Checking In on Philadelphia Eagles' Biggest Project Players
With select Philadelphia Eagles practices finally open to the media, everybody is awaiting progress reports on the team's quarterbacks. That's probably in part because, interestingly enough, the Eagles have multiple projects at the most important position on the field—including the likely starter.
Naturally (and fortunately), QB isn't the only area where the Eagles have projects. We're talking about raw athletes and developmental players who still need some polish to contribute as regulars in the NFL, and these formative practices are so very important to their progress.
Of course, it's still very early in the process, and little is known—much less set in stone. Still, here's what we've been able to learn so far about some of the biggest projects on the roster and the direction in which their development might be headed.
Sam Bradford
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We don't often think of former No. 1 overall draft picks as projects, especially when they've started 49 games under center in the NFL. Sam Bradford is absolutely a project at the moment, in terms of both getting him back to full health and helping him realize his untapped potential.
As far as Bradford's recovery from a torn ACL is concerned, the Eagles are bringing him along slowly. Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation reports the signal-caller participated in seven-on-seven drills for the first time this offseason—and with the first-team offense, no less. However, Bradford's reps were limited, and he did not make an appearance in full-team drills.
It's probably wise to ease Bradford back, as it was the second time he injured the ACL in a 10-month span. There's plenty of time to get him up to speed between now and training camp—and even more between now and the beginning of the regular season.
As for getting Bradford to become the caliber of quarterback many envisioned when he broke into the league in 2010, there isn't too much progress to speak of yet. The good news is that his rehab is on schedule, according to head coach Chip Kelly, per the team's website, which—for now—is all anybody can ask for.
Tim Tebow
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Despite his popularity, there aren't many bigger projects than Tim Tebow. After all, there's a reason Tebow has spent the past two seasons out of the league.
In March, Albert Breer of NFL.com reported Tebow had been working on his throwing mechanics, which are thought to be one of the issues behind a career 47.9 completion percentage. Kelly also insisted to reporters that Tebow has improved, which is why the Eagles signed him in the first place.
Only two practices have been open to the media, but so far, the reporters are not impressed.
Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media posted a full review of Tebow's work thus far and believes Matt Barkley remains firmly entrenched as the third-string quarterback for the time being. Tebow has been hesitant to get rid of the football and inaccurate when he does.
To be fair, Tebow hasn't been with the Eagles for long, so he's undoubtedly still picking up the system. That being said, it's going to be an uphill battle for him to earn a roster spot unless he has dramatically improved from his early career. At this point, there's little evidence to suggest he has progressed.
Marcus Smith
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Philadelphia considered Marcus Smith to be a project when it took him 26th overall in the 2014 draft, which is why many draftniks expected him to last until as late as the third round. Smith was on the field for only 68 defensive snaps last season, according to Football Outsiders, although that wasn't necessarily a huge problem, as the Eagles had three quality outside linebackers.
This season, however, the defense is counting on some kind of contribution from Smith. Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham are the starters, but there is nothing in the way of established depth behind them.
On the plus side, Smith bulked up in the offseason. Barwin was singing the second-year player's praises on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia a few weeks back, saying Smith added around 15 pounds. With increased functional strength, he should be better suited to take on NFL linemen.
On the other hand, the story at OTAs is that there is no story. Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media notes Smith hasn't been practicing while dealing with a groin injury. Of course, we won't be able to see the strides Smith has made until the pads go on this summer anyway, so he needs to take his time and get healthy for the season ahead.
The Eagles are going to need him.
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Matt Tobin
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It was widely presumed that journeyman Allen Barbre would take over at right guard for Todd Herremans, whom the Eagles released during the offseason. Barbre is, indeed, in the starting lineup. However, as Jeff Neiburg of the Philadelphia Daily News writes, he's currently filling in for Evan Mathis at left guard.
Mathis' absence from voluntary workouts has presented a valuable opportunity for Matt Tobin, who has been seeing a lot of first-team snaps at right guard as a result. Tobin was a threat to potentially beat out Barbre for the job anyway, but if Mathis' contract dispute turns ugly, Tobin may win a job by default.
Philadelphia signed Tobin as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2013. He worked primarily at tackle as a rookie, spending the season on the practice squad before switching to guard last season. It was a success during the preseason, as he dominated second-string competition, earning the highest cumulative score of any offensive lineman from Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, Tobin suffered an ankle injury late in the summer, which may have affected his performance negatively in seven regular-season starts.
As far as his progress this offseason, it's hard to say, as there isn't any contact at these practices. Yet the fact that he's running with the first-team offense is a plus—and a good sign that he has a shot to win the job at right guard outright.
G.J. Kinne
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Everybody's favorite fourth-string quarterback (aside from Tebow) is no longer a quarterback at all. Kelly announced last week that G.J. Kinne has switched to wide receiver and will apparently try to carve out a roster spot that way.
Unfortunately, that may not improve Kinne's chances of making the team by much. Recent draft picks Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff are all but assured roster spots. Riley Cooper is unlikely to be released due to his contract. Veterans Miles Austin, Seyi Ajirotutu and Jeff Maehl are all in the mix, as is a host of hungry undrafted free agents who have actually played wide receiver.
What Kinne has going for him is that he's shown a willingness to do whatever the coaches ask. Last summer at training camp, Kinne was still wearing the red jersey but participated on special teams nonetheless, doing anything he could to increase his odds of making the team.
As it turns out, his experience on special teams could serve him well. The last receiver spot will likely come down to the best specialist, and Kinne should have a deep understanding of the offense by now, too. It seems to be the longest of long shots, but somehow Kinne is still hanging around and competing.
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