2014 NFL Draft: Chip Kelly says Jordan Matthews will be the Eagles slot receiver

The Philadelphia Eagles created a hole on their offense earlier this offseason when they cut long-time slot receiver Jason Avant. With the No. 42 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Eagles addressed that position by drafting wide receiver Jordan Matthews from Vanderbilt.

Eagles head coach Chip Kelly spoke to the media shortly after the Eagles' pick was announced. He confirmed that Matthews will be starting for the Eagles in the slot position.

Chip: Matthews can catch the ball in traffic. We’ll probably start him inside, Maclin and Cooper on outside.

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) May 10, 2014

Kelly noted he believes Matthews can also play on the outside. Matthews (6-3, 212) instantly becomes one of the NFL's biggest slot receivers, which is no surprise given Kelly's popular "big people beat up little people" mantra.

Regarding the Eagles' decision to trade up for Matthews, Kelly explained that the team was targeting two wide receivers at that time The first was Marqise Lee and he had gone to the Jaguars a few picks before the Titans. The Eagles then felt it was necessary to trade up with Tennessee in order to acquire Matthews.

Kelly said #Eagles had two guys targeted and one came off the board. It was Marqise Lee, picked three spots before Matthews.

— Bob Grotz (@BobGrotz) May 10, 2014

As you can see, the Eagles' organization is fairly excited about the pick.

There is palpable excitement in Eagles facility. Ran into a staff member in the hallway bubbling with joy. Staff is thrilled with Matthews.

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) May 10, 2014