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In what could be the Eagles’ anticipation of life without Jamaal Jackson, the Birds have signed former Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers center A.Q. Shipley.

Shipley was a seventh-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers last April, and was a guy I was really hoping the Eagles would target. Personally, I’m not a huge follower of NCAA football (mainly because I think the BCS is a joke), but I will watch PSU on occassion, and it’s difficult not to be impressed with this kid.

Simply put, he’s a guy who was built and bred to play on the offensive line. He’s a nasty guy who seems pissed off at the thought of a defensive lineman. He’s the kind of guy who, upon meeting him, you would steer clear of because he seems unstable.

Okay, I’ve never met the man personally, but watching him on the field that’s the vibe I get from him. He’s a Jon Runyan type of lineman who approaches the game with an intensity and nasty streak that is needed to survive and excel in this league.

Right now, none of the Eagles’ offensive linemen have that mentality. They’re all very laid back and are just there to do their jobs — which is fine, but every line needs at least one guy who gets a sick thrill out of knocking the snot out of someone.

Shipley is a guy who I believe could come in and instantly get looks at replacing Jamaal Jackson for the 2010 season, since it is highly unlikely that eight-nine months will be enough time for him to recover and take back his starting role. Expect the Eagles to target a center either in free agency or the draft, but Shipley will be given every opportunity to take the spot.

The Eagles have also resigned wide receivers Jordan Norwood and Dobson Collins. Both guys spent time on the Eagles’ practice squad in 2009 as rookies, with Norwood playing in one game.

Both could have a shot to find themselves on the active roster for 2010 if Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, or both, are handed their pinkslips.

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