Eagles' draft needs: Offensive linemen
Sixth in a series focusing on positions of need for the Eagles in the run-up to the NFL draft.
What they have: An older group that isn't going to magically get a whole lot younger replacing 32-year-old Todd Herremans with journeyman Allen Barbre, who turns 31 in June. Not drafting an offensive lineman last year, then seeing the position hit hard by injury makes OL a big priority in this draft. It would not be a surprise at all to see the Eagles go OL with their first pick. But the Eagles seem to like Barbre and guys such as Matt Tobin and Andrew Gardner far beyond what they've shown on the field, so maybe not.
What they need: A starting right guard who could eventually slide to tackle would be nice. Maybe a left guard as well, if you believe that Evan Mathis, perennially unhappy with his contract, could be released. Depth, obviously.
What's available: If the Eagles stay at 20, they probably would not have to reach to find a worthy candidate at this position. Hard to figure what this week's murder-questioning news will do to LSU tackle La'el Collins' (6-4 1/2, 305) draftability. He made a predraft visit to NovaCare. Florida's D.J. Humphries (6-5, 307) is the kind of quick, nifty, powerful lineman the Eagles like. He is said to have trouble keeping his weight up. If the Eagles trade down, Oregon's Jake Fisher (6-6, 306) is a possibility. Miami's Ereck Flowers (6-6, 329) probably could slide right into Herremans' spot and go from there. Down the line, second or third round, there's one of the draft's more intriguing stories, Hobart guard Ali Marpet (6-4, 307), who astonished scouts in Senior Bowl practice and at the Scouting Combine after playing at the Division III level. The Eagles hosted Penn State's long-armed Donovan Smith (6-5 5/8, 338), an athletic tackle-guard who probably will be drafted in the second or third round.
- Les Bowen