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Eagles News: Bigger role for Darren Sproles in 2015?

Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 6/20/2015.

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Five Eagles who impressed during OTAs and minicamp - PhillyVoice
Nelson Agholor - He's legit. Players in the Eagles secondary are already saying he's been the most impressive receiver they've faced so far this offseason, and the media seems to be in unanimous agreement that he looks very fast and shifty. As we noted in the final notes of minicamp, there are some players who don't play to their timed speed. Agholor ran a 4.42 at the Combine, and he plays every bit as fast as that would indicate, and then some. I'd be very surprised if he didn't start Week 1.

Eagles Wake-Up Call: Sproles’ Role In 2015 - Birds 24/7
During the open practices this spring, Sproles worked more with the receivers during individual drills, something he says will help him see the field more in 2015. "[The coaches] really want me to learn both positions," said Sproles. "So they wanted [me] to work on my route running and some things like that." Sproles played 29 percent of the snaps a year ago. Kelly was asked during the owners meetings in March whether he anticipated the Eagles being more creative in how they deployed Sproles this season.

Josh Huff out to show he can do more for Eagles - Inquirer
Josh Huff caught the pass in stride 20 yards downfield on a crossing route. With the ball in his hands, he burst ahead looking for a defender to plow over. But each defensive back peeled off and Huff jogged back to the sideline unable to unleash his fury. In minicamp, practices are no more than touch football and physical wide receivers such as Huff don't get opportunities to display their wares. But the Eagles don't have to worry about Huff with the ball in his hands. It's making sure it gets there and stays.

Minicamp is in the Books - Iggles Blitz
Jordan Matthews doesn’t sound at all like a guy who will have a sophomore slump. He’s working as hard as ever. Nelson Agholor continues to impress everyone who goes to practice. He shows speed and good receiver skills. Josh Huff looks improved. The question with him is how good he’ll be. Key role player? Starter? We’ve heard a lot of good things about Miles Austin, both as a player and mentor. A darkhorse to watch…Seyi Ajirotutu. Jimmy Bama has mentioned him a few times and a couple of other writers have as well (their lack of Pulitzers keeps me from mentioning names).

Former Eagles guard Evan Mathis grades his own tape - NFL - SI.com
Doug Farrar takes a closer look at the true value of former Eagles guard Evan Mathis—with insight from Mathis himself.

2015 Philadelphia Eagles Team Outlook - Scout
Bradford was a solid game manager in 2013 when he threw 14 TDs and only four INTs in seven games. However, his season ended in Week 7 when he tore his left ACL. He then tore the same ligament last August, forcing him to miss the entire 2014 season. Sam hasn’t thrown for 4,000 yards or more than 21 touchdowns in any year since entering the league in 2010. He is 18-30-1 as a starting QB with only 59 TDs in 49 starts. Bradford has a live arm and a great opportunity in Philly to post strong numbers. The Eagles have had a top-10 passing offense in each of the two seasons with Kelly as their head coach. If healthy, I expect Bradford to win the starting job and approach 30 touchdowns. However, it’s still hard to say if he will be ready by Week 1. He is a player to track with continued injury risk. The Eagles have talent at the receiving positions, so their starter will no doubt be a top-12 Fantasy QB and surpass 4,000 yards. I view Bradford as an upside backup QB in the Fantasy market with future starting value.

Julie - Zach Ertz's blog
We just completed a great mini-camp in Philadelphia, and shortly, I’ll be headed up north to Edmonton to see my girlfriend, Julie Johnston. Julie is a defender for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, which is currently playing in the Women’s World Cup.

10 observations from the Eagles' spring camps - CSN Philly
I’m still not sold that Kendricks and Boykin are on the team when the season opens. Each has trade value and each is viewed as expendable by the organization. The Eagles won’t give them away, but I’m convinced another team would be willing to make a fair deal for either one. Thurmond’s move to safety hurts Boykin’s chance of seeing more time because the Eagles now have two safeties who can play the slot, enabling them  to stay in base defense against three-wide formations. Kendricks is too good of a player to be exclusively a nickel/dime linebacker, but Alonso and Ryans will be the starters if both are healthy. Although Ryans didn’t participate in all drills this spring, just being out on the practice field was a good enough indication that he should be ready to go for training camp. We’ll keep monitoring the situation as we get deeper into training camp.

Eli Manning, DeMarco Murray lead All-NFC East Team - NFL.com
Tony Romo's 113.2 rating last season was not only a career best, but it led the NFL. Still, Romo's year wasn't enough to sway Dave Dameshek, who chose another NFC East QB to lead his All-Division Team.

Jimmy Graham, Marcus Mariota among the most hyped players at NFL OTAs - SB Nation
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone from any team saying something negative about their first-round quarterback, but the positive buzz around Marcus Mariota was intense nonetheless. Mariota was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and the Titans passed on multiple big trade offers to take him. He's the future of that franchise, and he turned heads during OTAs. Mariota was praised for his arm strength, his quick study in a new offense and his leadership. All of those things are absolutely crucial to his success as a rookie. Few actually thought Mariota was a bad pick for the Titans, but it bodes well for the Titans that he has looked really, really good so far.

Pre-order the Eagles Almanac 2015! - BGN
It's the moment you've all been waiting for: the Eagles Almanac 2015 is back. The Eagles Almanac features detailed analysis, essays, scouting, statistics, and more from your favorite writers and bloggers.

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