Rumor: Philadelphia Eagles high on Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib

Andy Reid's first draft pick as Eagles coach was to draft a quarterback out of Syracuse. He would go on to make 6 Pro Bowls and break most franchise records...

Might Chip Kelly do the same?

Well, he probably won't use his first pick, but draft insider Tony Pauline reports that the Eagles are among a few teams high on Syracuse signal caller and local West Chester product Ryan Nassib.

Quarterback Ryan Nassib is back on the Syracuse campus preparing for the combine where he's working with two well known names. Former NFL offensive coordinator Paul Hackett as well as Ken Anderson, starting quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals for 17 years and himself a quarterbacks and receivers coach in the league, are both helping Nassib fine tune his game. At present time the game plan includes Nassib throwing at the combine later this month. Where will the quarterback fall in the draft? We hear three teams who select at the top of round two, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets, think highly of Nassib. Its not out of the question one of these teams moves back into the late part of round one to select the Syracuse product.

Nassib, who is still a big Eagles fan, got some national buzz this week when former NFL Scout and current NFP draft analyst Russ Lande ranked him as the #1 player in the entire 2013 draft class.

At 6-3, 228 Nassib has average size for a QB, but he's well built and tough enough to take hits. He's not particularly mobile, but is no statue either. You wouldn't call him a threat to run, but if he has to he's capable. What he does have is a plus arm. He can make every throw, has a quick release and is an accurate passer.

Probably his biggest strength/weakness is that he's got that infamous "gunslinger" mentality. He knows he's got a big arm and he trusts it to make ill-advised throws sometimes. He also never gives up on a play, which sometimes leads to really exciting things, but other times it leads to mistakes and turnovers. Think Eli Manning. Hopefully Nassib can be that lucky. There are also questions about his footwork.

Here is NFL.com's bottom line on Nassib.

Nassib doesn't have exceptional size or athleticism, but the muscle bound thrower has a rifle for an arm and was finally comfortable in the Syracuse offense in 2012, even though his happy feet might suggest differently. The senior might have a tendency to sail targets and force some poor reads, but multiple teams will likely consider adding Nassib as an early starter, not just a backup or developmental prospect as many suspected prior to this season.

Here's his tape from Syracuse's win over Missouri this year.

More tape if you're interested.

Nassib vs USC
Nassib vs Louisville
Nassib vs Rutgers
Nassib vs Northwestern