Anthony DiBona
It’s clear that the Philadelphia Eagles are happy with offensive tackle Lane Johnson’s development in the City of Brotherly Love. The franchise decided to sign the 25-year old to a huge contract extension just a few days ago, an investment that sent a statement around the NFL.
Johnson is a franchise player for the Eagles, now and for the foreseeable future as well. But did they know he’ll be one of the best players in the NFL in just a few years?
According to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, Johnson will be the 15th best player in the entire league in 2020. Miller published a list yesterday projecting the top 20 players in the NFL in 2020.
While the list is flooded with current and future superstars, it was a bit of a shock to see Johnson make the list. Here’s what Miller had to say about Philadelphia’s offensive tackle:
15. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
2020 Age: 30
2020 Pass Blocking 37/40
Right tackles don’t get the credit they deserve in the modern NFL, where they have to face defenses that loaded up the left side of their depth chart with pass-rushers to combat the belief that right tackles were the weak link. Lane Johnson is the best of the new-age right tackle: athletic, powerful and a graceful pass-blocker.
2020 Run Blocking 38/40
Johnson has the athleticism of a former quarterback and tight end but the power of a 300-pounder. He moves effortlessly to seal off the edge or kick an outside linebacker out of the frame. Johnson is still learning, too, and at 25 years old now, this projection factors in the strength and knowledge he’ll gain by 2020.
2020 Upside 20/20
Of the many offensive linemen selected early in the 2013 draft, Johnson has proved himself to the be the best of the bunch. He’s athletic and strong, and has found a home in the perfect scheme for his talents.
2020 Overall 95/100
The top right tackle in the rankings, Johnson is perfect for the zone-blocking scheme and powers the run game from his side of the ball.
That’s quite high praise for Johnson but it’s nice to see him finally receive the credit he rightfully deserves. Don’t get me wrong, this may be a bit too hopeful in terms of his ranking a few seasons from now but it certainly is possible. Johnson is the third overall offensive linemen on the list, trailing only two players for the Dallas Cowboys. Coming in at eighth overall is guard Zack Martin and then at first overall is Tyron Smith.
Do you believe Lane Johnson has the potential to be one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL in 2020? Is it just too crazy to think this far ahead? Let me know in the comment section below or tweet your thoughts to me at (@Anthony_DiBona). Thanks for reading and be sure to check back here at PhillyInfluencer.com for any and everything going on in the City of Brotherly Love!