On a night that left many dissatisfied with Philadelphia’s performance, Eagles fans got an intriguing look at Markel Bell and Willie Lampkin lining up next to each other in the second quarter.
Preseason games give players the opportunity to earn trust, starting jobs and roster spots. Both young offensive linemen made their case Saturday night.
There is nothing subtle about Bell. We have all seen his gigantic size, but on Saturday night it wasn’t only his massive frame that stood out; his technique did as well.
His comfort level in pass protection and his ability to get his body into position as a run blocker, especially on run plays with Will Shipley, were encouraging signs of how dominant he can be.
Bell was not always in the traditional three-point stance against the Ravens, perhaps due to his size rather than anything else; he often used a two-point stance at Miami as well.
Maybe the idea is to be able to use the massive frame more quickly, without the added tax of moving back and forth from the ground. Maybe it is a learning curve as he transitions to the right side; or maybe he has learned a thing or two from his predecessor and the new OL coach, Kuper, and will primarily be upright in the NFL, too.
And then there was Willie Lampkin.
Lampkin repeatedly showed the quickness that makes him such an intriguing prospect. He was able to get downfield and create space, at times putting much larger defensive linemen on skates.
Many fans have expressed concerns due to his size, but it has not been an issue this summer.
He worked well alongside Bell, despite the two forming one of the most lopsided-looking duos in the NFL.
That could be a glimpse into the future, or they could offer very solid depth, but either way, it was an impressive and fascinating start.
Lampkin continues to impress and make a case for the final 53-man roster.
The Eagles don’t need either player to walk into the season and become a starter. They need players they can trust in 2026 if injuries hit to keep the offense on schedule.
Bell and Lampkin look as if they will provide that.
The entire group of Markel Bell, Micah Morris, Willie Lampkin, Drew Kendall and Jake Majors looked better than some initial evaluations suggested.
There was no moment that made any of them look overwhelmed; they were impressive and did not allow many, if any, big plays.
The All-22 will tell the full story, but watching it live, it was clear this group held together.
Bell, in particular, may have been the Eagles’ most impressive rookie of the night. That isn’t an isolated performance, either. He has filled in well all summer and continues to reinforce that they may have struck gold in the third round. Not something that happens frequently with the tackle position in the NFL.
And that’s where the Bell story gets particularly interesting: he still gets to spend this season learning from Lane Johnson. You couldn’t draw up a much better apprenticeship.
He will be versed in how Johnson prepares, how he sets, how he handles pass rushers, how he uses his size and athleticism, and how he approaches the position every day.
The Eagles may have the bridge for Johnson's potential retirement at season’s end, after many have clamored for it the last four seasons.
Lastly, many fans were concerned with how the OL would be post-Stoutland; I believe Saturday night confirmed that the players are buying what new OL coach Chris Kuper is selling. That was one of the bigger observations of the night that has not been stated enough.
MORE: Winners and losers from the Eagles’ preseason loss to the Ravens
