Jamaal Jackson is the guy in the middle of the offense you don't hear much about. On a unit in which continuity and consistency are key, he makes it all work.

The team's best unit in 2006, the offensive line's play in 2007 could be characterized as up and down.

At times, the line was really good. When you look at the yards-per-carry averages of both Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter -- 4.8 and 5 yards respectively -- the line did its job in the running game. The line did a nice job creating space for both backs and paved the way for what was a Pro Bowl year turned in by Westbrook (1,333 yards rushing, 771 receiving).

Where the Eagles were not as good up front was in pass protection. While it's not fair to lay all the sacks and the pressure on the line, the unit has to shoulder some of the blame for the 49 sacks absorbed by Eagles quarterbacks as well as the offense's lack of success inside the red zone and a reduction in the number of explosive plays from the line of scrimmage.

You don't read much about Jackson. You don't really know what kind of job he's doing, other than to judge the statistics and the points scored by the offense. In 2007, the Eagles ranked 17th in points per game (21.0) but were in the top 10 in total offense (358.1 - 6th); rushing offense (123.4 - 8th); and passing offense (234.7 - 10th).

Prior to 2005, Jackson labored in obscurity, shuttling between injured reserve and the Eagles' practice squad for almost three seasons. Fast forward to present day and all of a sudden, he is a veteran player. He's played in 40 career games and has started all 40 of them. The Eagles have complete confidence in him.

At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, his combination of size, strength and overall athleticism allows him to lock onto defensive tackles and middle linebackers and not let them loose.

Jackson anchors the interior of an offensive line that has been a strength for the Eagles. Together with guards Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans, the trio gives the Eagles as physical a group as they have ever had from guard to guard.

- BOB KENT

NOTE: PhiladelphiaEagles.com will not profile players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.

I'm a big Jamaal Jackson fan. I think his combination of size, strength and quickness off the ball allows the Eagles to control the interior of the line of scrimmage, especially in the running game. He is a good pass blocker, too. Jackson has to figure out how to eliminate those troubling false-start penalties when he either A) raises his head and gets called for a penalty; or B) shifts the ball prior to snapping it. Why is he being called for penalties?

Otherwise, the Eagles are in good hands with Jackson at center. He has started all 40 of the games in which he has played and he has continued to progress.