Eagles’ Offensive Skill Players: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Jan 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia Eagles helmet rests on a table prior to a press conference to announce Chip Kelly (not pictured) as the new Eagles head coach at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

There are many questions concerning the Eagles personnel going into the team’s first off-season under Chip Kelly. In an offseason of uncertainty, one thing appears certain–the Eagles are going to make some drastic changes on both sides of the ball. Let’s start with the offense, a unit that Kelly is expected to make one of the most dynamic attacks in the game. Let’s take a look at who may actually stick around to see the plan unfold.

Mike Vick: There is tons of controversy around what the Eagles should do with their highly paid QB going into next season. Vick is slated to make $15.5 million next season and he hasn’t played anywhere near the level of his salary for the last two seasons. Still, Vick seems like the best fit to run a Chip Kelly offense and could be rejuvenated in this system. I don’t think that matters that much because Kelly has made it a point that he doesn’t need a running quarterback. I think it’s time for the Eagles to move on and head in a new direction. Cut

Nick Foles: The Eagles drafted Foles in the third round last year and he played fairly well in seven games despite not experiencing a ton of success. Still, Foles deserves a chance to run the Eagles offense and it appears at this point to be the most likely option to do soStay

Trent Edwards: The Eagles are expected to sign Dennis Dixon and have been linked to many quarterbacks in this April’s NFL Draft. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Edwards find work in 2013, but it won’t be in Philadelphia. Cut

LeSean McCoy:  There’s really no question here. He is projected to be the focal point in Chip Kelly’s offense and is one of the top backs in the league. 

Bryce Brown: Brown played well in McCoy’s absence. It’s been noted by many that he needs to work on protecting the football, but many believe this can be corrected with more experience. If he figures it out, then look out. Stays

Dion Lewis: Lewis was used very little last year under Andy Reid. Though there were only so many carries to go around in Andy Reid’s offense. His lack of size worries me, but his quickness and elusiveness is a huge plus. I see him battling with Chris Polk to make the team throughout OTAs, training camp, and the preseason. Stay

Chris Polk: Polk went undrafted in 2012 and signed with the Eagles hours after the draft. Polk looked good in the preseason, but many speculated that his effort level dropped after making the team. I really like Polk and I look for him to make a strong push to make the Eagles opening day roster as he will battle for the third running back position with the incumbent Dion Lewis. Remember, the Eagles are unlikely to keep a fullback under Kelly, so four running backs is a possibility. Stay

DeSean Jackson: I think DeSean is primed for a big season under Chip Kelly. Jackson recently compared his role in Kelly’s offense to that of Oregon standout DeAnthony Thomas. He certainly possesses the speed and skill to mimic that role. He needs a big 2013. Stay

Jeremy Maclin:  Maclin didn’t have his best season last year, but really picked up the pace with Nick Foles under center. Maclin, who has caught his fair share of criticism, is the most complete receiver on the team. He needs to establish himself as a top-tier wide receiver as he enters free agency in 2014.

Jason Avant:  Avant is a hard worker, a leader, and has remarkable hands. But if the Eagles do go out an acquire another receiver, Avant could be the odd man out. His lack of speed may not mesh with what Kelly wants to do on offensive, thus his time in Philadelphia may be nearing an end. Cut

Riley Cooper: He’s big, strong, and has soft hands. He is currently the Eagles best red zone target and developed some chemistry with Nick Foles. Stay

Damaris Johnson: Johnson has elite speed and played well in the short time that he was on the field. I think Chip Kelly will spend quite a good deal of time this offseason scheming ways to find a way to utilize Johnson’s game changing speed. Stay

Brent Celek:Celek has been the Eagles security blanket for the last few years and is a strong presence in the locker rpom. Celek will play a huge role in Kelly’s offense because Kelly loves to utilize his tight ends. Stay

Clay Harbor: Harbor is a solid enough player, but doesn’t do any one thing particularly well. The Eagles are probably better served to evaluate other options at this point. Cut