Andy Reid has drafted 18 interior linemen during his tenure with the Eagles, including two first-rounders in Shawn Andrews (2004) and Danny Watkins (2011). Generally, Reid has used the middle to late rounds when drafting guards and centers, sometimes hitting with guys who become decent contributors such as John Welbourn and Jason Kelce. But more often than not, he has taken guys like Trey Darilek, Scott Peters and John Romero.
Solid interior linemen can be found in the middle roundslike Jacksonville's Uche Nwaneri (fifth round), Minnesota's John Sullivan (sixth), and Kansas City's Jon Asamoah (third)so I don't blame Reid for not putting higher priority on the position.
Going into the 2012 draft the Eagles aren't hurting in this area. With Evan Mathis re-signed, and Kelce and Watkins getting a full preseason under their belts, the Birds look to be solid. Depth-wise they have 2011 pick Julian Vandervelde and then a whole lot of nothing. So depth is a concern, but not one that will require a high pick to meet.
The 2012 class of interior linemen is fairly deep, and if the Eagles wanted to draft for depth in the middle rounds, they should be able to find themselves a keeper.
1. David DeCastro, Stanford, OG
A devastating run blocker and a technician in pass blocking, DeCastro is the rare guard who is going warrant a Top 20 selection.
2. Cordy Glenn, Georgia, OGOT
A first-team All-SEC LT in 2011, Glenn (6-5345) could make the move to the right side in the NFL, or move inside and dominate. A middle-first round pick.
3. Peter Konz, Wisconsin, C
The best C in the class, Konz (6-5314) is a big guy who won't get pushed around. Should also be able to move to OG if needed. Should be gone by the end of the first round.
NFL
4. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State, OG
Perhaps the most athletically gifted player on this list, Osemele offers teams versatility to play both inside and out. Just needs the occasional kick in the pants. An early second-rounder.
5. Kevin Zeitler, Wiscosin, OG
Another big (6-4314) Badger, Zeitler isn't an elite athletic talent, but is just assignment-strong and technically excellent. Should be gone early in the second round.
6. Brandon Brooks, Miami (OH), OG
7. Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State, OG
8. Brandon Washington, Miami (FL), OG
9. Ben Jones, Georgia, C
10. Lucas Nix, Pittsburgh, OG
Two players to keep an eye on the middle rounds that might interest the Eagles and offensive line coach Howard Mudd are Washington's Senio Kelemete and Rutgers' Desmond Wynn. Both are on the lighter side and extremely mobile.
Jared Sherman has been providing CSNPhilly.com with draft analysis since 2000. E-mail him at feedback@firedforwinning.com and follow him on Twitter @Phillyjared.