Wake-Up Call: Three Fits For the Eagles

Chip Kelly, we’re learning, has pretty specific taste when it comes to football players. He wants them built a certain way, wired a certain way, and to function in a certain way within his scheme. Which prospects fit the bill?

For answers, we’ll call on some draft experts between now and April 30, and ask them to name three players that are matches for Kelly and the Eagles. First up is Josh Norris, who does a fine job as a writer and analyst for Rotoworld and NBC Sports.

1) OL Jake Fisher, Oregon

Projected round: 1-2

Norris’ take: “Fits the boxes Chip Kelly looks for: athletic, a senior, versatility to play guard or tackle and yes, the Oregon background. Many coaches and evaluators have types they stick with, and Kelly seems to have carried his over.”

Sheil did a full write-up on Fisher (6-6, 306)  here.

2) S Adrian Amos, Penn State 

Projected round: 3-5

Norris’ take: “Again there are trends here. Amos is one of the best athletic testers in this draft, along with being a Senior Bowl attendee. Amos has played both safety and corner, and both positions seem to be a need for the Eagles.”

The Eagles are apparently interested. Amos recently wrote about his visit to the NovaCare for the Baltimore Sun.

“They like my versatility at safety and being able to play cornerback. We went to the film room and went over a lot of things. They wanted to see how we pick up defenses and just get an overall understanding of my knowledge of the game.”

The Baltimore native had three interceptions and seven passes defensed for Penn State this past season.

3) Edge rusher  Shaq Riddick, West Virginia

Projected round: 4-5

Norris’ take: “Riddick played one season of FBS football, in a scheme that did not fit his style. Again, athleticism is prioritized here and Riddick is a pick beyond the second round that could pay dividends when lined up wider in a pass rushing role.”

Riddick (6-6, 242) played for Gardner-Webb in Carolina before transferring to WVU this past season. He apparently played out of position for the Mountaineers but still registered seven sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in ’14. Looks like he would have to add some weight and strength to compete on this level.

For more of Norris’ thoughts on the Eagles’ draft needs, click here.

WHAT YOU MISSED

In the latest Draft Daily, Sheil takes a close-up look at ASU safety Damarious Randall.

All of Tuesday’s draft buzz in one spot.

Will the Eagles consider trading back? Kapadia offers his thoughts.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Tommy Lawlor on the rumor that the Eagles are potentially interested in QB Garrett Grayson.

Grayson played at Colorado State and had an outstanding Senior season. He went to the Senior Bowl and was the best QB down there, although he wasn’t facing murderer’s row.

Grayson has NFL talent, but I’ve gone back and forth on whether I like him or not. I watch one game and don’t like him. Then I watch another and I feel differently.

He throws a good deep ball. He makes some good throws over the middle in traffic. He shows good accuracy and seems to be a smart decision-maker. He’s not reckless, but will take some chances. Grayson had a good workout at his Pro Day, but I didn’t see that athleticism on the field with any consistency.

In his latest mock draft, Chris Steuber has the Eagles selecting Central Florida receiver Breshad Perriman at 20.

The early run on wide receivers will cause the Eagles to take a hard look at who’s available on the board. Perriman (6-2, 212) is the choice, as his stock is on a meteoric rise. His size, speed and game-breaking ability translate well to what Chip Kelly desires in his offense.

COMING UP

We’ll continue to get you ready for the draft.