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Felix Jones Signs One-Year Deal with Philadelphia Eagles

Josh Hill — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:03:00 +0000

Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones (28) runs the ball against Philadelphia Eagles safety Nate Allen (29) during the game at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 38-33. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Chip Kelly has a new toy to play with in his offense this season. After searching for key skill position players to fill out the roster, the Philadelphia Eagles have reached a one-year agreement with former Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones.

Former Cowboys running back Felix Jones reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 14, 2013

A former first-round draft pick for the Cowboys backs in 2008, Jones spent his entire career in Dallas before losing the starting job to DeMarco Murray after suffering an injury in 2011. Jones then missed the entire 2012 season with an injury and it was this injury that likely meant the end of him with the Cowboys.

But while his Cowboys career is over, Jones’ NFL career continues in the NFC East with Chip Kelly’s Eagles squad. The curtains are still up when it comes to what Kelly’s offense will look like, but one thing we all assume is he’ll need speedy skill players to make it work. Jones fits the bill in the regard and his gig with the Eagles will give him a chance to make the Cowboys pay twice a year for letting him go.

The deal is just for one season which gives Jones even more motivation to perform at a high level in 2013 as a nice contract could be waiting for him at the end of the season if he excels with his new team.

Donovan McNabb to Retire As Member of Philadelphia Eagles

Josh Sanchez — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:52 +0000

Feb 1, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb is interviewed on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl XLVI media center at the J.W. Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan McNabb last made an appearance in the NFL as the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings before the team handed over the offense to Christian Ponder and now he has finally decided to call it quits. McNabb was out of football for a year and on Monday he announced his retirement during his radio show on NBC Sports Radio.

McNabb finished his career playing a year with the Vikings and a year with the Washington Redskins, but he will always be remembered as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Because of that, McNabb will be retiring as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles later this year.

According to Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles have suggested that McNabb officially announce his retirement when former head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs come to town on September 19th — Week 3 of the season.

McNabb holds nearly every significant Eagles passing record and he had a 92-49-1 record as a starter, which included five NFC championships.

For McNabb, it is only right for him to retire in Philly.

Michael Vick Expected to Be Philadelphia Eagles Starter Week 1

Josh Hill — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:50:28 +0000

Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

There is a quarterback competition brewing in Philadelphia but it may end up all being an invention of the media. After a terrible 2012 campaign saw Micheal Vick supplanted by Nick Foles and with the addition of Chip Kelly as the new head coach, the belief heading into Eagles camp was that Michael Vick would be fighting for his job. But according to Philadelphia Inquirer beat reporter Jeff McLane, Vick took first snaps at OTA’s on Monday and if you pay attention to what’s unfolding you’ll see that Vick is likely going to be the quarterback Week 1.

Michael Vick was the QB.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 13, 2013

Michael Vick still has the most zip on his passes.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 13, 2013

Unless he suffers some kind of epic setback — which to be fair isn’t out of the question– it’s looking like rather than having to fight for his job, the starting gig in Philly is Vick’s to lose. But while he’s the clear frontrunner to grab the starting job Week 1, there are a million branching questions and annotations to that assessment.

For starters, if Vick wins the starting job who long will the honeymoon last? Vick started last season but lost the job after he helped sink the Eagles season and contribute to Andy Reid losing his job as head coach. And even though he’s leading the pack now, based on his performance over the last two seasons nothing is certain or promised with Vick and consistency is something he’s struggled with.

So while Vick is being penciled in as the starter and the competition looks to be overblown, there’s not a whole lot of starting jobs as shaky as Vick’s at the moment and most quarterback controversies don’t have the talent in terms of competition that Vick is dealing with.

Matt Barkley Could “Get The Nod” As Philadelphia Eagles Starter in 2013

Josh Hill — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:31:00 +0000

May 10, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles fourth round draft pick quarterback Matt Barkley (2) addresses the media during rookie minicamp at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

When the first two days of the NFL Draft concluded with USC quarterback Matt Barkley still on the board, a lot was made about how he must not have what it takes to be a top-notch NFL quarterback. While the jury is still out on the former Trojans’ captain when it comes to how he’ll be remembered as an NFL quarterback, the Philadelphia Inquirer believes Barkley could “get the nod” as the Eagles starter in 2013.

If the competition is close, Barkley could get the nod. As Seattle showed with Wilson, what would be the point in delaying the future?

