With Andy Reid’s draft history, it’s hard to believe that he won’t draft an offensive lineman. I’m not disputing whether or not he will, I’d be surprised if he didn’t, but I don’t think it’s necessary.
Especially in the first round.
With the departure of Tra Thomas to Jacksonville and Jon Runyan still floating around in free agency, the Eagles would appear to have some huge holes.
However, after Eagles fans get over the emotional loss of two fan-favorites, the line doesn’t look to be in bad shape.
The Eagles have essentially six starting-caliber linemen on their roster right now in Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Shawn and Stacy Andrews, Max Jean-Gilles, and Nick Cole, with four other young talented linemen in King Dunlap, Mike Gibson, Winston Justice, and Mike McGlynn who are all busting at the seams with potential.
So Andy if you’re reading, here’s my 2009 Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line.
LT Todd Herremans, LG Max Jean-Gilles
C Jamaal Jackson
RG Shawn Andrews, RT Stacy Andrews
Backups:
LT King Dunlap, LG Winston Justice
C Nick Cole
RG Mike Gibson, RT Mike McGlynn
Let’s not forget that Herremans was a fourth round pick out of Saginaw Valley as a left tackle. Also, he was drafted with the intention of becoming Thomas’ heir-apparent. On top of all of that, Herremans has played left tackle while Thomas was injured and has played well. I think he can be a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle.
Jean-Gilles obviously only works if he can move to the left side. If he can, the line automatically becomes a run-blocking machine with that road-grater in the mix.
Jackson remains the starter at center, with a healthy Shawn Andrews back to his old Pro Bowl-caliber self. Brother Stacy has proven he can be a fantastic right tackle, he should fill Runyan’s spot as the leader on that line very well.
The backups are obvious, except maybe Winston Justice, whom Eagles fans have written off since his catastrophic day against the Giants.
He wasn’t a second-round pick for no reason. The man can play. The question is, where?
Guard fits him perfectly. I said coming out of college that I thought his footwork was suspect and that he attempted to be more of a hip-bender rather than moving his feet like he should.
Putting him at guard minimizes the negatives that come from his below-average footwork while putting his strengths on showcase. Most obviously, his strength.
At 6’6” 320 pounds, Justice is a behemoth who could push some people while making holes for Brian Westbrook.
I’d bet my life that the Eagles do use at least a couple of their picks on linemen, simply because Reid loves his line. However, if they don’t, don’t worry Philly nation, our line is just fine.
