L.J. Smith

Smith was hurt season, experiencing groin and knee injuries that forced him to miss six games. He caught a career-low 22 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown. If healthy, Smith, who has been an attractive red-zone target for quarterback Donovan McNabb, should resume his role as the team's starting tight end. He's among the position's leaders in targets inside to 20-, 10- and 5-yard line the last three years.

Smith is above average at the position and enters the final year of his contract after declining an extension offer at the end of last season. It looks like Smith is hoping for a big-money payday for 2008. As free-market capitalists, we’re big fans of Smith’s potential this year. His 18 red-zone targets were third among tight ends last season, and he scored five touchdowns, two more than in 2005, though his yardage numbers dropped slightly on 11 less catches. Smith’s production will also depend in large part on quarterback Donovan McNabb’s health.

One of the best athletes at the position, Smith was ninth among tight ends with 61 receptions and eighth with 682 yards (42.6 YPG, one 100-yard game) in 2005. His strong start turned after QB Donovan McNabb went down for the season, as Smith caught just 12 passes in the season’s final six games. With a healthy McNabb expected back, the Eagles tendency to throw the ball often and a very shaky receiving corps with which to compete for targets, Smith should provide consistent production all season long in ’06.

The Eagles have featured both Smith and Chad Lewis for the last two seasons, but things will change in 2005 as Lewis is injured and unsigned. Smith, who is coming off back surgery, will be the team’s No. 1 tight end and could be the next tight end to break out. His development has been slowed by injuries during his first two seasons, so health is our only concern, not his ability. Quarterback Donovan McNabb likes to spread the love, as Smith and Lewis combined for eight touchdowns last season. The Terrell Owens holdout situation looms. Smith will benefit greatly if it isn’t resolved.

Smith will likely begin the season as Chad Lewis’ backup, but it’s clear there is a shift going on in Philadelphia. Smith caught more passes for more yards than Lewis in 2003, but Lewis will around in 2004 to keep Smith’s numbers from increasing too much. The acquisition of Terrell Owens on the outside should open up things in the middle, however.

Smith will start the season as the back up to veteran Ched Lewis. Smith has excellent receiving skills and with his speed he can get down field and gain separation from linebackers. Smith will need to refine his blocking skills and learn the West Coast offense before becoming a major contributor.