New-look offensive line has Johnson at LT

O-line should be Birds’ strength

The Eagles unveiled their offensive line of the future during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Tuesday.

And it could be the line of the very near future if the coaching staff gets comfortable with the positional changes that would be necessitated if the front office decided to move on from 35-year-old veteran Jason Peters and his $10.45 million contract. Peters isn’t attending OTAs due to what the Eagles say for personal reasons.

Lane Johnson was at left tackle, where he’s filled in before. Johnson said he weighed in at a career-high 325 pounds.

Isaac Seumalo was at left guard, Brandon Brooks at right guard, Jason Kelce at center and Hal Vaitai at right tackle.

“I’m heavier than I’ve ever been,” Johnson said. “I feel like I’m in good shape. I have a lot to prove. This is a big year for me.”

Johnson has started all 50 games he’s played since the Eagles took him off the board with the fourth overall pick in the 2013 draft. But he’s been suspended twice after testing positive for PEDs. Johnson was suspended 10 games last season and four games in 2014. The next suspension would be a lifetime ban.

“I trained by myself,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t going to have any mishaps.”

Johnson said offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland told him to be ready at left tackle.

“Stout told me the first week they were going to try to do that just to get me some reps,” Johnson said. “So whenever J.P. does retire or whatever happens that I’ll have some reps now so that’s it’s not just six years of not playing and I’ll have to slide over there.”

It’s early and all the pieces still need to be squeezed into the puzzle. That said, the offensive line with Peters at left tackle and Johnson on the right side finished the season strong.

“I think they’re always going to hype the Dallas O-line,” Johnson said. “But don’t underestimate us. I think we can be as good as anybody if we just keep them all together.”