Now, it’s a bit brash to suggest Barkley will start on the first day of the season, but Inquirer writer Jeff McLane might be on to something when he compares Barkley’s situation’s with that of Tom Brady’s.

Brady wasn’t the starter in his first season, in fact he started the season as the fourth string quarterback. But by season’s end he was Drew Bledsoe’s backup and after Bledsoe suffered an injury against the New York Jets the next season, we all know what happened next. Barkley may not start the season under center but it’s very likely that he can work his way up the depth chart and put himself in a position to start later on in the 2013 season if Micheal Vick falls back into his struggling ways.

It’s not unrealistic to believe that Vick will struggle and Nick Foles may end up struggling as well. If Barkley can improve this summer at Eagles camp, he could end up beating Foles out of the backup job or at the very least, put enough pressure on him that when the time comes it’s Barkley that shines through and not Foles, assuming he’s even still on the team and hasn’t been traded at that point.

Barkley is an interesting case to watch this summer, and while it’s a long shot to call him the starter when the season kicks off, don’t sleep on the notion that he could hit the field before the Eagles season is over.

Matt Barkley Ready to Complete For Philadelphia Eagles Starting QB Job

Josh Sanchez — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:00:02 +0000

Former USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley went from being considered a first round NFL Draft prospect to falling in to the fourth round on draft day. While it was disappointing, Barkley is using that draft day slide as motivation moving forward to prove all of the teams that passed on him wrong. Barkley now has a chip on his shoulder and he has come in to rookie minicamps ready to work and make an impact.

There were some doubters that voiced their opinion once Barkley was selected by Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles because of the perceived style of offense Kelly runs. Barkley is not a mobile thrower, so they viewed him as a poor fit to the season.

For Barkley, he feels that he is able to adapt in to any scheme and find a way to make it work.

“You know, I’ll make it fit,” Barkley said, via CSNPhilly.com. “It doesn’t matter what plays we run, I’m going to find a way to help this team out, and I know Coach Kelly has a way of working things out as well in terms of how he schemes and how he calls plays, so I’m not worried. I’m just worried about the here and now and what I can do right now.”

Barkley is actually a much better fit in Kelly’s offense than people realize.

Kelly doesn’t need a signal-caller that is running all over the field and running the read-option. What he needs is a smart quarterback that is able to think and make decisions fast, while making quick and accurate throws. That is Barkley in a nut shell.

The former Oregon head coach is very familiar with Barkley during their time going against each other in the Pac-12 in college. If Kelly didn’t think Barkley could succeed in his scheme, he wouldn’t have made the pick.

Not only does Barkley think that he can make it work in Kelly’s system, but he is ready to compete for a starting job right away.

“I’ll get to know those guys, and I’m sure from what I’ve heard they are outstanding men, but you come in knowing that you have a job and they’re trying to take that job as well, so it’s competition, you know. Competing is what it’s all about,” Barkley said.

It may take awhile for Barkley to beat out Michael Vick and Nick Foles for the starting job, but he certainly has the skill set and determination to do so further down the road.

Philadelphia Eagles News: Michael Vick Running First-Team Offense

Josh Sanchez — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:14:54 +0000

May 22, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) is interviewed after practice during organized team activities at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Early in the offseason workouts, Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Michael Vick and Nick Foles were splitting first-team reps, but as the time goes by in Chip Kelly’s new offense, one player is emerging from the group. According to Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, Vick has been receiving the first-team reps with Foles getting a little action on the side.

Per Tim McManus, Eagles beat reporter for 97.5 The Fanatic and Philly Mag:

Maclin says Vick is running with first team, Foles sprinkled in here and there.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) May 9, 201

Maclin also seemed excited for rookie quarterback Matt Barkley, who has yet to sign with the team.

“You look at a guy like Mike Vick who has proven himself in this league, a guy like Nick Foles who stepped in last year and had some success to a certain extent. Barkley’s college achievements are off the wall, so he has good guys to learn from,” said Maclin, via Philly Mag (Eagles 24/7). “I’m sure he is going to have to embrace that. He’s going to go through some ups and downs being a rookie quarterback. But as far as the competition, if there is a competition, if there isn’t, I don’t get caught up in that.”

For the other quarterback in the mix, Dennis Dixon, don’t expect too much from him. It would be a surprise at this point if Kelly’s former college quarterback made the final roster cut.

As the quarterback competition continues to work itself out, look for more and more reports saying that Vick will be Kelly’s guy.

