A New Role For Lane Johnson


The Eagles unveiled a new role for Lane Johnson on Friday.

I missed it, but luckily, Jimmy Kempski of BloggingTheBeast.com caught it (nothing gets by that guy). On one play, Johnson lined up pretty much in the slot to the right side, and the Eagles ran a screen to the outside receiver.

Remember, Johnson played some tight end at Oklahoma and has great athleticism. He ran a 4.72 at the Combine, so having him block a DB in space on a WR screen could definitely work. At the very least, it would give the defense something extra to think about.

This is not the first time the Eagles have shown a different look up front. Earlier in OTAs, they went with an unbalanced line, essentially with two right tackles and only a guard and a tight end to the left of the center.

It should come as no surprise that Chip Kelly doesn’t believe in just lining five guys up in the same order on every play.

As for Johnson, he’s been running with the first team at right tackle, but part of that is because Jason Peters has been absent. Dennis Kelly has moved from right tackle to left tackle with the first team.

Asked how Johnson has looked so far, center Jason Kelce said, “Pretty much like every other rookie. You see all the potential there. You see all the things that you want to see out of a rookie. But he’s still learning the offense, he’s still learning the techniques, and on top of that, whenever you’re thrust into a new situation, mentally, he’s still trying to get everything down.”

McCOY AT NO. 45

LeSean McCoy came in at No. 45 on the NFL Network’s top-100 list, falling from his spot at No. 18 in 2011.

“This year coming up, I am healthy and have something to prove again,” McCoy said. “I can’t wait. I can’t think of a back in this league that can do as much as I can do. I am focused and ready to roll. I think Coach Kelly is bringing in a new offense that fits me so well, being in open space with so many looks and movements. I think I will have a better year.”

No other Eagles player has been named to top-100 yet.

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