Brian Baldinger offers his take on how the Eagles’ offensive line is shaping up

Somehow in reminiscing the flotsam of the Eagles’ 1-6 finish, and how to correct it, what seems to be forgotten is that the Eagles will have a new offensive line this season. Two major holes will need to be filled due to one major departure, the retirement of future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce.

NFL Network expert Brian Baldinger, who possesses one of the keenest eyes when it comes to offensive line play, recently took a few minutes with Bleeding Green Nation to discuss what potentially could be the 2024 Eagles’ offensive front, the most important position group on the team. Most depth charts have the Eagles starting, from right to left: perennial stalwart Lane Johnson at right tackle, 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen at right guard, 2022 second-round pick Cam Jurgens starting at center, with more stability coming on the left behind left guard Landon Dickerson, a rising star, and left tackle Jordan Mailata.

But Baldinger likes a couple of sleepers who could emerge.

“Mekhi Becton (the 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft by the New York Jets) had some knee issues in the past, but he has more power than anyone on the whole team,” Baldinger said. “He is the best run blocker that the Eagles have. If he is healthy, he will play right guard for them. They are working him in there. I would keep an eye on Mekhi. He is on their depth chart backing up Mailata right now at left tackle. He is a big guy. I think Becton has a shot at being right guard. Right now, Tyler Steen probably has the advantage there because he knows the Eagles’ system.

“Steen has been projected to be that guy.”

Another possible emerging offensive lineman is free agent Darian Kinnard, a 6-foot-5, 322-pound guard who was a fifth-round 2022 draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Baldinger has been hearing good things about him. Presently, Kinnard is backing up Steen at right guard. If the Eagles carry nine offensive linemen, Kinnard and Becton’s versatility could mean roster spots. The other sleeper that Baldinger likes is 6-6, 325-pound combo center/guard Max Scharping, a 2019 second-round pick out of Northern Illinois by the Houston Texans.

“Max has started in this league, he knows what it takes to play in this league, and he’s backing up (Steen) right now,” Baldinger said. “Matt Hennessy (a 2020 third-round pick out of Temple by Atlanta) can back up at center or guard. He is small, but he comes with experience. People forget Fred Johnson (who played in 45 NFL games and started eight) is on the roster and is backing up Mailata at left tackle.”

Dylan McMahon, the Eagles’ 2024 sixth-round pick out of North Carolina State, may be a little undersized at 6-3, 298, but he is backing up Jurgens at center. Trevor Keegan, the Eagles’ 2024 fifth-round pick out of Michigan, is listed third on the depth chart behind Hennessy to back up Dickerson at left guard.

“Losing Jack Driscoll (who signed with the Miami Dolphins) and Sua Opeta (who signed with Tampa Bay) were valuable, versatile back-up guys,” Baldinger said. “They have to develop some depth. Fortunately last year, Dickerson, Mailata and Kelce started every game. For the most part, they lined up healthy. Lane missed a game, or two, and they have to develop depth. Remember when Lane went down against the Jets, they fell apart and lost their first game last year.

“If you can get away with dressing seven on game day, you do. But, ideally, you dress eight with a back-up center, a back-up guard and back-up swing tackle.”

The Eagles will need to make some adjustments with Kelce’s departure.

“You won’t see a tush push without Kelce, he was the leader of that whole thing,” Baldinger said. “Short-yardage goal line, the Eagles have been the best team in the league when Carson Wentz was here. No one was even close. That yard makes a big difference. They were excellent with Carson, and excellent when Jalen (Hurts) came in. I would be surprised if they continue doing it. Cam is capable of doing it, but there was no one better than Kelce doing that.

“Game day adjustments are really huge. Kelce was the one guy who could really communicate issues with (Eagles’ legendary offensive line coach Jeff) Stoutland. If you are playing the 49ers and cannot get Fred Warner blocked in the run game, he will make every tackle. Some days it is hard to get to the mike (middle linebacker) with the schemes you practice all week, and you have to figure things out on game day.

“Kelce was excellent at that. He could see the issues and the problems and produce ways to manage it.”

Baldinger feels this will be the best offensive line Saquon Barkley will run behind. Baldinger likes Jurgens, saying he runs well and possesses good power off the ball. The Eagles will be very reliant on Jurgens. It will take time for Jurgens to absorb information.

“There is learning that will go on, but the Eagles have a lot of time to learn,” Baldinger said. “There will be some adjusting without Kelce. The offense is fairly new to everybody, so there will be a learning curve there. Most NFL teams run the same concepts; they just call it something different. The Eagles should hit the ground running.”