Va. tackle reportedly to visit Eagles

Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe will make a pre-draft visit with the Eagles on Monday at the NovaCare Complex, a league source said yesterday.

Monroe's visit is a signal that the Eagles are at least considering an attempt to move into the top 10 picks of the first round. Both general manager Tom Heckert and coach Andy Reid said last week that they believe they have the trade ammunition needed to move to the top of the draft board. The Eagles have 12 picks, including the 21st and 28th overall selections in the first round.

Monroe, 6-foot-5 and 309 pounds, is considered by many draft experts to be the second-best offensive tackle in this year's draft behind Baylor's Jason Smith. It's impossible to find a mock draft that doesn't have Monroe being selected in the top 10.

According to NFL.com, the Eagles also have a visit scheduled with Alabama's Andre Smith at the NovaCare Complex.

Smith was once considered a top-five selection, but his stock has plummeted because of a series of events. First, he was suspended for the Crimson Tide's Sugar Bowl loss to Utah, reportedly because he had interaction with an agent. Then he showed up out of shape and did not work out at the NFL scouting combine. By many accounts, Smith did not quell concerns during his pro day workout at Alabama last month. If the Eagles want to take Smith, they may not have to move up the draft board at all.

Preseason debut. The Eagles announced yesterday that their preseason opener against the New England Patriots will be played on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. The game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field.

Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.