Posts Tagged ‘Nelson Agholor’

Philadelphia Eagles draft 2015 recap: The grades are in

Monday, May 4th, 2015

by Brandyn Campbell

Brandyn Blog

 

 

 

 

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The 2015 draft has come and gone, and the dust is beginning to settle for the Eagles and teams around the NFL. How did Chip Kelly do in this draft, the first where he had full control of the process?

Despite the incredible speculation and trade scenarios leading up to the event, the draft was decidedly without drama for the Eagles. They didn’t land Marcus Mariota, and they didn’t draft any offensive linemen. But they did load up on defensive backs, an area of need for many years.

The draft grades are pouring in, and there seems to be consensus about the Eagles’ performance: no one was wowed, but it wasn’t a miss. Better than average – every grade I’ve seen has been in the “B” range.

Heading into the draft, the team needed to find a dynamic wideout to replace Maclin, and they did that nicely with the first-round selection of Nelson Agholor. They needed to find a likely starter at corner, and they now have some options there, with the pickup of the versatile Eric Rowe. The Jordan Hicks pick was too high, given his injury history. They needed help at safety and picked up a few options for that position. Philadelphia needed to address holes in the offensive line left by the departure of Todd Herremans and the likely exit at any moment by Evan Mathis (what WAS that this weekend?!).

Draft expert or casual fan, no one truly knows the success or failure of this draft until we see how the six drafted players perform for the team in the next few years. As the Daily News’ Paul Domowitch said in an article today, “There is no right or wrong with respect to the 2015 NFL draft right now. There are only opinions.”

A few other perspectives on the Eagles’  2015 draft performance:

A roundup of draft grades from national media, including a B+ from Mel Kiper, Jr.:

“He has put a premium on guys that will buy in, and I think he got those types and hit a couple home runs in the process. Nelson Agholor to me just screams ‘high floor’. He’s a great route runner, plucks the ball out away from his body, has the proven toughness of a return man – you should hear Polian talk about that – and is sneaky explosive. He can get behind defenses. I also think Eric Rowe at No. 47 overall was a steal. He is a great kid and offers up versatility (CB or S), and I thought he’d be a good value as early as the end of Round 1.”  –Birds 24/7

An NFC East personnel exec weighs in on the Eagles draft:

“He loved the selections of first-round wide receiver Nelson Agholor and second-round defensive back Eric Rowe, really, really loved them. But he hated the third-round selection of linebacker Jordan Hicks (way too high).” – Philadelphia Daily News

A B+ for the Birds from Brandon Gowton, an extensive round-up of grades from other outlets:

“My first impression of the Eagles draft class is that it looks solid. There aren’t really any picks that make no sense at all to me. The team did a nice job of addressing needs by selecting players who fit their scheme and culture.” – Bleeding Green Nation 

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Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Chip Kelly talks 1st-round pick Nelson Agholor, denies trade offers for Mariota

Friday, May 1st, 2015

by Brandyn Campbell

Brandyn Blog

 

 

 

 

Welcome Nelson Agholor to Philadelphia, the first-round pick of the Eagles in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Welcome Nelson Agholor to Philadelphia, the first-round pick of the Eagles in the 2015 NFL Draft.

In the end, the anticipated drama, intrigue, and complex trade scenarios did not come to pass for the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite reports of late inquiries with the Buccaneers and the Titans regarding the top two spots to get Marcus Mariota, Chip Kelly stayed with the 20th overall spot and selected WR Nelson Agholor from USC for their first round pick in the 2015 draft.

Wild trade offers from Kelly were reported through the start of the draft, supposedly offering first round picks as well as just about every star of the Eagles defense. Not surprisingly, he denied the reports, comparing his actions to looking at swanky houses you know you can’t afford.

“We didn’t offer any players to anybody.   It was just a really steep price.  It was like driving into a nice neighborhood and looking at a house, and they tell you the price and you walk away.  We didn’t walk in the front door and take a look around.  Part of our plan, as we’ve said all along is we’re going to build this team.  We still think there is a lot of value in this draft and in future drafts.”

Agholor (6’1, 190) has drawn comparisons to former Eagle (sniffle) Jeremy Maclin. Kelly said of the pick, “He’s a great fit for what we’re doing.” Agholor has drawn praise for his athleticism, versatility, and high football IQ. Kelly continued,

“He’s got excellent speed, outstanding hands, catches the ball away from his body.  Outstanding route runner, real student of the game.  We were really excited, and he was kind of what our model is.  He was the best player that was available for us that fit our system.”

Kelly’s praise continued, comparing his newest player to one of his 2014 selections at receiver, Jordan Matthews.

“I guess the best way to say it is he’s just dialed in as a football player. He’s in the Jordan Matthews category in terms of his approach to the game. Always striving to be better. I think the great thing about Nelson is he has a growth mind-set, and not a fixed mindset. He’s always trying to get better.”

Mike Mayock was high on the pick for the Eagles.

“Agholor is a precise route runner. He has added value as a great returner. He reminds you of Jeremy Maclin, the guy he’s replacing. Agholor can play anywhere, outside and in the slot. The Philadelphia Eagles are going to love him.”

Agholor finished his career at USC with 179 catches for 2,571 yards and 20 TDs in 30 games, becoming just the 12th Trojan to notch 2,000 receiving yards in a career. Additionally, he had 540 yards on 37 punt returns (14.6 average) and set a school record with four punt return touchdowns. Agholor recorded 24 kickoff returns for 443 yards (18.5 average). In 2014, he started all 13 games and led the team with 104 receptions and 1,313 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. His 104 receptions in 2014 rank third on USC’s all-time single-season list and sixth in the Pac-12.

Check out some of Agholor’s highlights from the 2014 season:

Follow Agholor on Twitter at @nelsonagholor . Welcome to Philadelphia, Nelson. Looking forward to seeing you on the field.

Do you like the pick, Eagles fans?

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Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports