The Philadelphia Eagles have solidified four of their five starting offensive line positions.
This off-season, the Eagles released both of their starting guards from the 2014 season. The aging right guard Todd Herremans was let go by the team in late February. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts soon after his release. Also, the disgruntled left guard Evan Mathis was cut by the team in June after a long contract dispute with the organization. He has yet to sign with an NFL team.
At left guard, the Eagles have replaced Mathis with do-it-all offensive lineman Allen Barbre. Barbre is best-known for his performance in replace of the then-injured Jason Peters during a 2013 Week 10 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Thus, the Eagles have all-pro Jason Peters starting at left tackle. Pro-bowl center Jason Kelce returns for his fifth year. Pro-bowl caliber Lane Johnson is projected to start at right tackle. Lastly, The aforementioned Barbre is expected to be the team's starting left guard.
The question still remains as to who will start at right guard for the Eagles in 2015.
Third-year offensive lineman Matt Tobin seemed to be the incumbent starter heading into this year's training camp. However, Tobin hasn't proved to coaches that he is the definitive starter after more than a week of training camp. Tobin understands that he wasn't going to just be handed the job.
"They told us they were going to give everybody a shot, so that's the way it goes," said Tobin. "I do believe everybody deserves a shot."
As Tobin alluded to, many different options were given a shot with the first-team over the past few practices. Andrew Gardner started the final six games of the regular season at right guard for the Eagles in 2014. Gardner received high praise from Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
"He's a very trustworthy guy," Shurmur said. "He sticks on blocks, and I think that's one of the things he does well. If he gets his hand on you, typically it's hard for a defender to come off. He's got some experience, so it's not surprising to us that he would go in there and do a good job."
A dark-horse candidate for the right guard position is undrafted rookie Malcolm Bunche out of UCLA. Bunche received a vote of confidence from Eagles head coach Chip Kelly during a press conference earlier last week.
"He's a big, physical, strong run-blocking guy," Kelly said. "But he does have a good base a good base and knowledge in the passing game." He continued to describe Bunche as a "guy to keep an eye on."
The 6"6', 320-pound lineman declined offers from other teams because he grew up as a fan of the Eagles. Also, the Newark, Delaware native's father was drafted by the Eagles in 1979.Bunche says he wanted to play for the team he grew up cheering for as a kid.
"Denver, Miami, Green Bay and others called me," Bunche said. "But I wanted to come to the Eagles. I'm from Newark, and my dad was drafted by the Eagles. This is my hometown team. Nothing against those other teams, but this is home for me."
"We have yet to play a preseason game, so we've got a long way to go here," said Kelly.
Whether it be Tobin, Gardner, Bunche or somebody else, the Eagles will have to thrust someone into the starting right guard position by the time they play the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football during week one of the regular season.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or on Twitter @Michael_Malia.
