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Bacon, Eggs and Eagles: Chip Kelly Focusing On Defense

By Anthony DiBona

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Following the 2015 NFL Draft, it’s clear Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly put an emphasis on improving the team’s defense for the upcoming season. It was obvious that the defense had some holes, specifically in the secondary. Kelly wasted little time addressing those needs this offseason once he was given full control of all personnel decisions. He signed arguably the best free agent cornerback in Byron Maxwell and also signed Walter Thurmond and E.J. Biggers. Then in the draft, Kelly added three more cornerbacks. Eric Rowe in the second round, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans in the sixth round. It’s time to take a look back at the draft and Kelly’s mindset during the process. All that and more in this morning’s serving of Bacon, Eggs and Eagles!

5 Takeaways From Kelly’s Post-Draft Presser – Adam Hermann of PhiladelphiaEagles.com

"1. Process Was Smooth SailingAfter his third draft at the helm, and his first with final say on draft picks and personnel decisions, Kelly said he was pleased with the way everything ran in the draft room at the NovaCare Complex.“It was very orderly,” Kelly explained. “I think we spent a lot of time in the last whatever couple of months so that really we’re not making decisions when you get to the draft, the decisions have been made before.”Kelly said he and his draft team went through countless scenarios in the weeks leading up to the draft itself, simulating what they would do if specific players were available or not. In the end, he said, it went almost as expected."

Draft Wrap – Tommy Lawlor of IgglesBlitz.com

"No QBThe Eagles didn’t land Marcus Mariota, but also passed on mid-round QBs. They didn’t even sign an undrafted QB. This is good news for Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow. They are battling for the #3 job. There is no QB of the future to push them out.I really thought Kelly would want someone to develop behind Sam Bradford. It sure seems that Matt Barkley isn’t part of the long terms plans anymore.Bradford is the present and future for now.While that is a scary statement, this is a situation of Chip Kelly’s choosing. He is going to do everything in his power to make this work."

NFL Draft Results: 10 Thoughts About the Eagles Picks and Signings – Mike Kaye of BleedingGreenNation.com

"1. The Eagles clearly went into the draft looking to improve the secondary. The team spent three picks on defensive backs and they got them in nice value spots. Trading up for Eric Rowe was a move that one could see coming (I predicted it in my Day 2 mock earlier that day) but it was a smart pick nonetheless. Rowe can compete at the second cornerback spot as well as at the safety spot opposite Malcolm Jenkins. He’ll likely start at one of those positions as a rookie."

Grading the Eagles’ 2015 Draft – Ray Butler of SidelinesAndHeadlines.com

"Round 1, Pick 20: WR Nelson Agholor, USCAs I said in my piece that graded the first round picks of all 32 teams, the Eagles not landing Marcus Mariota limited the ceiling of the approval of this pick. However, Agholor likely has the best hands of any receiver in this draft, and he’s an outstanding fit in Chip Kelly’s offense. I initially questioned the value of this pick, but the Lions would have reportedly taken him with the 23rd pick had he been available. The Eagles will move him around and get him into space, and an 800-1000 yard rookie season is certainly not out of the question. Grade: B+"

Chip Kelly’s 1st draft with total control a smooth operation – Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com

"Chip Kelly didn’t mention Howie Roseman by name.He didn’t have to.When Kelly discussed the Eagles’ new front office structure and how seamlessly the process worked during his first draft with total control of personnel, everybody who was paying attention had a pretty good hunch who he was talking about."

Here’s an interesting nugget I came across on Twitter, two of the Eagles’ rookies were actually high school teammates…and have the same first name. That’s pretty ironic!

Next: Philadelphia Eagles: UDFA WR Devante Davis Is A Gem

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