According to an NFL insider, even though Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson is signed through 2027, the Eagles will still select a player to replace him in the draft.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network reports that in addition to selecting Johnson’s replacement in the 2024 NFL Draft, the team will also pursue him at his alma institution. Johnson was selected by Philadelphia with the fourth overall choice in the 2013 draft out of the University of Oklahoma, and according to Jeremiah, they will choose Sooners tackle Tyler Guyton with the 22nd overall pick this year.
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
