Philadelphia Eagles Who've Turned Heads in Offseason Workouts

Training camp is right around the corner, but for now, the Philadelphia Eagles are still in the midst of OTAs, preparing for a long season ahead. Yet even at this stage of the offseason, there are players and coaches turning heads all over the place.

The Eagles have had only a few practices open to reporters and limited media availability otherwise, but headlines are being made all over the place. That includes several prominent new additions as well as one holdout. Ahead, we catch up with a few of the people who are making waves at this juncture in the offseason, every one of whom will certainly have a big role to play in the year ahead.

Byron Maxwell

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The Eagles' first order of business in free agency this year was signing former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell to a massive contract. Yet despite the fanfare over Maxwell's arrival, he's somewhat unproven, with just 22 career starts in the regular season and playoffs.

Maxwell is quickly erasing any doubts that might exist in Philadelphia's locker room, however. Impressive second-year wide receiver Jordan Matthews has been battling his new teammate in practice, and if we interpret remarks made to Corey Seidman of CSNPhilly.com, he seems to be having trouble getting open:

"

I know, for me, he's been kicking my butt out here, it's great to be able to compete against him. Last year, if anybody asked me who was the hardest corner I went against, easily, easily 41 from the Seahawks. And then I turn on my TV and he's on my team. It doesn't get much better than that when it comes to competition.

"

Maxwell also put the league on notice by guaranteeing that the Eagles are headed to the Super Bowl, something that can happen only if the cornerback helps solidify the secondary. They're only OTAs, but so far, it sounds like Maxwell is holding up his end of the bargain.

Cory Undlin

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Though the team threw vast sums of money at Maxwell, some might say that wasn't the most important change the Eagles made in their secondary. Safety Malcolm Jenkins suggested new defensive backs coach Cory Undlin has been the biggest upgrade to Philadelphia's pass defense this offseason.

The Eagles brought Undlin on to help fix a secondary that ranked 31st and 32nd against the pass over the last two years and has been a mess for far longer. And while defensive coordinator Bill Davis wouldn't throw his previous assistant under the bus, he did mention to Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com that the players seem to be taking to Undlin's approach.

“His drill work, we’re working really hard to see the drill work show up in the team work and it’s happening," he said. "Cory’s got a good rapport, a good way about him. Probably one of the better teachers I’ve been around.”

Obviously, part of the problem was the Eagles' lack of talent in the defensive backfield. They addressed that by signing Maxwell and Walter Thurmond and using three draft picks on cornerbacks (Eric Rowe, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans). Now it's Undlin's job to take that influx of talent and make the most of it on game day.

DeMarco Murray

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Maxwell wasn't the only major move Philadelphia made in free agency. The Eagles created a huge buzz when they signed the NFL's reigning rushing champion, DeMarco Murray—away from the division rival Dallas Cowboys, no less.

Of course, the Birds already had a great back in LeSean McCoy—right up until they traded him to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, that is. That being said, it's well-documented that McCoy will dance in the backfield in search of running room, whereas head coach Chip Kelly prefers one-cut backs who hit the hole. As running backs coach Duce Staley tells Corey Seidman of CSNPhilly.com, that's what makes Murray the right back for Philly.

"He's a perfect fit for us, exactly what we want to do," Staley said. "Downhill, full-steam ahead. That's what we're preaching every day: one, two, three, four yards and a cloud of dust. And all the backs we have, they're able to do that."

When the Eagles offensive line struggled with injuries in 2014 (only left tackle Jason Peters started every game), McCoy's style often led to losses, putting the club in difficult down-and-distance situations. With Murray, some of those losses could turn into minimal gains that may not always seem great but are generally better for offensive efficiency.

Undoubtedly, that's the difference Kelly was looking for when he made the change.

Evan Mathis

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Not everybody who is turning heads at OTAs is doing so for the right reasons. In fact, not all 90 players on the Eagles roster are even in attendance.

Evan Mathis has been avoiding workouts, although they're still in the voluntary phase—so no harm, no foul. Then again, we don't know whether the All-Pro left guard will show up at all.

There's no end in sight to the contract dispute. Kelly says no trade offers are coming in, either, per the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane. Yet ESPN's Adam Caplan seems to believe that Mathis won't return, as he told 97.5 The Fanatic (via Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com):

"But, the fact of the matter is, nothing that I know of is on the horizon here, and I’ve been asked repeatedly about his future, and I would say I would be pessimistic, clearly, for him to be on the (Eagles) this fall."

If Mathis' gripe is all about money, it doesn't make much sense for him to hold out once workouts become mandatory, as the Eagles will undoubtedly fine him. That being said, if the situation has become untenable, Mathis could attempt to force the club's hand.

At least one reporter seems to believe that's on the horizon.

Sam Bradford

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Sam Bradford isn't a full participant at practice yet, but naturally, all eyes are on the quarterback the Eagles traded for this offseason. People want to see what this guy can do.

At least one person had the up-close and personal view of Bradford before he arrived in Philadelphia. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was the offensive coordinator when the St. Louis Rams selected Bradford first overall in the 2010 draft, and as he tells Tim McManus of Philadelphia Magazine, he was pulling hard for the Eagles to complete the swap when he learned it was in the works.

"I certainly have a strong, good opinion of Sam and what he can accomplish," he said. "Had he been able to stay healthy, then he wouldn't have been available for us. When the deal was getting made I kind of had my fingers crossed in the background that it was going to get done."

Unfortunately, we won't get a real glimpse at what Bradford has to offer until training camp opens in August. Of course, that won't stop reporters from putting every pass attempt in every practice under a microscope until then.