Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles are hosting West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith on Wednesday and are scheduled to bring Oregon pass rusher Dion Jordan in for a visit later in the day, according to NFL sources.
Smith, arguably the top-rated quarterback prospect in this year's draft, worked out for the Eagles last month in Morgantown. The team is likely using one of its 30 allotted visits to give the quarterback a physical. The same likely pertains to Jordan, who played under coach Chip Kelly in college.
Kelly said last month during the NFL owners meetings that he wouldn't have to bring Jordan in for a work out, but that the team may want to check out how his shoulder injury was coming along. Jordan had surgery to repair a torn labrum in February.
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
It's common for players to emphasize their excitement when a new coach arrives -- it would be foolish for them to say otherwise -- but DeSean Jackson is one who could especially benefit from the hiring of Chip Kelly. Kelly wants speed and versatility on offense. That's what to expect from Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowler who finished last season on injured reserve and has not record a 1,000-yard season since 2010.
“I feel the sky’s the limit for myself," Jackson said Wednesday. "I think this year, with Chip coming in with the style of play of his offense, it’s really going to help me out a lot more as well. I’m going to be able to get certain looks, get the ball in my hand, do things I wasn’t doing the past five years. So that’s going to be an exciting time ofr myself. I’m going to have to be fully prepared, fully in shape, fully healthy.”
Jackson recovered from his fractured ribs during the first two months of the offseason and was not fully healthy until March. He maintained his conditioning, although he's now able to lift weights and will be a full participant in the offseason program.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Inquirer's Jeff McLane and CineSport's Noah Coslov discuss Geno Smith's visit to the Eagles and what it means for Nick Foles, in addition to Jason Peters and NFL Draft prospects.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles worked out 20 local college prospects on Tuesday, including Syracuse offensive lineman and Council Rock South Rock product Justin Pugh.
Pugh is projected by some draft analysts to be selected in the second round later this month. The 6-foot-4, 304-pound prospect played tackle in college but is being scouted by many teams to play guard in the NFL.
Pugh's Syracuse teammate, Ryan Nassib, was not among the invited. The quarterback from Malvern Prep is expected to be drafted in the earlier rounds later this month. The Eagles met with Nassib at the Senior Bowl. Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, a Philadelphia native, was also not in attendance, but the Birds are scheduled to work the top-rated defensive tackle out on Friday.
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
It's believed that Brandon Graham will be an outside linebacker in the Eagles' new defense. Graham, though, wouldn't confirm that will happen.
"I don't know. There's been a lot of talk about a lot of things," Graham said Tuesday. "I don't know where they want to put me at. All I know is whereever they put me, I'll go full out."
Still, it sounds like he'll be an outside linebacker. He's 270 pounds right now and is cutting his weight to 260. He has played defensive end since arriving at Michigan, but was a middle linebacker before he went to college and believes he has the skills to rush from a stand-up position and potentially drop into coverage.
Philly.com Sports
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Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Monday is more than opening day for the Phillies. In a certain way, it could also be considered an opening day for the Eagles, too.
Since Chip Kelly was hired, he has been ambiguous and evasive when asked about plans pertaining to specific players because he has not yet had the chance to work with them, or even talk football with them. Conversations have been limited to get-to-know-you discussion -- where do you live, how's your family, etc. -- but nothing about actual Xs and Os, per the collective bargaining agreeement.
Kelly did not complain about the rule, but it has limited all his evaluation to film.
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Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Free agent linebacker Victor Butler visited with the Eagles today, but left without a contract.
There is still mutual interest in getting a deal done, according to an NFL source. But Butler has met with a number of other teams, including the Browns and Saints, and could be mulling over multiple offers.
Butler underwent a physical and met with Eagles coaches on Tuesday. The Eagles are looking to add to their stable of pass rushers. The 6-foot-2, 248-pound Butler would likely be used as a situational outside linebacker and special teams contributor and isn't expected to affect the status of either Trent Cole or Brandon Graham. Second-year defensive end Vinny Curry still has a ways to go before he's assured a roster spot.
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles will host free agent linebacker Victor Butler at the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday, according to an NFL source.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer first reported the visit. Butler, who has played four seasons for the Cowboys, has visited with a number of teams, most recently with the Browns.
The 6-foot-2, 248-pound Butler played outside linebacker in Dallas' 3-4 scheme. (The Cowboys switched to a 4-3 this offseason). He was a situational pass rusher and played in less than a third of the snaps on defense last season. But Butler did record three sacks, forced two fumbles and had nine quarterback hurries.