Philadelphia Eagles Sign Four Draft Picks

Josh Sanchez — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:45:34 +0000

November 24, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins cornerback Sheldon Price (22) looks on as Stanford Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz (86) catches a pass in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Stanford won 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

With the multiple announcements around the league of 2013 NFL draftees reaching agreements for their rookie contracts, the Philadelphia Eagles decided to join the mix with the signing of four members of their 2013 draft class.

The Eagles announced the official signings of Stanford tight end Zach Ertz (second-round), North Carolina State safety Earl Wolff (fifth-round), Utah Utes defensive end Joe Kruger (seventh-round), Oregon State cornerback Jordan Poyer (seventh-round) and Oklahoma defensive end David King (seventh-round).

That leaves the Eagles with just three unsigned draft picks — Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson (first-round), LSU defensive tackle Bennie Logan (third-round) and USC quarterback Matt Barkley (fourth-round).

Out of the four players who were signed, Ertz is the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Wolff and Poyer will focus their attention on special teams during their rookie seasons, while defensive linemen Kruger and King look to work their way in to the defensive rotation, which will be no easy task. Third-rounder Bennie Logan is much more likely to find his way in to the lineup in his first NFL season.

Michael Vick Taunts LeSean McCoy After Beating Him in 40-Yard Dash

Josh Hill — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:09:41 +0000

Sept. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) hands off to running back LeSean McCoy (25) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Last season wasn’t the best of seasons for Michael Vick. After returning to the scene in 2010, Vick fell off the map and eventually lost the starting job in 2012 to Nick Foles. But despite the rough season last year, the Eagles brought Vick back and he might factor into Chip Kelly’s new an innovative offense in Philadelphia.

Vick boosted his chances of being involved in the speedy offense by beating running back LeSean McCoy in a 40-yard race on Thursday. Apparently LeSean McCoy joked about Vick’s age and called him old, so the quarterback’s response was to beat his running back in a race “by a few yards”.

So today at the field 1 of my teammates called me old & bagged to race me in the 40yd dash. Anybody want to guess which player? #BirdGang

— Mike Vick (@MikeVick) May 2, 2013

Beat him by a few yards too lol #SpeedKILLS

— Mike Vick (@MikeVick) May 2, 2013

Love you Lil bro @cutondime25

Philadelphia Eagles 2013 Undrafted Free Agents

Josh Sanchez — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:40:07 +0000

Sep 29, 2012; West Point, NY, USA; Stony Brook Seawolves running back Miguel Maysonet (5) celebrates with Marcus Coker (34) after running for a touchdown at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft is complete, but that does not mean a number of talented players are still available to be had. Every year, the players who were not selected in the draft will still have an opportunity to contribute and make a NFL roster thanks to the undrafted free agency process.

There have been stars all around the league that emerge from the undrafted free agent ranks and this year will be no different.

Who did the Philadelphia Eagles bring in as an undrafted free agent? Here is the list (alphabetical order by last name):

Jake Knott, LB, Iowa State
Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook
Kyle Quinn, C, Arizona
Isaac Remington, DT, Oregon
Russell Shepard, WR, LSU
Damion Square, DL, Alabama
Matt Tobin, OL, Iowa
Matthew Tucker, RB, TCU
Brad Wing, P, LSU

All of the players will have an uphill battle if they hope to make the Eagles roster, but you can never count these motivated players out. Remember, current NFL starters like Arian Foster, Tony Romo and Wes Welker have all emerged from the UDFA ranks.

NOTE: Lists of undrafted free agents have been put together by gathering info from multiple media sources around the Internet, including NEPatriotsDraft.com.

2013 NFL Draft Grades: Philadelphia Eagles

Josh Hill — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:15:42 +0000

Apr 26, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman offensive tackle Lane Johnsonwith (Oklahoma) the fourth overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft and head coach Chip Kelly pose for a photo during a press conference at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now it’s time for some reflection. While some teams traded around to get who they want, others stood pat to see who would slide to them — and if there’s one thing to remember about this draft it’s players that slid around the rounds. But now that the draft is behind us, the all important grading phase has begun, so lets take a look at how the Philadelphia Eagles did in this year’s NFL Draft.

Draft Picks

(4) Lane Johnson, ot, Oklahoma
(35) Zach Ertz, te, Stanford
(67) Bennie Logan, dt, LSU
(98) Matt Barkley, qb, Southern Cal
(136) Earl Wolff, db, N.C. State
(212) Joe Kruger, de, Utah
(218) Jordan Poyer, db, Oregon State
(239) David King, db, Oklahoma.

