The clock is ticking, Eagles fans.
On April 30th, the NFL Draft will kick off from Chicago, as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the latest class of NFL talent. To make sure that you're all set for when the Eagles are on the clock for the first time, we're counting down each day with look at each number from 100-1 and the significance that the number holds in Eagles history.
Without further ado, let's continue the countdown …
In the 1997 Draft, the Eagles traded up in the third round from the 84th overall pick to the 71st overall selection in order to grab running back Duce Staley out of South Carolina.
The trade turned out to be a good idea, as Staley went on to rush for 4,807 yards and 22 touchdowns in seven seasons with the team. Aft three seasons with Pittsburgh, Staley returned to Philadelphia as a coaching intern and has since been promoted to running backs coach, a title he's held since 2013.
First Eagle To Wear No. 71: T Cecil Sturgeon (1941)
Current Eagle Wearing No. 71: T Jason Peters (2009-present)
Jason Peters
Fifteen years ago, a redshirt defensive lineman was struggling to hold his spot on the University of Arkansas scout team. Today, he is perhaps the most dominant offensive tackle in the NFL, on his way to building a Hall Of Fame résumé.
Acquired from Buffalo in a 2009 trade, Jason Peters has been a Pro Bowl selection in five of six seasons with the Eagles, with the exception being 2012, the year he was forced to sit out with an Achilles injury. Only the legendary Chuck Bednarik has garnered more Pro Bowl selections as an Eagles offensive lineman. Peters has been everything the Eagles hoped for, anchoring the left side of one of the top offensive lines in the NFL, and it now appears that Peters wants to finish his career in midnight green.
Following the 2013 season, Peters signed a five-year contract extension to keep him in Philadelphia through 2018, with hopes of becoming the greatest offensive tackle in franchise history. If he keeps playing the way that he has to this point, there's no reason why that goal can't be accomplished.
