Eagles' Mychal Kendricks gained 15 pounds to prepare to play in Jim Schwartz's 4-3 defense

The journey Mychal Kendricks has been through with the Philadelphia Eagles since being drafted by the team in 2012 has been filled with ups and downs. He's dealt with injuries and inconsistent performances. He also dealt with trade rumors until the team signed him to a contract extension last offseason. Coming off an erratic 2015 campaign, Kendricks is now trying to rebound as he returns to playing 4-3 outside linebacker for the first time since he was a rookie. The 25-year-old linebacker has already started to prepare his body for his new position.

Kendricks preparing for more physical brand of ball this year. Currently at 250 pounds, up 15 from last year

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) May 24, 2016

It's expected that Kendricks will play the WILL linebacker position in Jim Schwartz's defense. Unlike last year, when he had to deal with a heavy linebacker rotation, Kendricks is now looking forward to not splitting snaps.

"I just feel like it was too much hot and cold with all the players rotating in and out," Kendricks said via Tim McManus of Birds 24/7. "No one was able to get in the flow. It was odd. I didn’t feel like I played as good or as much. For the time I was in, I feel like my numbers were okay. But it’s hard to be a force or something to reckon with when you’re not on the field."

Kendricks was very good in 2014 despite missing some games due to injury. He was much more erratic last season. The Eagles are hoping he can return to form as the playmaker he's capable of being when he's at his best.