Best Pick: Zach Ertz, TE/Stanford

Ertz isn’t a blocking tight end, so many people are suggesting he may be a mismatch in Chip Kelly’s new system. But the only mismatch he’ll be is when defenses don’t know what to do when he’s lined up in the backfield. He’s a smart, big tight end who will be used in every way imaginable by Kelly.

Worst Pick: Matt Barkley, QB/USC

It’s not that I hate Barkley, it’s I hate how the Eagle bought into the hype and drafted him. Nothing he did at USC suggested he’d fit in Chip Kelly’s system and he’s going to be project according to his scouting report. If you draft a project, at least draft a guy who will eventually fit your system. Barkley seems like a guy Kelly would use if his system fails, and that’s a bad look.

Analysis: I actually really like the Eagles draft, and I have to eat my words about Kelly not being able to handle the draft. He didn’t go for the popular picks, he grabbed guys that can work in his system. Guys like Ertz can boost the defense and Jordan Poyer may end up being one of the best players to come out of this class. It wasn’t a glowing success but the Eagles are off to a great start after this draft.

2013 Draft Grade: B

Will the Kansas City Chiefs Trade for Nick Foles?

Josh Hill — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:24:01 +0000

Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) runs off the field after pre game warm ups before game against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the biggest name still on the board to start the 2013 NFL Draft’s third day was USC captain and quarterback Matt Barkley. He reportedly heard he wasn’t going to be on the board long and that turned out to be true as the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to get him with the 98th overall pick. But while this is great news for Barkley, the question becomes what will Chip Kelly do with the Eagles new third wheel Nick Foles?

There had been speculation as far back as Chip Kelly’s hiring in Philly that old Eagles coach and new Chiefs general Any Reid was interested in trading for Foles. Reid hand picked Foles while he was still with the Eagles and actually had some late season success with him under center. A last second win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sticks out, as does a near upset of the Washington Redskins, one that would have knocked them out of the playoffs.

But now that Reid is in Kansas City, the question is who will be the quarterback after Alex Smith is done there? Kansas City gave up a lot to get Smith, and it’s obvious after his situation in San Francisco that he’d be wildly uncomfortable if his new team acquired a young quarterback and put him in the exact Kaepernick-style conundrum he was in last season.

So, as Reverend Lovejoy of The Simpsons fame says, the short answer on Foles to the Eagles is no with a but, and the long answer is yes with a but.

Nevertheless, it’s going to be something that is floated out there and will be out there until something happens with Foles. It’s obvious that he won’t be the starter this year, but it’s also no certainty that he’ll be traded before the season starts. Chip Kelly is going to want to run every quarterback he can through his system before puling the plug on any of them, and Foles has no real trade value for this year’s draft so there is no rush to move him.

Yahoo! Sports’ Jason Cole noted that much like Mark Sanchez, Foles will be shopped, teams will make offers but no trades will be made until later this summer at the earliest.

Like Sanchez with NYJ, Foles stays for now. But expect several teams to express interest during offseason, TC.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) April 27, 2013

It’s going to be interesting to see where Foles ends up, as he showed some real flashes of talent while with the Eagles. He could very well win the heart of Chip Kelly and become the starter that works best in this new system, but there is a lot of time between now and the time we get a definitive answer to that question, but don’t expect a trade just because other teams want Foles. The Eagles will play this the way they want and won’t settle for anything less than what they think they deserve.

NFL Draft 2013: Philadelphia Eagles Trade up to Select Matt Barkley

Josh Hill — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:13:25 +0000

November 24, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (7) acknowledges the crowd before the Trojans play against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The third day of the NFL Draft started fast and started by continuing a trend of trades. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded the first pick of the day to the Philadelphia Eagles, who moved to the top of the fourth round to take USC quarterback Matt Barkley ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs. Many had been waiting for Barkley’s name to be called, and it seems about right to have it be the first name called in round four.

Barkley’s fall from the top was epic, but expected. He turned in a pretty poor performance throughout the scouting process and teams began to question his ability to be an elite quarterback in the NFL. His arms strength has been questioned, his leadership has been questioned and he plummeted in the draft as a result.

But Chip Kelly had been looking for a quarterback and he traded ahead of old Eagles coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs to draft Barkley. Many believe had Barkley made it to Reid with the 99th overall pick, Barkley would have been it.

