McKelvin looks like a fit for Schwartz's Eagles defense
Comparing the new to the old as opposites can be a forced narrative, unless, of course, it's true. Doug Pederson, in many ways, is the anti-Chip Kelly. His hiring was seemingly as much about his predecessor as about him. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is a contrasting figure when compared with Bill Davis - both in scheme and in temperament.
Comparing the new to the old as opposites can be a forced narrative, unless, of course, it's true. Doug Pederson, in many ways, is the anti-Chip Kelly. His hiring was seemingly as much about his predecessor as about him. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is a contrasting figure when compared with Bill Davis - both in scheme and in temperament.
The same applies to Leodis McKelvin as he relates to Byron Maxwell. While it may not have seemed as if the former was signed to replace the latter, it has become increasingly clear this spring that one of the starting cornerback spots is McKelvin's to lose.
He has run with the first-team defense for every snap during open practices, and when the Eagles have gone with their nickel personnel, it's been Ron Brooks - another free-agent addition from Schwartz's time with the Bills - who has moved inside to the slot and not McKelvin.
It's early in the process. Nolan Carroll, who started opposite Maxwell for most of last season, is still recovering from a broken ankle suffered in November. And Eric Rowe, who stepped in for Carroll as a rookie and fared well, is being brought along slowly as he learns the new system.
McKelvin has the added bonus of playing for a coach who had significant input into his coming to the Eagles. The same couldn't be said of Maxwell and Davis, even though they were similarly mild-mannered. McKelvin and Schwartz, on the other hand, are both intense and expressive.
It didn't take much for Schwartz to sell the Eagles on the 30-year-old McKelvin.
"He loved everything about him," Pederson said. "The way he practices. The way he thinks the game. He's smart. He brings an edge to that position. Brings an aggression to that position."
That aggression was apparent from the first open workout. Tested early by quarterback Sam Bradford on a downfield fade, McKelvin batted the pass to the ground and bounced up off the turf. He strutted back to the line of scrimmage with a visible scowl, cussing at no one in particular.
Maxwell would smile, even when he messed up. It may have been a defense mechanism. Nevertheless, it bothered some Eagles fans who would have rather seen anger. Kelly, of course, warned against emotion playing with players rather than the other way around. It's unlikely that McKelvin would be here had Kelly survived another year.
"I wear a lot of my emotions on my sleeve," McKelvin said.
It would be a mistake to suggest the Eagles needed attitude in the secondary. They already had some with safety Malcolm Jenkins. But the 5-foot-10, 185-pound McKelvin and hard-hitting safety Rodney McLeod give Schwartz mental and physical intimidators.
"He's not the tallest guy around, but he can jump, he can play the ball in the air," Schwartz said. "Mentally and physically tough. I don't know if you see that just seeing his body shape. But he'll go throw his body around and hit. He was a first-round draft pick. He's played at a high level in this league."
Drafted 11th overall by the Bills in 2008, the Troy product started six games as a rookie, but his biggest contributions came as a kick returner. McKelvin opened the next year as a starter but suffered a season-ending broken leg in the third game.
He won and lost his starting spot at various points over the next four seasons - while still maintaining a role as the punt returner - but was once again a regular in 2013. He set career highs in tackles (71) and passes defended (20) playing for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine that year.
Schwartz was hired the following offseason to replace Pettine, who left to become the Browns' head coach. McKelvin didn't miss a beat. He had already set a career mark for interceptions with four by Game 10 and was on pace to top his tackle record before he broke his ankle.
"He was playing at a really high level before he got hurt," Schwartz said.
Nonetheless, McKelvin rated his 2013 season ahead of 2014.
"That was my best year as far as interceptions and being able to get my hands on the ball," McKelvin said of 2014.
McKelvin needed until Week 9 to return from his ankle injury in 2015. Schwartz, of course, was gone. He took a year off to work in the NFL's officiating office after Bills head coach Doug Marrone resigned.
But when he took the Eagles' defensive coordinator job in January and McKelvin hit free agency in early March, it made sense that they would be reunited.
"I pretty much know the defense," McKelvin said. "I played with Schwartz, and I know how he is, I know how he calls plays, I know what he expects from his defense. I really respect the guy, so I knew that it was a no-brainer for me."
McKelvin's knowledge of Schwartz's scheme has played a part in his early first-team role. But Schwartz doesn't really place a significant amount on the cornerbacks, especially if he can trust them enough to play mostly man-to-man.
"On the outside it's pretty much simple. The cornerback can be very brain-dead," McKelvin said. "You listen to the safeties to get your calls and you pretty much go out there, and if you hold your edge on the outside you'll be fine."
McKelvin doesn't seem likely to lose his edge - or a starting outside spot.
"As a corner, you've got to have that mentality - thinking nobody else can compete with you," McKelvin said. "But that's my mind-set . . . going in, trying to win that starting spot and earn my trust from the other [guys] because I am coming from another team.
"Jim Schwartz basically recommended me, so I've got to come in and make sure I have his back."
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