagles' patience. In nine seasons with the team, he has won a Super Bowl and earned a second-team All-Pro nod.

Bell isn't as raw as Mailata, giving Philadelphia plenty of confidence that it can quickly develop him into a viable replacement for Johnson. If the Eagles do, that will be one less thing they must worry about after a 2-2 start.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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