LeSean McCoy is a smaller back

Brian Westbrook is gone and McCoy will take over in 2010 as the team's starting running back. The question is whether he has the ability to produce the way Westbrook did. McCoy looked a bit pedestrian as a runner during his rookie season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry on 155 carries.

He was more effective as a receiver, with 40 receptions for 308 yards. At 5'10" and 198 pounds, LeSean McCoy is a smaller back, but he isn't a blazer and didn't produce many big plays as a rookie.

While he will receive the majority of the team's touches at the position, he will likely relinquish the short-yardage work to Mike Bell or Leonard Weaver, which limits his upside.

In addition, look for Bell and Weaver to be used late in games when the Eagles are looking to close out the contest. McCoy figures to have a solid season, but there is a good chance he will be drafted higher than he should be. Keep him on your radar, but don't overpay for a player who will likely be an upper-tier fantasy backup at season's end.

 
After struggling a bit in this morning's practice, Kevin Kolb put together a few nice plays in a row, getting rid of the ball quickly to Brent Celek over the middle and LeSean McCoy in the left flat.  The Eagles running back showed off his pass catching skills in this morning's practice, hauling one in over the middle of the field as well.

Riley Cooper continued to make big plays down the field, catching a bomb from Kolb.  That said, the defense didn't seem to be pushing too aggressively in what really seemed to be more of a walkthrough than a practice.  Still, that didn't stop the fans from saluting their newest training camp hero with a round of cheers.

During positional drills, the defensive line worked on dropping back into coverage, with Brandon Graham getting a good amount of one-on-one coaching.  Moise Fokou was in the group as well, and should he see playing time as a defensive end, his ability to drop back into coverage will allow the Birds to cover up their defensive schemes even more by confusing quarterbacks at the line of scrimmage.

Head coach Andy Reid seems to like the concept of lining Fokou up with a hand in the dirt, "He's a real good pass rusher, so we knew that coming in. He was that in college, and I think he had six sacks or something his senior year. So, he knows how to rush the passer and we want to give him an opportunity to do that."  Reid said that Fokou would most likely be used as a pass rusher only in Nickel situations.

Jeremy Maclin starts opposite Jackson, and while he isn't as dynamic, he has the talent to become one of the league's top No. 2 receivers in short order. Jason Avant is the team's third wide receiver but could start for many other teams in the league. Although he isn't a burner, Avant has a knack for getting open, and he doesn't drop many balls.

Brent Celek had an outstanding season in 2009, emerging as one of the league's top pass-catching tight ends. He was a favorite of McNabb's in the red zone and was Kolb's favorite target during his two starts last season. The Eagles are expecting another big season from Celek in 2010.

The running load will be handled mostly by second-year player LeSean McCoy. McCoy had a decent rookie season, and the team hopes he can take another step forward and match former Eagle Brian Westbrook's production.

While McCoy is a decent prospect, that expectation may be a bit of stretch, particularly in 2010. Mike Bell and Leonard Weaver will back up McCoy. Both players are big backs who like to run between the tackles.

While the Eagles are loaded on offense, the defense has more question marks. Other than defensive end Trent Cole and cornerback Asante Samuel, the team lacks playmakers on defense. Some would even dispute Samuel's reputation as a top defender, given his propensity for getting burned due to his frequent gambles for big plays and his poor tackling ability.

The Eagles shouldn't be considered a rebuilding team, nor are they truly in a reloading phase in 2010. While expectations in Philadelphia are high, it is worth noting that first-year starters at quarterback often struggle to close out games. In a division as competitive as the NFC East, blowing even a single game can translate into the loss of a playoff spot.