At certain points in the early draft season, Barkley was being mocked as a potential No. 1 overall pick. But rather than hearing his name called first on the first day of the draft, he had it called first on the third day of the draft. Like Geno Smith though, Barkley could use his epic slide into the fourth round as motivation to become a better quarterback.

It’s too early to tell if he’ll pan out, but Barkley’s got an NFL home now and his path to redeeming himself lies before him.

2013 NFL Draft Results: Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars Trade to Start Round Four

Josh Sanchez — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:06:02 +0000

Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; From left to right: quarterbacks Tennessee Volunteers Tyler Bray (2), Louisiana Tech Colby Cameron, Oklahoma Sooners Landry Jones (7), North Carolina State Wolfpack Mike Glennon (5), Kansas State Wildcats Collin Klein (8), and Minnesota Golden Gophers Marqueis Gray (8) get instructions on a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to open round four of the 2013 NFL Draft, but there are immediate rumblings that a trade could was in the works. With quarterbacks like Matt Barkley and Ryan Nassib still on the board, a move made sense and that is exactly what happened.

The Philadelphia Eagles jumped up to the top pick in round four after the trade and they will likely be adding to add one of the top signal-callers available.

Will it be Barkley, Nassib, or perhaps a player like Matt Scott or Zac Dysert? We will have to see the direction Eagles new head coach Chip Kelly is looking to target.

The draft is always a treat for NFL fans, so be sure that you tune in and see who the newest players to rock your favorite teams uniforms will be, and stay tuned to FanSided.com throughout the draft for the latest news, rumors and analysis of every pick.

2013 NFL Draft Results: LSU Tigers Set Draft Record

Josh Sanchez — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:26:11 +0000

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive lineman Barkevious Mingo (33), and Bennie Logan (29), and Sam Montgomery (34) pose for a photo after finishing their workouts during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers had an unbelievable amount of underclassmen talent bolt for the 2013 NFL Draft and it looks like the players decisions to leave early have paid off. LSU had two players selected in the first-round , one player in the second-round and three players drafted in the third-round. The most interesting part of the six LSU draftees? All of the players were from the defensive side of the ball.

With the six defenders going in the first three rounds of the draft, LSU set a record.

LSU had 6 defensive players drafted, the most by any school in the 1st 3 rounds in a single draft.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 27, 2013

Who were the six players selected from the Tigers defensive unit? Here is the list:

Barkevious Mingo — Cleveland Browns — First-Round
Eric Reid — San Francisco 49ers — First-Round
Kevin Minter — Arizona Cardinals — Second-Round
Tyrann Mathieu — Arizona Cardinals — Third-Round
Bennie Logan — Philadelphia Eagles — Third-Round
Sam Montgomery — Houston Texans — Third-Round

If that wasn’t enough talent to send to the NFL, LSU has two additional defensive players that are draftable talents — CB Tharold Simon and DE LaVar Edwards — along with a number of offensive players including offensive tackle Chris Faulk and running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford who have yet to be selected.

It sure looks like attending LSU worked out for these young men.

NFL Draft 2013: Philadelphia Eagles First-Round Draft Grade

John Adair — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:47:27 +0000

Jan 4, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A

With Chip Kelly taking over as the Eagles head coach after fourteen years of Andy Reid at the helm, they used their fourth-overall selection on Lane Johnson. Johnson is an offensive tackle from Oklahoma.

The former-Sooner is one of the most athletic offensive lineman that you will ever see. While Lane Johnson isn’t a sure stud, his upside is undoubtedly higher than both Eric Fisher’s and Luke Joeckel’s.

With Kelly’s up-tempo offense expected to use many screens and many snaps, the Eagles desperately needed an athlete at tackle. Jason Peters went down last season due to injury, but is back this season. It’s unclear whether Johnson will move over to the right side or Peters will make the move, but regardless, the Eagles’ protection is much improved with this pick.

Draft Grade: A-

NFL Draft 2013: Philadelphia Eagles Select Lane Johnson

Josh Sanchez — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:46:00 +0000

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooner tackle Lane Johnson (69) in action against Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) during the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

After the Miami Dolphins pulled off a surprise by trading up to the No. 3 pick to select Oregon’s Dion Jordan, the Philadelphia Eagles were ecstatic to see Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson fall right in to their laps.

