Longtime former NFL scout and current NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has released his second mock draft of the 2026 cycle.
This time, he has the Philadelphia Eagles making a move with the future in mind.
With the No. 23 overall pick, Jeremiah projects the Eagles to select Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller.
Miller is a durable four-year starter widely viewed as one of the more polished linemen in this year’s class.
“Even if Lane Johnson decides to put off retirement, I believe the Eagles would not mind having his eventual replacement on the roster,” Jeremiah wrote.
It’s a move that balances long-term planning with short-term depth.
Lane Johnson is still one of the NFL’s elite right tackles, but at 35, the Eagles can’t ignore what’s coming next.
Earlier this offseason, retirement rumors surfaced around Johnson, briefly casting doubt on the future of the position.
Those whispers have since quieted, and he’s now expected to return for the 2026 season.
Still, the brief speculation was a reminder that the position won’t take care of itself.
Jeremiah’s projection reflects that reality.
Rather than waiting until it becomes a glaring need, the Eagles could secure Johnson’s eventual successor now.
Why Blake Miller Fits Eagles’ Long-Term Plan
Miller has the résumé to justify the projection.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman started all 54 games of his collegiate career at Clemson.
He set school records for career offensive snaps (3,778) and consecutive starts by a non-specialist.
He earned Freshman All-American honors and followed that with three straight All-ACC selections, cementing himself as one of the ACC’s most reliable blockers.
Jeremiah views Miller as a technically sound, battle-tested tackle with the athleticism to handle speed rushers off the edge.
Scouts point to his quick feet and balance in pass protection, along with the frame and strength that make him tough to disengage in the run game.
Miller still needs to clean up his hand placement, especially when facing power rushers.
Even so, his durability and experience stand out in a tackle class without a clear consensus order.
Jeremiah currently ranks him 36th on the consensus board, but slotting him at No. 23 suggests he views Miller as a great schematic fit in Philadelphia.
Eagles Need Offensive Line Insurance
The Eagles’ offensive line depth was tested throughout the 2025 season.
Johnson, along with Jordan Mailata and Cam Jurgens, battled injuries throughout the season, and the unit lacked its usual dominance.
With Johnson and potentially other veterans facing uncertain long-term futures, adding a high-upside tackle would reinforce the franchise’s identity in the trenches.
Even if Johnson returns for 2026, Miller could serve as a swing tackle early before eventually sliding into the right tackle role.
Philadelphia has long prioritized succession planning along the offensive line.
It would follow a familiar Eagles blueprint of drafting lineman before the need becomes urgent.
Jeremiah’s mock draft doesn’t guarantee the Eagles’ direction in April, but it highlights a possibility that would keep the organization aligned with its foundational philosophy of dominating the line of scrimmage.
Ex-NFL Scout Has Eagles Replacing Franchise Legend in Latest Mock