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Eagles vice president of player personnel Ed Marynowitz met with the Philadelphia media on Thursday morning for the first time since being promoted to his new position as Chip Kelly's right hand man. Marynowitz spoke for nearly an hour so he touched on a lot of topics.
One of the more interesting things Marynowitz had to say was about how there are only eight to 10 difference makers in the 2015 NFL Draft class.
Marynowitz: 8-10 difference makers in this draft.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) April 23, 2015
This is interesting because it seemed there were only six players in this category for the Eagles last year. The story is that the Eagles wanted one of six players at No. 22 in the 2014 NFL Draft but all of them were off the board by the time they picked. In response, the Eagles traded down to No. 26 in order to get more picks. It seemed like the Eagles were open to trading down yet again but the team didn't want to miss out on Marcus Smith after the Chiefs selected a passs rusher (Dee Ford) at No. 23.
The Eagles pick two spots higher than they did last year so they might have a better chance at getting one of their so-called difference makers.
Here are some more quotes from Marynowitz's press availability:
Marynowitz: Everyone here is to support Chip Kelly and his vision. Notes that he is not a yes man and will voice different opinions
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz: The #NFL is a size - speed league. It was the same way at Alabama and in the SEC
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz: Reid was more willing to take risks on height/weight than Kelly. Cited Brian Roller as an example.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz says for Chip, if a player doesn't meet a height/weight requirement, he better be "exceptional" in a lot of other areas #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz: #Eagles will draft "best available player for us" expanding on typical BPA
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz said Tim Tebow improved from time they saw him with Patriots in 2013. Brought him in to compete at QB
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz Mariota is a very good player. We've gone through the process with him. Reiterated team won't mortgage future.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
This is a smokescreen: https://t.co/Ndtm7yRTpb
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz: Every player is a projection. Shaq Thompson a great example of how teams will value him differently
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz: Byron Jones has certain athletic traits that are unique and rare
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz: Character vs. Talent will always be a conversation ... Have to figure out if player has the right mindset to be a great player.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015
Marynowitz: I think we've got players on the roster who can compete to play safety next to Malcolm Jenkins
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) April 23, 2015