How Are The Next Two Weeks Shaping Up?

In a very short version, the next two weeks are huge. The Eagles leave for the Scouting Combine on Tuesday and will spend a week in Indianapolis observing the potential draft prospects and interviewing the players at the top of their lists. It is a critical time as the Eagles continue to manipulate their draft board and fine-tune the rankings they have already been hammering away at for months.

Additionally, the Eagles are making their last week of preparations for free agency, which begins on February 29. The internal plan is in place. The Eagles have evaluated the current roster, and they have graded every player who could hit the market in free agency.

DE Mike Mamula used the Combine to boost his draft stock in 1995

How much does the Combine affect player rankings? We all remember the story of Mike Mamula, the team's first-round draft pick in 1995. He wowed the league with his Combine workouts and parlayed his weekend of brilliance into a top-10 selection in the draft.

There have been others, of course, who have made impressive Combine appearances go a long way in the draft. The Eagles have to be careful to judge what they evaluated in the player's college career with what they see in the next week.

Then comes free agency. The Eagles are in good cap shape, right in the "middle of the pack," according to team president Joe Banner. There are a lot of teams with much more money to spend, so it could be difficult for the Eagles to acquire the prime free agents who hit the streets.

It promises to be an active offseason around the league. For Eagles fans, who have been waiting since the 2007 season ended on December 30, the wait is almost over. It's time for the Eagles' plan to come to fruition.