The Eagles are making quick work of getting their roster filled out. Last count had seven selections under contract, with the earliest selections yet to get off the board. The early selections are the ones that figure to make an impact this year, so it stands to reason that they are signed last, right?!? Well - at least they are making progress.

Publicly, the Eagles are making the statements that RB Brian Westbrook will get a reduced workload this season. Privately - they have not discussed the issue with Brian. Do they have to? NO! Will they actually do it - it is a safe bet. Westy saw career highs in both carries and receptions last year. That kind of load on his smallish frame is not a smart idea. It worked last year OK because the Eagles know fairly early on that they were not going to the playoffs - but if they were fighting for a spot, Westy would have been too beat up to keep up that remarkable pace.

Add to that the facts that QB Donovan McNabb is only nursing minor issues this off season (versus a TO meltdown or rehabbing from an injury - or BOTH). I expect the passing game to improve from last year. A healthy Mcnabb, TE LJ Smith, and another year in the offense for WR Kevin Curtis spell more activity for someone not named Brian Westbrook. Another point to consider is the addition of RB Lorenzo Booker - who has looked very solid in minicamps thus far. He will likely be #2 and will spell Westy more often than Westy would like.

All this makes for a more productive Westbrook, but probably not with as high humbers as last year. I'd expect more yards per touch - but less touches. He still needs to be considered a top-5 back because he is just sooo explosive!

The only other real skill position issue will be at Tight End. TE LJ Smith is in yet another contract year. He will be playing off the 1-year franchise tender he signed this off-season. The Eagles are looking to extend him - but they also want to see what they have with TE Brent Celek. Expect Celek to work into a rotation. Former WR Michael Gasperson (a tall and solid target) has run out of options as receiver and has been moved to tight end. If he does not make his impression here, its the end of the line. He has the build to be a tough receiver, and punishing downfield blocker, but he needs to get his complete game together.

Next month, I'll work on carving out what is happening on defense, and also get you some updates of the battles and time-shares I mentioned above. Good Luck!