The upcoming NFL Draft, scheduled to begin April 23 in Pittsburgh, is expected to favor teams seeking offensive linemen, with as many as seven expected to be picked in the first round. However, NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicts a significant decline in available talent after those initial selections, with the offensive line position not regaining focus until the third round when general managers begin reevaluating prospects.
The Philadelphia Eagles faced a similar scenario in 2013, when their offensive line options impressed but were competitive. With the fourth overall pick that year, the Eagles selected Lane Johnson, a move that proved crucial to their success, especially after the Miami Dolphins traded ahead to draft Dion Jordan, a key target of the Eagles’ then-new head coach Chip Kelly, who came from Oregon.
2013 NFL Draft Saw Several Linemen Chosen Early
In 2013, nine offensive linemen were taken during the first round, with Johnson being the third selection after Eric Fisher, picked first by the Kansas City Chiefs, and Luke Joeckel, taken second by the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Fisher and Joeckel had promising starts, Johnson’s performance has distinguished him as an elite talent, potentially even reaching a Hall of Fame level despite missing half of the most recent season and approaching age 36.
The other 2013 first-round offensive linemen included guards Jonathan Cooper (7th overall, Arizona Cardinals), Chance Warmack (10th, Tennessee Titans and later an Eagle), tackles D.J. Fluker (11th, San Diego Chargers) and Justin Pugh (19th, New York Giants), guard-turned-tackle Kyle Long (20th, Chicago Bears), and center Travis Frederick (31st, Dallas Cowboys).
Lane Johnson’s Exceptional Combine Performance Foreshadowed His Career
Reflecting on Johnson’s NFL Scouting Combine results from 2013 reveals why he was such a prized pick. His athleticism stood out, posting a remarkable 4.72-second 40-yard dash, a 34-inch vertical leap, and a broad jump covering 9 feet, 10 inches. These measurements not only exceeded those of his first-round contemporaries Fisher and Joeckel but also surpassed the numbers of all offensive line prospects at the most recent combine. Johnson weighed 303 pounds at that time — now, he competes at approximately 325 pounds, demonstrating sustained physical growth while maintaining his athletic edge.
Last week’s fastest 40-yard dash by an offensive lineman was recorded by Logan Jones, center from Iowa, at 4.90 seconds. Nine offensive linemen during the recent combine ran under 5 seconds, including Utah’s tackle Caleb Lomu, who recorded a 4.99-second 40 and came close to Johnson’s vertical and broad jump results with a 32.5-inch vertical and a 9 feet, 5 inches broad jump.
Potential 2026 Prospects Compared to Johnson’s Combine Numbers
As the Eagles hold the 23rd draft pick this year, prospects like Clemson’s Caleb Miller and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling are under scrutiny. Miller recorded a 5.04-second 40-yard dash with a 32-inch vertical and a 9 feet, 5 inches broad jump, while Freeling posted a better 4.93-second 40, a 33.5-inch vertical, and a 9 feet, 7 inches broad jump. Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, meanwhile, showed slower times with a 5.21-second 40 and more modest vertical and broad jump results, which suggest a lower level of athleticism compared to his peers and to Johnson’s historic combine numbers.
Legacy and Impact of Lane Johnson’s NFL Combine Performance
Lane Johnson’s standout combine achievements in 2013 have proven to be an early indicator of the outstanding career that followed. His blend of speed, power, and agility set a high bar for offensive linemen, underscoring the value the Eagles gained from selecting him in the first round. As teams prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, Johnson’s performance remains a benchmark for evaluating the athletic ability of new prospects, emphasizing the importance of physical traits alongside on-field potential. How the Eagles leverage their upcoming first-round pick amid this competitive market will be a vital factor in shaping the team’s future offensive line and overall success.
ATHLETE.#nflcombine #throwback pic.twitter.com/7WDTuat499
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) March 1, 2026
