The Philadelphia Eagles, for the first time in several seasons, are not expected to open the 2024 campaign with the NFL’s premier offensive line.
Following Jason Kelce’s retirement, and combined with the fact that All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson will open the 2024 season at age 34, general manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles may need to return to a tried and true playbook for the franchise and prioritize adding a developmental offensive line prospect with significant upside.
After all, the Eagles chose Cam Jurgens with Kelce still playing at an elite level and added franchise cornerstone Jordan Mailata through the draft despite Johnson and future Hall of Famer Jason Peters both among the most dominant players at their respective positions.
Will the Philadelphia Eagles Prioritize the Offensive Line During 2025 NFL Draft?
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema compiled a list of each NFL team’s top offensive target in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Oregon offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius listed for the Eagles.
“Oregon’s offensive line features two potential top-50 tackles,” Sikkema writes for PFF. “With one being Cornelius. He started his career at right tackle after being labeled a no-star recruit out of high school. The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has far outplayed that recruiting rank.
“Cornelius is a powerful player who can move defenders in the run game. He could be perfect as a typical Eagles depth player with versatility who could eventually be a starter, inside or out.”
There’s a very real possibility, especially with a roster that is so deep with talent across the board, that Roseman could view investing in the future at offensive tackle — in life post-Johnson, as a top priority next spring.
Likewise, Cornelius could begin his career as the Eagles’ swing-tackle, with the chance to develop into Johnson’s eventual successor.
WIth the 2024 NFL and college football seasons approaching, Cornelius could prove to be a name to watch for the Eagles in next spring’s draft.
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