:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53965359/Screen_Shot_2017_03_29_at_11.41.55_AM.0.png)
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson spoke with reporters for an hour on Wednesday morning during the NFC coaches breakfast at the 2017 NFL owners meetings. You can watch Pederson’s entire press conference by clicking here. For now, here are some key takeaways from what Pederson had to say. Stay tuned here to Bleeding Green Nation for more in-depth stories regarding Pederson’s comments.
Everything about Carson Wentz
Pederson had an awkward exchange with one reporter about Wentz.
Q: Can you talk about where Carson Wentz is right now?
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug: Well I don’t know where he is right now.
Q: In terms of development
Doug: Oh
Some believe he was kidding but it didn’t come across like that to me at first. Especially since he can be awkward. In any case, here’s more stuff he said about the Eagles’ young quarterback.
Pederson: No arm issues for Wentz
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 29, 2017
Doug on what adjustment Wentz has to make on his throwing motion: "Probably not much."
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
Pederson says he isn’t concerned about mechanics coaching Wentz sought in offseason, though it wasn’t Eagles’ idea.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 29, 2017
“It’s always the head coach and the quarterback,” Pederson says, when asked how much his job is tied to Wentz’s success.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 29, 2017
There will be competition at left guard
Returning 2016 starter Allen Barbre, second-year player Isaac Seumalo, veteran Stefen Wisniewski, and Chance Warmack will be competing for the left guard spot.
Pederson says Isaac Seumalo a guy the Eagles want to get into the mix. Says he’ll compete with Barbre at LG. Wiz and Warmack too.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson says the Eagles are keeping Jason Kelce
Despite trade rumors, Pederson once again insisted the Eagles are keep Kelce. Personally, I’m still skeptical. The feeling here is Kelce is the odd man out in a crowded Eagles offensive line situation.
Q: Are you expecting Jason Kelce to be on the Eagles come September?
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson: Yes.
Pederson says the Eagles are keeping Mychal Kendricks
Again, just like with Kelce, I don’t really buy it. There’s talk the Eagles might try to trade Kendricks closer to the 2017 NFL Draft.
Doug Pederson says Mychal Kendricks is a big part of the team. Expects him to be at OTAs and on the roster come September. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
If Kendricks was truly “a big part of the team,” the Eagles would have played him more than 27% of the defense’s snaps last season.
(He won't though).
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson says he expects Mychal Kendricks to be at OTAs and on the roster. (I don't). #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 29, 2017
Joe Mixon might be on the Eagles’ draft board
Jeffrey Lurie didn’t seem to rule out the Eagles drafting Mixon and neither did Pederson. But he did talk about the importance of character.
Doug Pederson on Joe Mixon: Very explosive. Very good hands out of the backfield. Dynamic. Exciting back to watch.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson: “I love having character people. I think that’s the wave of the future.” #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson says it’s a “fine line” when weighing talent versus character. “It’s tough.”
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug noncommittal on Mixon; you need to do homework, etc
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 29, 2017
Doug on if he would be OK with Mixon on roster: "We're always looking to better our roster." Also noted it had to be the right fit.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
Pederson didn’t necessarily commit to Vinny Curry as a starter
It’s assumed Curry will start with Connor Barwin gone but the Eagles signed Chris Long this week. So who knows how the playing time will shake out for sure?
Pederson says he loves Vinny Curry. Tremendous leader. Wants to see him take the next step.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson wouldn't commit to Vinny Curry being the definitive starter at defensive end. #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 29, 2017
Beau Allen will get a chance to start with Bennie Logan gone
Earlier this offseason it was reported the Eagles are in talks to extend Allen’s contract. There hasn’t been much buzz about that report since then but it appears the Eagles value Big Beau.
Pederson says Eagles have a lot of confidence in Beau Allen. He has an opportunity to step up and prove himself with Bennie Logan gone.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson on DT: Beau Allen played a lot of snaps; great opportunity now to compete for a starting spot.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 29, 2017
Cutting Chase Daniel was tough
Sure, Doug.
Doug Pederson says the Eagles releasing Chase Daniel was a “tough decision.”
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson says the Chase Daniel signing was a good one at the time it happened.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson explained what he values in running backs
Hm ... does Pederson’s description remind you of any running backs in this year’s draft?
What Pederson values at RB: Three down guy, mobile out of the backfield, route running ability, running the ball, run btwn tackles.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson stressed the need to be patient when it comes to addressing roster holes, such as cornerback
Doug Pederson on cornerbacks: “Everyone knows this is a healthy draft that way.”
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson says the Eagles have to “trust our process” when it comes to filling roster holes. Have to be patient. Can’t do everything at once.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Wendell Smallwood doesn’t seem like the Eagles’ starting running back
Doug Pederson says Wendell Smallwood is a “dynamic runner.” There’s a “role” for him. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson, in my opinion (# ) didn't sound like a head coach that viewed Wendell Smallwood as his top, No. 1 running back next season
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 29, 2017
Pederson didn’t know anything about Jordan Matthews trade rumors
Rather, he praised the team’s 2016 leading wide receiver.
Doug on Jordan Matthews: "He's a dynamic slot guy."
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
Pederson: Jordan Matthews has great relationship with Carson, dynamic slot guy. Haven’t heard about trade rumors
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 29, 2017
Pederson isn’t giving up on Dorial Green-Beckham
Pederson once again mentioned how the Eagles got DGB late in the summer last year (third week of training camp) and the team is interested to see how he does this offseason.
Pederson says this will be a great offseason for DGB. A big one for him in terms of proving himself. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson on DGB: a great offseason for him; was learning system while year. To get in with Mike Groh and learn is going to be huge for him
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 29, 2017
Pederson also isn’t giving up on Nelson Agholor
Pederson says Nelson Agholor is one of the hardest workers on the football team. Role on special teams might increase. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doug Pederson believes that Agholor is capable of playing at a high level, anxious for him to work with new WR coach Mike Groh.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 29, 2017
Pederson is optimistic about Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s future
Sounds like the Eagles might believe they have an in-house replacement at right tackle when Jason Peters eventually retires and Lane Johnson moves over to left tackle.
Pederson says Big V improved a lot during 2016 season. Says there’s a chance he can be a “dynamic starting tackle” in the future. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson explained why the Eagles kept Trey Burton
Doug Pederson mentions special teams before tight end when talking about why they are bringing back Trey Burton. #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 29, 2017
Pederson likes John Ross
The Eagles reportedly brought Ross in for a pre-draft visit. He’s also potentially one of eight wide receiver prospects the Eagles told Wentz to study this offseason.
Doug Pederson says John Ross is dynamic, elusive, quick. Could be a “difference maker” because of his speed. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Pederson says John Ross’ injury history doesn’t scare him. References Eagles sports science program.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
The Eagles requested to play back-to-back road games in Los Angeles
The Eagles have to play the Rams and the Chargers on the road this season. The NFL schedule won’t be released until April but Pederson did note the team requested to play those games back to back so the Eagles won’t have to make two separate trips out to L.A. this year.
Pederson says Eagles requested staying on the West Coast for back to back games so they don’t have to come back to Philly and go back.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Doesn’t sound like the Eagles will add a conventional fullback
Pederson talked about being creative and using tight ends and/or offensive linemen in a fullback role. It’s worth noting the Eagles have former North Dakota State fullback Andrew Bonnet on the roster.
At owners meetings, #Eagles Pederson says he is probably leaning away from having a FB on roster.
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) March 29, 2017
Without a fullback, the Eagles will never be able to win a Super Bowl now.