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 …
When Chip Kelly made the transition from the college game to the pro level, some people assumed that his offensive system would heavily rely on the run with the passing attack as a secondary focus. While the run game is indeed a huge staple of what the Eagles do on offense, the passing game has been just as, if not more, effective.
As a team, the Eagles racked up 4,581 receiving yards in 2014, the sixth-highest total in the NFL. Jeremy Maclin led the way with 1318 yards and 10 touchdowns. 12 different Eagles caught a pass this season and six of those targets found the end zone for six points.
First Player To Wear No. 81: E Dick Humbert (1941, 1945-49)
Current Eagle Wearing No. 81: WR Jordan Matthews (2014-present)
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In the past decade, the Eagles have had a few talented receivers don the No. 81. Of course, Terrell Owens owned it for a brief but incredibly successful tenure in Philadelphia from 2004-05, including one of the all-time best wide receiver performances in Super Bowl history, considering he was playing on a broken ankle.
Then from 2006-13, the number was held by Jason Avant, a former fourth-round draft pick who went on to become one of the Eagles' most reliable targets over his career in Philadelphia.
Now the No. 81 belongs to Jordan Matthews, and after just one NFL season, Matthews is already making the number his own. In a rookie receiver class heralded by many as one of the best ever assembled, Matthews was among the rookie standouts.
After a couple of shaky preseason games, Matthews' rookie season was everything that fans had hoped it would be. The tall target out of Vanderbilt grabbed 67 catches for 872 yards and eight touchdowns (both ranked second on the team).
Matthews worked primarily in the slot as a rookie, wreaking havoc across the middle and down the seam. Will Matthews eventually be moved outside or will he stay in the slot and hone his craft there? It's too early to tell, but one thing is for sure; working in this offensive system, the sky is the limit for the former second-round draft pick.
