Despite Lane Johnson’s contract extending through 2027, the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly planning to select his replacement in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah suggests that the team will choose Tyler Guyton, a tackle from the University of Oklahoma and Johnson’s alma mater, with the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft.
Tyler Guyton initially began his collegiate career at TCU, where he divided his playing time between offensive tackle and H-back. Concluding the 2021 season, he even caught a touchdown pass. However, he made a transfer to the University of Oklahoma in 2022.
During his inaugural year as a Sooner, Guyton participated in 10 games, securing five starts at offensive tackle before transitioning to the right tackle position. According to Pro Football Focus, he demonstrated solid performance by allowing only two sacks and no hits in 400 snaps and 191 pass-blocking plays.
In 2023, Tyler Guyton assumed the role of the team’s starting right tackle for nine games, earning an All-Big-12 honorable mention for his performance. Despite being slightly larger than Lane Johnson at six-foot-seven and 327 pounds, Guyton is acknowledged for his agility, light-footedness, explosive first step, and good balance. However, he is considered a work in progress and not quite at the level Johnson achieved in 2013.
Scouts highlight Guyton’s athleticism, but many suggest that he could benefit from spending some time on the sidelines. Ian Cummings of The Draft Network names Guyton as a potential steal in the 2024 NFL Draft but emphasizes the need for additional development.
According to Cummings, it would be ideal for Guyton not to start on Day 1 as he refines the finer points of tackle play. With a year or two of growth, he is seen to have the potential to become an impactful starting right tackle, showcasing superb pass-blocking skills and versatility in the run game.
With Lane Johnson secured under contract until 2027 and the expertise of one of the NFL’s top offensive line coaches, Jeff Stoutland, on the Eagles’ staff, the team can afford to take a patient approach with Guyton. Johnson, expressing his commitment to finishing his career strongly, acknowledges having a few good years left.
This provides an opportunity for Philadelphia to groom Guyton as Johnson’s eventual successor, allowing him to learn from the seasoned veteran and gradually assume the role when the time is right.