The Philadelphia Eagles enter training camp with one of football's premier offensive lines. Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson anchor the left side. Cam Jurgens is the center. Tyler Steen enters year four, a contract season.
He and Lane Johnson are penciled in on the right side of the line. Still, one of the most important position battles this summer won't involve a starter. It will center on who emerges as Philadelphia's top reserve guard. Few teams would complain about entering camp with Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen penciled in at guard. Dickerson has developed into one of the NFL's premier interior linemen when healthy. Steen took a significant step forward last season and enters 2026 with another opportunity to solidify himself as the long-term
answer on the right side, yet there are legitimate reasons for the Eagles to prioritize depth.
The Eagles starters are talented, but questions remain
Dickerson has battled injuries recently, and while Steen played well in 2025, he'll need to prove last season wasn't a one-year breakthrough. Every contender prepares for the possibility that depth will eventually be tested. Several young linemen have an opportunity
The Eagles don't lack candidates. Sixth-round pick Micah Morrisenters camp looking to prove he can contribute immediately. He was forged through fire, sparring with Jalen Carter and Jordan Daviswhile all were with the Georgia Bulldogs to begin their NCAA careers.
Former Michigan Wolverines tackle Myles Hinton offers intriguing versatility, while undrafted rookie Jaeden Roberts arrives with an opportunity to follow Philadelphia's long history of developing overlooked offensive linemen. Veterans Michael Jordan and Hollin Pierce also give the coaching staff experienced options as the roster begins to take shape. Every preseason rep could carry significant weight.
Chris Kuper's voice could accelerate development
One of the Eagles' biggest offseason changes came on the coaching staff. A new offensive line coach, Chris Kuper, brings fresh teaching methods, new evaluations and an opportunity for every reserve lineman to make an impression from the ground up.
Competition often looks different under a new position coach because previous depth chart assumptions carry less weight. Strong training camp performances can quickly change the pecking order. That should make this one of the more intriguing battles to watch throughout August.
Depth often determines championship teams
The Eagles know better than most that offensive line depth isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. Over the course of a 17-game season, injuries are almost inevitable. When they occur, contenders don't have time to search for answers. They need players who are ready the moment their number is called.
Philadelphia's starters give the offensive line one of the highest ceilings in football. Training camp will determine whether the Eagles have built enough quality depth behind them. The reserve guard competition may not receive the same attention as quarterback or wide receiver, but by the end of the season, it could prove to be one of the roster's most important battles.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: One overlooked Eagles training camp battle deserves more attention
