Chip Kelly had Odell Beckham No. 1 on draft board in 2014
It appears that Philadelphia Eagles coach liked wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. heading into last year’s draft.
In 2014, New York Giants rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham made many plays that left others in awe. It turns out that Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly isn’t surprised that Beckham had an outstanding rookie season.
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In fact, Kelly and the Eagles had Beckham No. 1 on their draft board heading into the draft last year.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, they were picking all the way down at No. 22 while their division rivals the New York Giants were able to grab Beckham at No. 12.
Via ProFootballTalk, the Eagles considered moving up but Chip Kelly doesn’t like giving a lot up to move up in the draft.
"“I said it a year ago: I thought Odell Beckham was the best player in the draft. I was right. We didn’t have a chance to get Odell Beckham, but a lot of it depends on where you’re selecting,” Kelly said.Asked if he was disappointed not to get Beckham last year, Kelly noted that last year, Howie Roseman had final say in the draft room.“I didn’t have final say so, I mean, you always defer to who’s in charge,” Kelly said."
Now that Roseman is gone, Chip Kelly has complete control to the run the Eagles as he sees fit. Perhaps if Kelly sees another talent comparable to Beckham, the Eagles might move up in the draft.
Many have speculated that the Eagles could move up to grab Kelly’s college quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Eagles acquired quarterback Sam Bradford from the Rams and appear to look at him as the guy however.
The Eagles have been stealing all the headlines this off-season with Kelly’s bold moves. When April arrives, it won’t be surprising to see Kelly make another one at the draft.
[H/T: ProFootballTalk]
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