Johnson is an incredible athlete with tremendous upside who will be a brilliant fit in Chip Kelly’s up tempo offense.

When you need athletic players to join your offense and a glaring hole at left tackle, Lane Johnson was a perfect fit. It’s hard to argue that choice by the Eagles.

Here are the current draft results:

1. Kansas City Chiefs — Eric Fisher, offensive tackle, Central Michigan
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Luke Joeckel, offensive tackle, Texas A&M
3. Miami Dolphins (via Oakland Raiders) — Dion Jordan, Outside Linebacker, Oregon
4. Philadelphia Eagles — Lane Johnson, offensive tackle, Oklahoma

List of Philadelphia Eagles 2013 NFL Draft Picks

Josh Sanchez — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:20:19 +0000

Jan 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia Eagles helmet rests on a table prior to a press conference to announce Chip Kelly (not pictured) as the new Eagles head coach at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft kicks off tonight with the first-round live from Radio City Music Hall. Every team in the league is preparing to select who they think will be the next breakout stars in the league, but first they will have to use the picks in their arsenal to draft the players they want.

The Philadelphia Eagles have nine picks to work with throughout the draft. Will they be able to use them to position the team to grab some of the draft’s top talent? It all begins tonight.

Here is the current list of the Eagles selections heading in to the 2013 NFL Draft:

First-round: Pick 4
Second-round: Pick 3
Third-round: Pick 5
Fourth-round: Pick 4
Fifth-round: Pick 3
Sixth-round: Pick 28 (from Denver)
Seventh-round: Pick 4, Pick 6 (from Cleveland), Pick 24 (from Indianapolis)

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Philadelphia Eagles Select…

Josh Sanchez — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:45:33 +0000

Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A

This selection was made by Josh Hill of FanSided.com.

With the fourth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select Luke Joeckel, offensive tackle, Texas A&M.

The Eagles wet dream has finally come true. Despite the fact that numerous people have said Joeckel is a first overall talent, he slipped down to Chip Kelly and the Eagles at fourth overall.

While Kelly would love to have a young, mobile quarterback to run his offense, Joeckel is key to ensuring that what happened last year doesn’t happen again. He’s a massive left tackle who frankly faced much stiffer competition in the SEC than Eric Fisher did, meaning the Eagles got a real steal with this one.

Geno Smith isn’t a bad option for the Eagles, but when it comes down to needs, if Joeckel’s name is on the board, we don’t have a unit of measurement low enough to accurately describe the amount of time it will take for the Eagles to take him. The only other thing they’d do here is trade down with a team who really wants Joeckel, but that deal would need to be extremely rich in order for the Eagles to pass up Joeckel.

Here is how the draft currently stands:

1. Kansas City Chiefs — Eric Fisher, offensive tackle, Central Michigan
2. Jacksonville Jaguars — Dion Jordan, defensive end, Oregon
3. Oakland Raiders — Sharrif Floyd, defensive tackle, Florida
4. Philadelphia Eagles — Luke Joeckel, offensive tackle, Texas A&M

NFL Draft 2013: Top Five Offensive Playmakers

Josh Sanchez — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft kicks off tonight live from Radio City Music Hall in prime time. While this year’s draft class is dominated by top-notch prospects in the trenches, there is still a number of talent that is ready for the NFL’s big stage.

Every team could use a player that can come in and light up the scoreboard, and this year there are a handful of players that stand out from the rest of the class.

We will take a brief look at five of the top playmakers in the 2013 NFL Draft class that could be forcing your team’s scorekeeper to work overtime next season.

Who will they be? Let’s begin.

NFL Draft 2013: Philadelphia Reportedly Want E.J. Manuel “Pretty Bad”

Josh Hill — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:44:28 +0000

Oct 20, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel (3) drops back to pass against Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

E.J. Manuel is quickly making a name for himself in the NFL Draft thanks to some intense hype over the last few days. Manuel went from a solid mid-round pick to now a potential first-round selection in a matter of weeks. Some are now even ranking Manuel above Ryan Nassib and Geno Smith in terms of quarterbacks that could be selected first this weekend. The question then becomes where will he be selected?

If you ask Manuel, he’ll tell you that the Philadelphia Eagles want him “pretty bad”.

“But I think it’s just a matter of who takes me first, because I know the Eagles may want me, the Cleveland Browns may want me, the Buffalo Bills and the Jets,” Manuel said, via CSN Philly. “I think those are all sequential picks, you know what I mean, within those top 13 picks or whatever. I’m just hoping one team loves me, because really, that’s all you need, one team to fall in love with you.”

