Paul Domowitch

 

Meter reading: 7

Jon Runyan will be 35 in November. Tra Thomas will be 34. They can't play forever, and we still aren't sure whether Winston Justice can play at all. Williams is a finesse left tackle who is a decent fit for the Eagles' scheme and might make it down to 19.

* JEFF OTAH, offensive tackle, Pitt

Meter reading: 8

The 6-6, 322-pound Otah is a pile-driving blocker out of the Shawn Andrews mold. Has a healthy dose of that Runyan meanness and can play on either side. It's unlikely he'll last until 19, which means the Eagles probably would have to trade up into the early teens to get him.

* PHILLIP MERLING, defensive end, Clemson

Meter reading: 3

Merling is this year's Heath Miller. He hasn't worked out for anyone because of January sports hernia surgery and is slip-sliding down the first round. He could end up being a bargain at 19, but the kid's got motor problems and the Eagles have enough d-ends.

* FELIX JONES, running back, Arkansas

Meter reading: 3

Brian Westbrook is closing in on 29 and has had nearly 700 touches the last two seasons. Adding another dangerous-in-space runner wouldn't be a bad idea. Jones also was a helluva kick returner at Arkansas.

* DEVIN THOMAS, wide receiver, Michigan State

Meter reading: 4

The Eagles were interested enough in Thomas to bring him in for a visit. He's got impressive size (6-2, 215) and speed (4.40), but was a one-year wonder in college. Most teams feel the best round to get a wideout in this draft is the second.

* AQUIB TALIB, cornerback, Kansas

Meter reading: 6

If Lito Sheppard's going, somebody's got to be coming. Talib's got impressive size for a corner (6-1, 202), which would help the Eagles against the Plaxico Burress' of the world. But his admission at the combine that he tested positive for weed in college has hurt his draft stock.

* MIKE JENKINS, cornerback, South Florida

Meter reading: 7

There are some teams who think Jenkins might be the best corner in the draft. He's solidly built, with excellent feet and ball skills. Would push Sheldon Brown for a starting job as a rookie. Could go anywhere from 11 to 20.

Les Bowen

 

Meter reading: 7

It's no secret the Eagles like this 6-6, 315-pound, long-armed blocker. It's also no secret Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are in their final contract years, and that Winston Justice didn't ease anyone's mind last season. There's a good chance the Birds go early for an o-tackle. They might have to trade up to get Williams.

* JEFF OTAH, offensive tackle, Pitt

Meter reading: 4

Often compared to Shawn Andrews, but might not be as athletic. Still, at 6-6 and 322 pounds, he's huge and strong, and still learning the game. Born in Nigeria, transferred to Pitt from Valley Forge Military Academy. Might go before 19th.

* PHILLIP MERLING, defensive end, Clemson

Meter reading: 2

A little like Victor Abiamiri - big (6-5, 276), quick and better against the run than the pass. Merling might not be strong enough, but never discount the possibility of the Eagles taking a defensive lineman. Florida State's Derrick Harvey also is a possibility.

* FELIX JONES, running back, Arkansas

Meter reading: 2

Yeah, this would be a bit of a stunner, but Jones is tailor-made for the Birds' West Coast scheme. Speedy, great hands, tremendous in the open field - and he's an elite returner. The Birds depend so much on Brian Westbrook. Could there be a more important place to have first-rate insurance?

* DEVIN THOMAS, wide receiver, Michigan State

Meter reading: 6

Some analysts aren't sure there's a true first-round wideout in this bunch of wide receivers. Thomas has good size and runs well after the catch. He also started just one full year for the Spartans before coming out; he might lack polish. Though Thomas might be gone, several other appealing receivers might still be around in the second round.

* AQUIB TALIB, cornerback, Kansas

Meter reading: 3

A big corner who isn't afraid of press coverage. The more urgent need might be at safety, with Brian Dawkins turning 35 in October, but most analysts think even the best safety in this draft, Miami's Kenny Phillips, won't go as high as 19.

* MIKE JENKINS, cornerback, South Florida

Meter reading: 5

Assuming the Birds trade Lito Sheppard, they might go high for a corner, and Jenkins, who also returns kicks, ought to be there at 19. They'd probably prefer Troy State's Leodis McKelvin, but they'd have to trade up for him. Jenkins (5-10, 197) is speedy and strong.