Looking back, maybe we could all have benefited from a little more balance. No, the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl LIX win was never going to guarantee them another, so we get why they want to turn the page quickly. Here's the thing, though. Ignoring their success didn't really help the cause either.
Nothing is guaranteed in this business. 365 days after winning their second Lombardi Trophy, the Eagles are faced with an entirely different set of circumstances. They're no longer champions, and there are questions about organizational competency.
The top offensive assistant was fired. Jeff Stoutland left of his own volition. Vic Fangio decided to stay, but he thought about leaving.
Conversations about Landon Dickerson's possible early retirement continue.
Reading all of that is enough to make one's head spin. Think about something. All of that was said, and we haven't even gotten to the rumors about the roster.
It's expected that players will move on in free agency and that some will be traded. Questions have been asked about whether Landon Dickerson and Lane Johnson will hang up their cleats.
Both were pushed beyond their limits physically this past season. Dickerson's story stands out because of lingering questions about his durability and age.
Possible replacements for Landon Dickerson if the Eagles star retires
The scouting report on Landon Dickerson was pretty consistent when the Eagles drafted him during the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He had won a National Championship as part of the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he had to watch from the sideline as injuries kept him out of the contest.
Had injuries not been a concern, he would have been taken during Round 1. Instead, he slid to Day 2. Philadelphia's medical staff felt confident he'd be sturdy enough to play and play well. They were right, for the first four seasons of his NFL career.
In 2025, the three-time Pro Bowler looked mortal, and, as mentioned, questions abound about whether he needs to retire because of the physical toll he has taken. Fingers are crossed that he returns to form, but here are a handful of prospects the Eagles may want to think about during the coming NFL Draft if they're thinking of insurance policies or a succession plan.
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State Nittany Lions
Throw out Saquon Barkley and maybe Stefen Wisniewski, and the list of great Penn State stars that played for the Eagles shrinks. Though it seems the Nittany Lions would make a great farm system, guys like Shareef Miller and Matt Bahr are seen more often than Miles Sanders's contributions.
Taking a chance on someone like Olaivavega Ioane might change that. He might be the best guard in the 2026 draft class. He is a strong blocker at the point of attack. He generates movement in the ground game. He is also a reliable pass protector.
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M Aggies
Chase Bisontis is six-foot-four inches and 320 pounds of power. Those who love to see their guards move people off the line of scrimmage will love this guy. He does, however, have an obvious flaw. He lacks length, which sometimes limits his pass protection.
He can be a day-one starter, but work needs to be done to transform this 2025 Third-Team All-SEC nod into an NFL-level pass protector. He was a two-year starter at guard for the Aggies. He started at right tackle in 2023, and that led to a First-team All-SEC Freshman mention.
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Keylan Rutledge earned First-team All-CUSA honors in 2023 with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. He joined Georgia Tech in 2024 and was named a First-team All-ACC nod twice.
In 2025, he also earned the Brian Piccolo Award, one presented annually to players who exemplify courage, teamwork, and loyalty. A First-Team All-American in 2025, this six-foot-four, 330-pounder is seen as a worthy second-round selection.
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Ducks
Emmanuel Pregnon is one of the smaller guards on the list. That is, if you see six feet four inches and 323 pounds as small. Pregnon has played at three different schools at the NCAA level. Most recently, he was at Oregon, where he earned First-Team All-American and First-Team Big Ten honors.
He's a potential Day 2 selection. He can come in and compete with guys like Tyler Steen rather quickly. He isn't Landon Dickerson when the latter is at his best, but truth be told, no one in this draft class can claim that distinction.
Beau Stephens, Iowa Hawkeyes
Here's one more from the Big Ten. They like their football to be played physically in Iowa, and Beau Stephens certainly took that message to heart. A six-foot-five, 315-pounder, he has been a reliable starter. He's another people mover that Eagles fans would fall in love with.
He earned First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team AP All-American honors this season. He was also named an All-American by Pro Football Focus and USA Today. Stephens was the highest-rated guard in a power conference by Pro Football Focus, and recently, he earned an invitation to the 2026 Senior Bowl.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Five offensive guard prospects the Eagles could target