Inside Kelly's Size Ideals

"Big people beat up little people."

When Chip Kelly said those words, Eagles fans rejoiced worldwide. After many years of Andy Reid's undersized "fastballs", Philadelphia fans welcomed the idea of a big, tough team.

Picture this...

A pair of 6-3 corners beating up on opposing receivers at the line.

A 6-foot-6, 350-pound nose tackle making inside runs impossible.

A 6-5 wide receiver leaping to grab a fade route in the end zone.

The truth about Chip Kelly's size ideals is complicated. Howie Roseman said Kelly has a list of preferred heights, arm lengths, verticals and hand sizes at each position.

I can't imagine Roseman would leak that chart to the fan-base to provide clarity, so it seemed the best way to get an accurate look at Kelly's requirements would be to look at how he recruited as Oregon Head Coach.

DeSean Release Result Of A Bigger Issue

DeSean being held back from receivers coach Bob Bicknell.

DeSean Jackson was not released from the Eagles because they think he's friends with gang members. DeSean Jackson was released Friday because he doesn't fit the culture Chip Kelly is trying to establish in the Philadelphia Eagles locker room. Plain and simple.

The NJ.com report stirred viewers and football fans everywhere. The content was chilling and controversial. If true, DeSean Jackson is surely headed down a dangerous path. But I'm not here to make accusations on DeSean Jackson the person. I'm here to make assessments on DeSean Jackson the football player.

On the field he's electric. The best home-run threat in the NFL, a true game-breaker. But also on the field and in the locker room, he can be an distraction and a detriment.

In Week 1, Jackson had a three play sequence where he repeatedly got tangled up with Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall, which earned him a seat on the bench. The Eagles were moving down-field and his immature behavior almost stalled the drive.

DeSean Jackson Saga: As Told By Jaccpot

DeSean Jackson apparently likes to communicate with the world via Instagram. So I created an account solely for the purpose of reading his version of the popular story through the eyes of Jaccpot. Here's some pictures he posted during the past two weeks, when the rumors began to surface.

Two weeks ago: "I love haters. Fuel to my fire. #GotMyBlindersOn"

Two weeks ago: "Me and my Cali bros in Philly. Always keep it 100." *holds up gang sign*

Developments In The DeSean Jackson Saga

 

Like every single one of you, I'm over this DeSean Jackson drama. I vowed to write about other things instead of boring viewers with the same daily update in different wording.

Up until late last night, it was unanimous that DeSean Jackson's days were numbered in Philadelphia. Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly had multiple opportunities to discredit rumors surrounding their star wideout. They didn't.

Even other teams were discussing Jackson's apparent availability. Jets Owner Woody Johnson clearly committed a tampering violation, saying his team had interest in Jackson's services. The Oakland Raiders said they were interested in DeSean but hesitant to give up draft picks

The Sanchize Makes HIs Way To Philadelphia

Barring a complication with his surgically-repaired shoulder, Mark Sanchez is expected to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

There's a few points I want to make here. 

Chris Mortensen shares an agent with Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. When Kelly accepted the position with Philadelphia last January, Mortensen was the first one to report the news, in what Adam Schefter called the "scoop of the year". This information seems valid and trustworthy.

The Eagles did not choose Mark Sanchez over Michael Vick. I've seen so many tweets saying, "how could Chip Kelly choose Sanchez over Vick?" Let's get one thing straight, Michael Vick was in search of an opportunity to win a starting job. With Nick Foles fully entrenched as the Eagles QB, Philadelphia simply couldn't offer him that opportunity. Chip Kelly would've loved to have Vick back with the team, but he simply deserved an opportunity to start in New York.

Draft Spotlight: Deone Bucannon

Measurables:

Height: 6-1
Weight: 211 lbs
Arm Length: 32  3/8"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.49 sec
225lb Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches
Broad Jump: 125.0 inches
3 Cone Drill: 6.96 sec
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.26 sec

Eagles Draft Report: March 23rd

Free agency has settled down and it's time to take a break from the DeSean Jackson drama. Chip Kelly has been everywhere recently attending pro day after pro day. 

Eagles fans have to be excited about the upcoming draft, nobody knows these players as well as Chip. He scouted a good chunk of them coming out of high school, coached a select few at Oregon, and is earning some frequent flyer miles watching their pro days.

Here's the Eagles draft buzz I've accumulated from a variety of outlets:

Author Insights: Edition One

1. I still think it's a mistake to trade away DeSean Jackson. Unless Howie Roseman can get a 3rd AND a 5th or more, I don't see the value in it. Chip Kelly has full command of this locker room. As Mychal Kendricks said, DeSean was not a distraction last season.

Chip likes to stretch the field vertically and horizontally, well he won't find anybody better at stretching the field vertically than Jackson. He opens up running lanes for McCoy because safeties can't play in the box. The Eagles currently have the best arsenal of offensive weapons in football, why give away the most dynamic one for low value?

2. Thank you, Michael Vick. Say what you want about Michael Vick; he's injury-prone, a turnover machine, he holds the ball too long. One thing you can never say about Michael Vick: he didn't give 100% every play.

Vick battled nagging injuries and played hurt on numerous occasions. He was no doubt frustrating due to inconsistency, but he was fun to watch. I think I speak for most Eagles fans when I say, "Best of luck, Mike."

Look Ahead At Free Agency Week Two

It's been about a week since free agency started and countless transactions have been faxed to the NFL office. On paper, the Eagles have had a very smart, productive week. Nobody will know for sure until the players take the field, but the buzz is warranted.

Nate Allen re-signed this morning to a one-year $2 million deal. I think it's a wise decision. Allen played solid football down the stretch last season and he knows the defense. It's a small deal so it doesn't strap the organization financially.

