Eagles News: Marcus Smith could break out in 2015

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Clemson OT Isaiah Battle to enter NFL supplemental draft; Could he interest the Eagles? - PhillyVoice
If the Eagles like Battle's talent level and Chip Kelly can get past his #culture concerns, Battle could potentially be had with a later round pick. The Eagles could then groom him to eventually take over at one of the OT spots whenever Jason Peters decides to retire.

Jadeveon Clowney and 6 other rookies you forgot about who could break out in 2015 - SB Nation
In fairness, Smith also suffered from a logjam at his position. Trent Cole, Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham were all good-to-great outside linebackers. Barwin was a Pro Bowler, and Graham experienced a small-scale renaissance, recording a career-high 46 tackles and four forced fumbles and matching a career high with 5.5 sacks. Smith's snap count was about what Casey Matthews was given when he was the fourth outside linebacker in 2013, as Brandon Lee Gowton at Bleeding Green Nation pointed out, so Smith's limited role could have been somewhat by design.

Football School: Three Things We Learned This Week - Birds 24/7
Honestly, that sounds pretty similar to Chip Kelly's philosophy. The Eagles go back to the same foundation plays over and over again. They use tempo and dress them up differently. But Kelly is fond of saying that football is a game of repetition. In other words, if you practice inside zone enough times against different looks, you should be able to execute it successfully in a game. It's important to compare coaches' philosophies to their actions. For example, every coach says he will adapt scheme to personnel, but very few are capable of successfully following through on that.

Does an extension make sense for Sam Bradford and the Eagles? - The 700 Level
From Brandt’s viewpoint, the primary reason the Eagles would be hesitant to extend Bradford at this stage is because they are still considering a trade, which sounds like pure poppycock. We’re six weeks away from training camp, and Kelly is going to shop his hopeful starter to go with Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley or Tim Tebow under center instead? The reality here is likely far more simple. Do the Eagles—or Bradford for that matter—really know the player’s true value in this case?

Mike Quick compares Eagles young receivers to 1990 group - NJ.com
"That's a good comparison,'' Quick said. "Buddy (Ryan, the Eagles coach in '90) actually drafted three receivers that year, Barnett, Williams and Mike Bellamy, who was the highest draft pick (2nd round), but he didn't make it. "This group has that same youth and a lot of ability. I'm anxious to see them.''

Word on the Birds: 3-Headed RB Monster - Inquirer
On today's Word on the Birds, Philly.com's Pat Gallen & Dave Spadaro of PhiladelphiaEagles.com talk about how the Eagles will utilize DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles this season.

Running Back Target Rankings - Rotoworld
18. Philadelphia Eagles -- 102. Actually up from Chip's first year (only 82 RB targets).

Where Are They Now? DB Terry Hoage - PE.com
Following two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Terry Hoage was waived 12 days before the start of the 1986 regular season. Because NFL team rosters are typically all but finalized by then, the defensive back found himself on the outside looking in. However, before filing for unemployment and scouring newspaper want-ads, Hoage signed with the Eagles just four days before their opener in Washington.

Pre-order the Eagles Almanac 2015! - BGN
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