PHI Markel Bell
NFL player. Position: OL (Offensive Lineman). Team: PHI (Philadelphia Eagles).
Quick Facts
- Position: OT (Right Tackle)
- Team: PHI (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Height/Weight: 6'9", 346 lbs
- College: Miami
- Draft: 3rd round, 2026 NFL Draft
2026 Outlook
Oct 6 — Thrust into starting role after Johnson retirement (Week 4): Bell started at right tackle in Week 4 vs. the Rams when Lane Johnson was inactive due to personal reasons. Bell faced an immediate baptism in his first NFL start but struggled with inconsistencies expected from a young lineman pressed into a prominent role. Johnson subsequently announced his retirement on Oct 6, meaning Bell now becomes the Eagles' primary option to replace the franchise legend. The sudden transition accelerates Bell's development timeline significantly—he went from competing for reps in preseason to emergency starter after four games (per What Lane Johnson's retirement means for the Eagles' offensive line).
Preseason projection: Rookie offensive tackle showing impressive early development. In the Eagles' preseason opener against Baltimore (August 15, 2026), Bell started at right tackle and demonstrated power and poise in his performance. He drove a defensive lineman back 6 yards on one run play, showcasing the physical strength that fueled the Eagles' decision to invest in him early. With Lane Johnson coming off an injury-riddled 2025 season and likely entering his final NFL campaign, Bell's emergence as a capable starter appeared well-timed. Coaches and scouts showed increasing confidence in his progression throughout the offseason (per Eagles News: Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru offer intrigue in NFL debuts).
Role / Depth Chart
Starting right tackle, competing to develop into long-term offensive line anchor. Bell earned the start in preseason Week 1.
Recent News
- 2026-10-09 — Week 5: Leading the offensive line turnaround with new arrangement after major upheaval (Eagles vs. Jaguars: Three must-know storylines for NFL Week 5 London game)
- 2026-10-06 — What Lane Johnson's retirement means for the Eagles' offensive line (What Lane Johnson's retirement means for the Eagles' offensive line)
- 2026-04-22 — Jeff Bell Top 100 Big Board: 2026 NFL Draft (Jeff Bell Top 100 Big Board: 2026 NFL Draft)
- 2026-08-16 — Eagles News: Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru offer intrigue in NFL debuts (Eagles News: Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru offer intrigue in NFL debuts)
Open Questions
- Will rookie Markel Bell stabilize at right tackle after a difficult Week 4 start, or do the Eagles pursue an outside replacement?