With Nate Allen in the fold, the Eagles are likely done signing safeties in free agency. There are still many areas of need that should be addressed prior to the draft. I've narrowed it down to four priorities:

1. Defensive line depth
2. OLB depth
3. Kicker competition
4. Lack of draft picks

The Fun Isn't Over Yet

Rob Jackson would bring OLB experience to a team lacking it.

There are still some holes for the front office to fill. Is Trent Cole an every down OLB in '14? Is there enough competition at safety? Can Kruger, Square and Curry provide a stout reserve defensive line?

Sure, the draft will help answer these concerns. But Howie likes going into the draft with needs addressed, allowing the team to truly draft the best available player.

There are sure to be more additions prior to the NFL Draft. Here are six names I'm keeping an eye on:

Trade Winds Blowing?

Is it time for the Eagles and Graham to get a fresh start?

After three productive days, holes are being filled in a wise manner. There is still work to be done as Howie works the phone lines. Rest assured, the fun isn't over quite yet.

With only six picks in the 2014 Draft remaining, it's almost certain Roseman will pull the trigger on a deal or two to at least get that number to eight. The always trustworthy Mike Mayock is on record as saying this is the deepest draft in the past ten years.

Here are a few candidates that could hit the trade block and a couple trade partners:

The Eagles Are A Better Football Team

Nolan Carrol brings important depth to the CB position.

It's surprising to me to see so many fans lashing out at Howie Roseman on Twitter last night, I saw tweets like:

• "This is why the Eagles will never win the Super Bowl."
• "The good teams got better, the Eagles are an average team that stayed average."
• "Howie has all this money to spend, why is he being so cheap?"

Is 2011 so long ago? If you think teams win the Super Bowl in March, you're probably an idiot. Darrelle Revis signed a 6 year $96 million deal last off-season with Tampa Bay. The Bucs also paid big money to land S Dashon Goldson. Everybody raved about their shut-down secondary. Well guess what? They weren't good.

The Eagles went from a 4-12 team in 2012 to a 10-6 team in 2013. A reason for their turnaround was smart decision-making in the off-season. This year is no different. Bringing in high priced free agents pisses off your own players, unbalances the locker room chemistry, and hinders the team's flexibility down the road. I doubt Jimmy Graham is thrilled the Saints gave Jairus Byrd $28M guaranteed.

Focus Must Shift To Pass Rush

Carrington has intriguing measurables and potential.

Malcolm Jenkins was a smart signing. His versatility and youth will fit well in the defensive scheme, and his character is perfect for the locker room. Releasing Patrick Chung was necessary and re-signing P Donnie Jones was essential.

The rest of the night was quiet. As of now, no visits are lined up. All rumors seem to be speculative. Rest assured though, the Eagles aren't done yet. However, their focus must shift.

There are only three safeties under contract; Jenkins, Earl Wolff and Keelan Johnson. Another safety will most certainly be added before the draft, maybe re-signing Nate Allen or a depth guy like Darian Stewart from St. Louis. The focus now, however, must be on bolstering the pass-rush.

The Eagles have plenty of cap space available still. With Graham, Cole and Ryans set to be off the books in 2015, along with a bigger cap allowance, they have the ammunition for some impact signings. Outside linebacker must be addressed, but it's not the only position that can help the pass-rush.

Sorting Out The Revis Madness

Adam Schefter reports Philadelphia, along with New England, is a team to watch once Tampa Bay releases CB Darrelle Revis. ESPN's Adam Caplan and Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane agreed with that notion. Rotoworld's Evan Silva predicts Darrelle Revis will be a Philadelphia Eagle.

These rumors are exciting, but it's important to note that all of this seems to be speculation rather than information from inside sources. Caplan, however, did report Howie called New York last season to gauge the asking price for a Darrelle Revis trade. Although, I'm not sure how serious talks got.

I don't think Philadelphia will be seriously interested in bringing Revis Island to Philadelphia.

Could Howie Make Exceptions To The Plan?

Woodley would immediately improve the pass-rush

Howie Roseman apparently has a new plan since the Dream Team debacle: take care of his own guys, bring in mid-level but young free agents, build through the draft.

However, while the Eagles are building for the future, they're also in win-now mode. Could Philadelphia bend the rules of this new philosophy and bring in an older veteran to provide immediate help?

Here are a few guys who may be a little longer in the tooth, but could provide an instant impact on a one or two-year deal.

Targets For Eagles

Jenkins fits the intangibles Kelly looks for in his players.

Rumors are already spreading about who Philadelphia is targeting. Michael Johnson apparently out of price range, no surprise there. Champ Bailey a target at safety? Mike Mitchell from Carolina a fit in Philadelphia?

Many reports will come out over the next week, some true, some false. Here are some players who I personally think make sense for Philadelphia.

SAFETY:

Malcolm Jenkins -

He's a versatile, cover safety. I like his cornerback experience, which can compliment Billy Davis' creative style. Jenkins has the ability to cover tight ends and slot receivers one-on-one. He's not a dynamic play-maker, but he's a solid, durable safety who would immediately improve the position.

UPDATE: Signed with Eagles for 3 years $16.25 million.

Top Seven Needs For Philadelphia

Nate Allen played decent, but the safety position is weak overall.

The free agency frenzy is set to begin in about three days. Legal-tampering opened up earlier today, however I doubt many rumors stem from it.

There are many talented players that will be available when the clock strikes 4pm ET on March 11th. Before I list specific players I think the Eagles will target, I wanted to rank the areas of need Philadelphia should focus on.

1A. Safety

It's doesn't take an NFL expert to realize Philadelphia's safety play has been atrocious. This HAS to be improved in 2014. Too many missed assignments, too many broken coverages, too many missed tackles, too many poor angles in pursuit, just all-around inadequate play.