While fans and the media have predictions about who the Eagles will sign and/or draft this off season, there are three offensive linemen already on the roster that will be given a chance to make an impact next year.
1. King Dunlap-OT: The 6'8" 7th round pick from Auburn has a lot of potential. He was placed on IR last year, but I think that was more because he wasn't quite ready to play in 2008 but the Eagles like projects. It has been said that if he put forth maximum effort his senior year he may have been a 1st day pick. I watched this guy when I went attended training camp in Lehigh. I believe he's the real deal and with Juan Castillo overseeing him, he'll produce on the field. If not, he was a low risk project. Something to think about if Jordan Gross or Vernon Carey don't make it to Philly.
2. Mike Gibson-OG: A 6th round pick from Cal-Berkeley, Gibson was place on IR last year with Dunlap and I believe for the same reason. I don't see him starting anytime soon. Not with Todd Herremans, Shawn Andrews, Nick Cole and Max Jean-Giles in front of him. But, as last year proved, who suits up is very unpredictable. He should be ready if called on.
3. Mike McGlynn-OG/OT: A 4th round pick from Pittsburgh, McGlynn is known to have a nasty mean streak similar to Jon Runyan. What people may forgert is Runyan himself was a 4th round pick in 1996. McGlynn will be coming back from a torn hamstring injury come training camp so that definitely is something to keep an eye on. McGlynn is the one 2008 O-line draftee that suited up his rookie year, so some experience has been earned. There is a possibility that he could end up starting next season on the right side next to Andrews(I know nobody wants to hear that, but if Reid goes that route remember this article).
These 3 guys are definitely under the radar right now. They may not quite be starting material yet, but even so they definitely will give the Eagles quality depth on the offensive line giving them a chance to look at other key needs in the draft.
1. King Dunlap-OT: The 6'8" 7th round pick from Auburn has a lot of potential. He was placed on IR last year, but I think that was more because he wasn't quite ready to play in 2008 but the Eagles like projects. It has been said that if he put forth maximum effort his senior year he may have been a 1st day pick. I watched this guy when I went attended training camp in Lehigh. I believe he's the real deal and with Juan Castillo overseeing him, he'll produce on the field. If not, he was a low risk project. Something to think about if Jordan Gross or Vernon Carey don't make it to Philly.
2. Mike Gibson-OG: A 6th round pick from Cal-Berkeley, Gibson was place on IR last year with Dunlap and I believe for the same reason. I don't see him starting anytime soon. Not with Todd Herremans, Shawn Andrews, Nick Cole and Max Jean-Giles in front of him. But, as last year proved, who suits up is very unpredictable. He should be ready if called on.
3. Mike McGlynn-OG/OT: A 4th round pick from Pittsburgh, McGlynn is known to have a nasty mean streak similar to Jon Runyan. What people may forgert is Runyan himself was a 4th round pick in 1996. McGlynn will be coming back from a torn hamstring injury come training camp so that definitely is something to keep an eye on. McGlynn is the one 2008 O-line draftee that suited up his rookie year, so some experience has been earned. There is a possibility that he could end up starting next season on the right side next to Andrews(I know nobody wants to hear that, but if Reid goes that route remember this article).
These 3 guys are definitely under the radar right now. They may not quite be starting material yet, but even so they definitely will give the Eagles quality depth on the offensive line giving them a chance to look at other key needs in the draft.