Philadelphia is a team that has been looking to take a quarterback to insert into Chip Kelly’s new innovative offense, and it looks like Manuel is the guy. Many thought that Philadelphia would spend their fourth overall pick on Geno Smith, but it’s looking like Manuel is the guy that the Eagles would rather have.

It makes sense too, since Manuel seems to have a lot more upside than Smith at this point and he’s a guy that the Eagles can target while still selecting a top offensive tackle with that fourth overall pick.

NFL Draft 2013: Philadelphia Eagles Could Select Barkevious Mingo

Josh Sanchez — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:49 +0000

November 10, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) lines up prior to the snap during the first half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 37-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Former LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo is one of the most naturally talented pass rushers in the 2013 NFL Draft class. In a league where top-notch pass rushers are highly coveted, this spells out great news for the SEC standout.

Mingo has been discussed as a top ten talent, with multiple landing spots in the upper third of the draft, but know there is some growing chatter that Mingo could go as high as No. 4 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Per Jason La Canfora:

For all of the chatter about the Eagles and Dion Jordan, for obvious reasons, I keep hearing more and more about Mingo in that 4th pick

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 23, 2013

Mingo is one of the few prospects that has not heard their name associated with negative criticism just before the draft.

Teams love that Mingo is not a distraction in the locker room and his film speaks for itself.

There is no such thing as a guarantee in the NFL Draft, but it certainly looks like Mingo is a top ten lock for Thursday.

NFL Draft 2013: Multiple Teams Looking to Trade Back

Josh Sanchez — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:16:36 +0000

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as football fans line up before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

With a shortage of “elite prospects” in the 2013 NFL Draft class, it should come as no surprise that a number of teams are looking to trade back in the draft order and accumulate more picks. This year, teams seem more willing to jump out of their slotted spot, but will they find any suitors?

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Teams that have made calls about moving back in draft include PHIL, DET, CLEV, BUFF, MIA. Doing what they should.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 23, 2013

Members of those fan bases should be happy to see that it looks like these teams are dedicated to turning things around.

If you want to properly rebuild, you need to compile picks.

If the Eagles, Lions, Browns, Bills or Dolphins could find trade partners, it could drastically change the future of their franchise. Miami is in a really great spot, with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers looking to trade up to the early teens.

It is going to be a fun few hours on draft day, and we are just two days away.

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Ryan Nassib is First QB Drafted; Geno Smith Falls out of Top 20

Josh Sanchez — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:00:17 +0000

Each week Fansided.com will have a new mock draft to preview and showcase this upcoming April’s draft. For more in depth analysis of each pick, be sure to visit the Fansided site of your favorite team and check back each Monday for a new and updated Mock Draft.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M

There are reports that some of the Chiefs positional coaches would prefer Eric Fisher over Joeckel. Unfortunately, they aren’t the ones making the pick and it is much more likely that Luke Joeckel will be the selection here.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan

The growing belief around the league is that the Jaguars will select an offensive tackle. Taking Dion Jordan will be tempting, but the Jaguars can take Fisher and then hope Lane Johnson goes off the board early. If that happens, they will be able to dangle Fisher to tackle needy teams as trade bait.

3. Oakland Raiders – Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida

This is one of the consistent picks that has stayed throughout my mock draft. Floyd can be an elite three-technique and he fits exactly what the Raiders need.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Dion Jordan, Outside Linebacker, Oregon

While the Eagles are looking to add pass rushers, Chip Kelly can go back to his college roots and bring his old defensive end to town. Jordan will be a dynamic pass rusher for the Eagles and he brings the added ability to cover tight ends all over the field.

5. Detroit Lions – Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

This pick will come down to Lane Johnson or Ezekiel Ansah. If one of the top three tackles is on the board, that is likely the direction Detroit will go.

6. Cleveland Browns – Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, BYU

The Browns would ideally like to trade out of this spot, but if they are stuck they will need to take a potential game changer on defense. The Browns reportedly love Barkevious Mingo and Dee Milliner, but if Ansah gets by Detroit they will have to look long and hard at the player with the most upside in this year’s draft.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama

The Cardinals are much more comfortable with their current offensive tackles than the public realizes. If the top three tackles are gone, they will go with Warmack to sure up their interior line rather than reach for a player like DJ Fluker.

