Andrews Eagles' No. 1 Target April 24, 2004 By DAVID MURPHY As usual, the pre-draft speculation surrounding the Eagles' first-round pick centered primarily on skill position players. From Oregon State running back Steven Jackson to Virginia Tech running back Kevin Jones to Louisiana State wide receiver Michael Clayton, the popular picks among media and fans were the usual suspects: running backs, receivers, linebackers and cornerbacks. So when NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue strode to his Madison Square Garden podium and for the second straight year announced that the Eagles had traded their first and second round picks to move up into the middle of the first round, an excited cheer arose from Philadelphia fans that had made the trip to New York. Unlike last year, however, when the Eagles nabbed Miami defensive end Jerome McDougle at No. 15, the pick wasn't incredibly sexy. Unless, that is, you consider a 6-foot-4, 345-pound offensive tackle sexy. "We're talking about an explosive guy who is big, strong and is light on his feet," Vice President of Player Personnel Tom Heckert said of the team's selection, Arkansas lineman Shawn Andrews. "On the offensive line, it's rare to find a guy like that. We had this guy rated way up there as a player." The draft pick is an interesting one on a number of levels. Though Williams can play guard and will likely see time there, his primary position is tackle. The Eagles, of course, have a lot of money invested in the tackles that they already have. Left tackle Tra Thomas and right tackle Jon Runyan have started together for four seasons, but head coach Andy Reid would not rule out having them compete for a job in training camp. "He'll (Andrews) be given an opportunity to compete," said Reid. The pick comes on the heels of a small controversy involving current Eagles guard John Welbourn, who last week went public with his desire for a new contract. Welbourn is currently signed through 2008, having inked a contract extension in 2001. If he does not get a new contract, Welbourn has said he would like to be traded. What will happen involving that situation remains to be seen. For now, the Eagles seem content to give themselves options up front. "What's important is that you give yourself an opportunity to get yourself a top-quality player," said Reid. Andrews was rated by most scouts and draft analysts as being the second-best offensive lineman available. In a relatively weak draft for linemen, the Eagles took their opportunity to pounce, trading the 28th and 58th picks to the 49ers in exchange for the 16th pick. The big knock against Andrews leading up to the draft was his weight problems. After playing most of his career between 335 and 345 pounds, the tackle gained weight toward the end of his junior season after going on a medication to correct a nasal problem. In the offseason, as he took a break from football, he continued to put on pounds. Some pre-draft publications had him listed as heavy as 373 pounds. Andrews currently says he weighs 345 pounds. Reid is convinced he can stay that way. "I had a long talk with his coach," said Reid. "The coach said that this year is the first year he had a problem with his weight. It got a little high this season, but he has kept it under control and is back down to where he was the year before. I came out feeling great about him." In the early 1990's, the Eagles had a history of drafting busts along the offensive line. From 1991-94, they selected three offensive linemen -- Antone Davis, Lester Holmes and Bernard Williams -- in the first round. All three failed to live up to their potential. In 1996, the Eagles selected Jermane Mayberry with the 25th overall pick. Two years later, they drafted Tra Thomas with the 11th overall pick. Both are still starters on the team. The Eagles hope Andrews will take Mayberry and Thomas' path rather than their three predecessors. For now, Andrews will work behind Runyan and Thomas while also taking reps at guard. Coincidentally, Andrews steps into a void left by former college teammate Bobbie Williams, who signed with Cincinnati. With Mayberry returning from a season-ending injury and guard/tackle Artis Hicks having signed a new contract extension, the Eagles should have good depth up front.