Eagles Quarerback Kevin Kolb Gets Max Protection

With the NFL Draft set for its new primetime debut next Thursday night, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to tweak their roster, today signing guard Max Jean-Gilles to a one-year contract. Jean-Gilles had been a restricted free agent.

Originally a fourth round draft choice of the Eagles in 2006 out of Georgia, Jean-Gilles (6'3", 358 lbs.) has appeared in 29 career regular season games, including 16 starts. The 26-year-old played in 14 games in 2009 (including playoffs), starting six contests at right guard.

Jean-Gilles’ signing comes on the heels of last week’s signing of free agent guard/center Nick Cole to his one-year tender. With starting center Jamaal Jackson rehabbing from knee surgery, Cole’s value increases tremendously as a reserve center, left guard, and right guard.

Philadelphia will probably use several of their draft picks next week to grab some offensive line help.

The Eagles have now re-signed eight of the nine restricted free agents to which they tendered offers, leaving punter Sav Rocca as the only free agent yet to re-sign.

By the way, as far as next Thursday’s draft is concerned, Philadelphia has a total of 11 draft choices, including the 24th overall pick in the first round and the fifth pick in the second round.

In addition, the team owns another second-round pick, a pair of third-round picks and fourth-round picks, selections in rounds five and six, and two picks in the seventh round.

2010 Eagles Draft Picks

Round (Overall)-Notes

1. (24)-Own Pick

2. (37)-Acquired from Washington for QB Donovan McNabb

2. (55)-Own Pick

3. (70)-Acquired from Seattle in 2009 draft day trade

3. (87)-Own Pick

4. (105)-Acquired from Cleveland along with LB Alex Hall for CB Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong

4. (112)-Own Pick

5. (137)-Acquired from Cleveland along with LB Alex Hall for CB Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong

6. (200)-Acquired from Indianapolis in 2009 draft day trade

7. (243)-Compensatory Pick

7. (244)-Compensatory Pick