8. Buffalo Bills – Ryan Nassib, Quarterback, Syracuse

There is growing belief that Nassib will be the first quarterback off the board. If Buffalo sits at eight and cannot find any trade partners, they will need to pull the trigger on the quarterback they like the most. With his familiarity with head coach Doug Marrone, Nassib has the inside edge. This pick will likely come down to a decision between Nassib and Matt Barkley.

9. New York Jets – Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia

The Jets need playmakers on both sides of the ball and it doesn’t get more dynamic than Austin. The team has two first round picks after the Revis trade, so they can afford to take an offensive player early.

10. Tennessee Titans – Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina

Tennessee has shown a dedication to improving in the trenches and Cooper will provide a brilliant one-two punch with Andy Levitre. This is a no-brainer selection for the Titans, who reportedly prefer Cooper over Warmack.

11. San Diego Chargers – Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle, Utah

Lotulelei is a top five talent and while it would be tempting to select Fluker, Lotulelei will be too hard to pass up on.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama

After losing Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, the Dolphins are in desperate need of cornerbacks. Milliner is the top rated corner in this year’s draft, according to many analysts, so this would be a dream scenario.

13. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Barkevious Mingo, Outside Linebacker, LSU

Continuing with the theme of adding playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Jets get one of the most naturally talented pass rushers in the 2013 draft.

14. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri

Richardson has a relentless motor and has a lightning quick first step. For a defensive line that could use a boost, Richardson can step right in and elevate the level of play in every aspect.

15. New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Jones, Linebacker, Georgia

Were it not for medical concerns, Jones would be a top ten lock. Instead, he falls slightly to a team that could use a hard-nosed linebacker. Jones will be a brilliant fit in Rob Ryan’s defense.

NFL Schedule: Washington Redskins Open Monday Night Football Against Eagles

Les Bailey — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:30:23 +0000

Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Dennis Kelly (67) during the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

New Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly will begin his NFL coaching career by bringing his new football team into FedEx Field to face the Washington Redskins in the first game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. This will mark the first time the Skins have opened the Monday night season since 2006.

Kelly has his work cut out for himself in his coaching debut against his NFC East foe, as Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan has a 15-4 record in season openers as a head coach. His record in season openers is only one win shy of tying Tom Landry for season opener wins at 16 since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Shanahan is 3-0 in season openers as the head man in Washington.

This will be the second time in the Shanahan era that the Redskins have opened the season on prime time and the first since a 13-7 home win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in 2010.

The Monday Night opener on Sept 9th, which is scheduled to get underway at 7:10 PM Eastern on ESPN is the first of five Prime-Time games for the Washington Redskins during the 2013 season.

The Redskins travel to Texas and take on The Dallas Cowboys in a Sunday night matchup Oct 13th on NBC, and play another Sunday night in Minnesota against the Vikings on Nov 7th. They get the San Francisco 49er in another home Monday Night game on ESPN scheduled for Nov 25th. They take on the New York Giants the following Sunday on NBC in New York.

The Redskins face the Cowboys in Week 6 following a bye week in Week 5. Since bye weeks were instituted in 1990, the Redskins are 12-12 in games following bye weeks. Shanahan is currently 11-6 in games following bye weeks.

Follow me on Twitter @Spin_47

2013 NFL Schedule Leak: Andy Reid Returns to Philadelphia in Week Three

Josh Sanchez — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:49:13 +0000

January 07, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Newly hired Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (left) and chairman Clark Hunt pose for photos during the press conference at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

We are less than an hour away from the official release of the 2013 NFL regular season schedule and a few leaks are starting to surface.

We have already learned that the New York Jets will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week one, along with the defending Super Bowl champions making the trip to Mile High to face off against the Denver Broncos. There is also a rumored Philadelphia Eagles schedule leak, and a Thanksgiving match up between NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. The Dallas Cowboys will also host the Oakland Raiders on Thanksgiving, according to the leaks.

One of the most intriguing of the leaked games is the Jets – Buccaneers game, because Revis could be returning to New Jersey as a member of a different team. Now, we know of another reunion that will be taking place. This time, it is a coach returning to his old team.

The latest leak shows that the Kansas City Chiefs will make the trip to Philadelphia to face off against the Eagles in week three.

We are just moments away from the official schedule release, so prepare yourselves.

Stay tuned to FanSided.com throughout the night as we bring you the full 2013 NFL regular schedule and a team-by-team breakdown.