July 3, 2008

Nearly a third of the Eagles’ completions were to running backs last season, and that number could actually go up with the addition of Lorenzo Booker. And the tight ends are sure to play a bigger role with L.J. Smith expected to be healthy and providing more of an impact on the passing offense. So where does that leave the wideouts? Well, Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are expected to remain the starters, and rookie DeSean Jackson is guaranteed a roster spot, likely as a returner and slot receiver. But we hear that the Eagles have plans for their three other veteran receivers — Jason Avant, Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis. Avant won the No. 3 job last season but was bothered by a hernia season-long and never took the step forward the coaches had expected, but he’s a player they remain high on. Baskett has flashed big-play potential and has the size to play every WR spot, and Lewis finds a way to keep hanging on. It’s possible that the coaches opt to keep six wideouts, figuring that Jackson’s and Baskett’s special-teams value (Baskett is one of the team’s best coverage guys) would allow them to do so. Playing Booker and Brian Westbrook in the same backfield together, as the Eagles say they could do, might cut into the other receivers’ time. But don’t rule out Avant, Baskett and Lewis all making the team and having legitimately defined roles.