This week, Don Banks of Sports Illustrated explains what the Eagles’ approach to the off-season has meant and what the Eagles will do in the draft …
"The Eagles’ off-season has been led by the Darren Howard signing. I think that was a smart move. I think that’s the kind of player you want in free agency - young, already proven to some degree, productive, and yet still a lot of upside. The idea around the league on him is that he’s a guy who may have been in a situation that wasn’t perfect for him and the environment in Philadelphia might be.

RB Brian Westbrook is one of the starters returning in 2006 
"I think the addition by subtraction of having Terrell Owens’ situation finally being dealt with. I think the Eagles are well positioned within the division, actually. I expect the Giants and the Redskins, perhaps, to take a little bit of a step back. I think maybe they both overachieved in 2005.

"The fact that the Eagles didn’t panic, didn’t blow up their model, didn’t blow up their equation is a sign that, much like a team like Pittsburgh, they can endure a tough year or two and still keep things in place and at least knock on that door. I expect the Eagles to be back in playoff contention in 2006.

"I see a team with 21 of 22 starters from last year signed for this year. I look at them and don’t believe the Eagles needed to come into the off-season and re-load. That team needed to get past a year where nothing went right for them.

"In the draft, I think Andy Reid will hold true to form and address the offensive or defensive lines at the top of the day. Reid always looks to build those lines first. I think he’s a man who doesn’t deviate too much from his philosophy.

"He has reason to remain consistent. The Eagles have always had the free-agent philosophy that they are not going on a shopping spree. They try to stick to their model, and I agree with that approach."