The Philadelphia Eagles have long built their identity in the trenches. Over the past decade, their offensive line hasn’t just been good - it’s been foundational.
Two Super Bowl titles and a near-miss at a third are proof of how dominant this unit has been. From the steady leadership of Jason Kelce to the elite edge protection of Lane Johnson, the Eagles have consistently invested in their front five, and it’s paid off in a big way.
But as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Eagles find themselves at a bit of a crossroads. Kelce has already walked off into the sunset.
Lane Johnson, now on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a tough Lisfranc injury, is no longer the ironman he once was. And while Landon Dickerson has been a bright spot, his injury history is becoming harder to ignore.
At just 27, his future isn’t guaranteed - and that’s a concern for a team that’s long relied on continuity up front.
Enter Olaiavega Ioane, a name that’s starting to gain serious traction in draft circles - and for good reason. The Penn State guard is a physical force, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 330 pounds, but what really jumps off the tape is how well he moves. He’s not just a space-eater - he’s a guy who can climb to the second level and erase linebackers, a trait that fits well with the type of zone-heavy schemes the Eagles have leaned into in recent years.
Ioane’s development has been nothing short of impressive. He redshirted as a freshman, got his feet wet with five starts the following year, and then took a massive leap in 2024, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
But it was in 2025 when everything clicked. Ioane became a dominant force, earning First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten honors as a senior.
That kind of trajectory - steady growth with a breakout final season - is exactly what teams look for when projecting how a player will transition to the NFL.
And here’s the kicker: Ioane didn’t even start playing football until his sophomore year of high school. That late start means he’s still refining his technique, still learning the nuances of the position.
But it also means he’s got untapped potential - the kind that NFL coaches love to mold. Combine that with his natural strength, athleticism, and tenacious mindset, and you’ve got a player who could step in early and grow into a cornerstone.
With the Eagles holding the 23rd overall pick, Ioane sits right in the sweet spot of where he’s being projected. And given the team’s current situation up front, the fit makes a ton of sense.
Philadelphia doesn’t just need depth - they need someone who can potentially start sooner rather than later. Ioane has the tools to be that guy.
There’s still a long way to go between now and draft night, but Ioane is a name Eagles fans should get familiar with. If Howie Roseman wants to keep the offensive line as a strength - and history says he does - then targeting someone like Ioane could be a savvy move.
The Eagles have built their success on dominating the line of scrimmage. Adding a player like Ioane would be a strong step toward keeping that legacy alive.