As the team's off-season conditioning program kicks into another gear Monday with the entire team reporting, the intensity of the offseason increases and the players push themselves. From this point forward, the leisure time dwindles significantly. The players understand they are sharing a locker room with threats to their jobs, to their paychecks.

What happens very quickly here is a ramping up of the conditioning, then the NFL draft, then the post-draft mini-camp and then passing camps and rookie camps and, after a breath, training camp and the season.

Those who benefit the most are the players who approach each day the right way and push themselves to the limit. And then, of course, the players in their second seasons are going to feel the difference immediately, if they haven't felt it already. So for the purpose of having a conversation, let's talk about how the sophomore Eagles could progress for year two ...

Kevin Kolb, QB: He looks so relaxed, in such good shape and Kolb is going through an entirely different process now than he experienced a year ago. Kolb was ferried around the country last year for workouts and tests and visits. It was a trying time. But a year has done wonders. Kolb is in a system he now knows. He is physically stronger, mentally more relaxed and prepared to move up the depth chart behind Donovan McNabb. Kolb is going to get a lot of reps and the Eagles want to see him take steps forward in the offense. I don't expect Kolb to make McNabb feel uneasy or anything, but having Kolb play well in the months ahead will provide the Eagles great comfort knowing they have such a deep quarterback picture.

Victor Abiamiri, DE: The playing time is there for Abiamiri. He has been a regular at the NovaCare Complex already and he looks great. Who starts at left defensive end? It could be Juqua Parker, it could be Chris Clemons and it could be Abiamiri. Abiamiri is working on his technique, the way he uses his hands and his leverage. He needs to show improvement as a pass rusher to earn more playing time. It's as cut and dried as that for Abiamiri.

Stewart Bradley, LB:  He is one of the key young players on this team. We've discussed Bradley before, and the question is he how responds to the opportunity for playing time. Bradley has a great work ethic and all the tools. He has a chance to be a starter at one of the linebacker positions, and Bradley is taking all the necessary steps to make sure he does the right thing in the offseason. The kid works hard, he has the smarts and the right attitude and he is pushing himself every day.

Tony Hunt, RB: Hunt is down five pounds, to 227 pounds, and that is a good start after a rookie season in which he played very little. Hunt has a challenge in front of him, no question. I want to see some quickness and some explosion from him in the summer, and having trimmed five pounds off his frame is a strong way to begin his second season.

Brent Celek, TE:  Suddenly, the tight end position is crowded. Kris Wilson gives the Eagles four tight ends who have NFL experience. Celek needs to add some muscle and continue to work on his speed and he is well on his way. Strange but true: Celek was not invited to the NFL combine, so he took the circuitous route to the league. Now he is settled, he is in the offense and he is being counted on for big things this year. Watch Celek make big strides in this offseason.

Akeem Jordan, LB: His late-season playing time impressed the Eagles, as has his diligence in the offseason workouts. Jordan is a major player on defense right now, so adding a couple of pounds, working on his strength and lateral quickness and improving his coverage angles and his understanding of Jim Johnson's defense are the areas he has to work on now.

Nick Graham, CB: What kind of upside does he have? The Eagles gave Graham a taste last year, but do they know enough about him to give him more playing time this year? Graham is going to push for playing time, but the cornerback situation is unsettled in a big way. Graham is a prospect I enjoyed watching in training camp last year. He isn't the biggest cornerback around, but he has a tenacity I like and he breaks well on the ball and he is fearless.