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 both Jordan Matthews and Darren Sproles were added to the Eagles roster this past offseason, there were high expectations set for each player in terms of what they could contribute to the Eagles' passing attack.
Neither of them disappointed.
Matthews quickly made a name for himself in the NFL by racking up 872 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, while Sproles added to his pass-catching legacy by totaling 387 receiving yards on the year. Matthews was selected by the Eagles in the draft to make the teamm bigger at the receiver positon. Sproles' addition, on the other hand, had little to do with size but rather for explosive offensive and special teams plays. Either way, both players delivered in big ways during their first season in midnight green.
First Player To Wear No. 87: E Jack Ferrante (1941, 1944-50)
Current Eagle To Wear No. 87: TE Brent Celek (2007-present)
Brent Celek
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One of Chip Kelly's distinguishing characteristics as a head coach is how he preaches to his players the importance of taking things one day a time. Winning on Sundays means winning each day during training sessions. Every week is a one-game season. If there is one player who embodies that approach, it's Brent Celek.
Statistically, Celek's best season with the Eagles has been 2009, when he caught 76 passes for 971 yards and eight touchdowns, but Eagles fans know that Celek's contributions stretch much further than receiving numbers. One of the longest tenured current Eagles, Celek is a both a leader and a steadying presence in the locker room, while also being renowned as one of the best blockers on the Eagles roster.
The University of Cincinnati product is second in franchise history in yards (4,315), touchdowns (27) and receptions (344) by a tight end, trailing only Eagles Hall of Famer Pete Retzlaff in all three categories.
