What They’re Saying About Matthews, Huff

Here’s a roundup of what Mike Mayock, Mel Kiper Jr. and others had to say about the Eagles’ Day 2 picks.

Mayock weighed in on Jordan Matthews, via al.com:

“He’ll fit in beautifully in Philadelphia and in Chip Kelly’s offense. He makes tough catches. He has a big body. He ran faster than a lot of people anticipated (4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine). The Eagles get Jeremy Maclin back. They have added Matthews and Darren Sproles. This team is going to be the first-, second- or third-leading scoring team in the league.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Eagles as one of his winners:

When Todd and I did a pre-draft mock in which we took picks we’d like at each slot, I actually had Matthews to the Eagles at No. 22 overall. I know coach Chip Kelly is a fan of Matthews, as am I, and consider the situation there going forward: The only receivers Philly has under contract past next season are Riley Cooper and Jeff Maehl. Jeremy Maclin is coming back off the knee injury, and you add in Matthews a guy who couldn’t be stopped in SEC play. Then the Eagles — who lack major needs and could do this — decided to double down with the addition of Huff, whom Kelly knows well. Huff will make the contested catch and gives the Eagles immediate depth.

ESPN’s John Clayton offers his thoughts on the Eagles’ picks:

Day 2 gave Philadelphia Eagles fans their replacements — Jordan Matthews and former Oregon receiver Josh Huff. By drafting one of his former Oregon receivers, it’s pretty clear Kelly believes his system is good enough to survive the loss of a star such as Jackson. Kelly said his offense sees so much man coverage that he wants bigger receivers. Matthews is 6-foot-3, 212 pounds. Huff is a little under 6-foot, but he’s physical and knows Kelly’s system from Oregon.

Greg A. Bedard of The MMQB likes the Birds’ two picks:

With DeSean Jackson gone and Jeremy Maclin coming back from injury, coach Chip Kelly got two receivers in Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff (played for Kelly at Oregon) that will fit nicely in his system because they aren’t afraid of physical play. They needed competition at receiver.

The Eagles get a “Good job, good effort” grade from NFL.com’s Bryan Fischer:

The Eagles land a much-needed wide receiver in Matthews who will do well in Chip Kelly’s system. He won’t have the big plays Desean Jackson did, but he’ll be Nick Foles’ friend. Huff will be great on special teams and should be able to jump right in on offense as a former Kelly player at Oregon.

Will Brinson of CBSSports.com has Nick Foles as one of his Day 2 winners:

Foles lost DeSean Jackson this offseason and it looked like he might have Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper as his primary weapons heading into 2014, particularly when the Saints leapfrogged the Eagles for Brandin Cooks. Chip Kelly and Howie Roseman rebounded nicely on the second day of the draft, grabbing two guys in Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff who should make an impact early. Matthews is a steal to me and will make a major impact at the pro level at some point. Huff played for Chip Kelly at Oregon — he’s Chip’s first guy taken from his old gig — and shouldn’t take long to get acclimated in Philly.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com gives the Eagles a B+ for their selection of Huff:

Kelly takes a receiver I think is way underrated. He knows this player and Huff is a good player who will play right away.

Here’s what scouts told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel about Matthews:

“A lot of people don’t think he plays very fast,” one scout said. “Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he’s been incredibly productive.” Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. “Polished,” said another scout. “Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round.”