Max Jean-Gilles is one of those young linemen patiently awaiting his opportunity.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2006, Jean-Gilles spent his rookie season developing. Not playing, of course, as the Eagles went with a fivesome all year that played outstanding football. Developing, as in practicing every day and then watching in street clothes on game days.

However, in 2007, the 6-foot-3, 358-pound lineman saw his first NFL action and late in the season earned his first career start against the Saints on the road in the Louisiana Superdome.

Starting in place of injured Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews, Jean-Gilles proved he was up to the task of playing against a New Orleans front line featuring former Eagles' run-stuffer Hollis Thomas. Jean-Gilles and the interior of the line neutralized the 300-pound tackle and paved the way for a ground game that racked up 184 rushing yards, including 100 yards by Brian Westbrook and a 20-yard touchdown run by Correll Buckhalter.

A day later, Jean-Gilles earned praise from head coach Andy Reid.

"He was dominant, just absolutely dominant, in the run game," Reid said. "The pass game, he started off slow and then he picked it up and really for three quarters there he was real smooth."

Against Dallas the previous week, Jean-Gilles was pressed into duty after Andrews left the game in the first quarter with an MCL sprain. Jean-Gilles played much of the game as the offense reached Dallas territory -- nine of 12 drives -- and came away frustrated and without points.

Jean-Gilles is an imposing force. He is blessed to have a physically-imposing body and coaches believe the sky's the limit.

"His future is pretty bright," said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. "He loves to play the game and he brings a little juice with him. He's a big, strong, athletic player."

Jean-Gilles served notice in training camp that he was ready to take the next step. He was involved in scuffles with defensive linemen on consecutive days. During one-on-one drills, he exchanged shoves and facemask grabs with LaJuan Ramsey and Trent Cole.

What's next for Jean-Gilles? He will get a shot at a starting job, likely at left guard against Todd Herremans. Remember, competition breeds a better offensive line.

- BOB KENT

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

Jean-Gilles got his chance, and he delivered. After a short stint against the Lions early in the year, Jean-Gilles dusted off the moth balls and filled in at right guard against Dallas and was pretty good. Then he was very good against New Orleans, playing the entire game.

I look for Jean-Gilles to report to the offseason conditioning program in good shape and then be in the best shape of his life in time for the post-draft minicamps. The door is ajar. Jean-Gilles is going to have a chance to make the big push to earn substantial playing time. Is he ready to make that leap?