Special Teams Gets a Huge Return...Backfield Gets A Bit More Crowded

LB Mays Traded To Broncos For RB Arrington

By Lance Epstein

In recent days the Eagles have been very busy. On Monday, the team kicked off their 2010 training camp at Leigh University. Then on Tuesday and Wednesday, the signed first and second round picks Brandon Graham and Nate Allen as well free agents WR Jared Perry and S Antoine Harris.

Tonight was no different as the Eagles and the Denver Broncos decided to pull the trigger on a trade. The Eagles sent backup middle linebacker and special teamer Joe Mays to the Broncos in exchange for kickoff returner/running back J.J. Arrington. As part of the deal, the Eagles will receive a 2012 sixth-round pick if Arrington fails to make the 53-man roster.

Mays had been with club since 2008, when the Eagles selected him in the sixth round out of North Dakota State. Since then he had been a fixture on special teams.

For the Eagles, the move makes a ton of sense considering Mays was likely going to be cut due to the log jam at linebacker (Stewart Bradley, Akeem Jordan, Ernie Sims, Moise Fokou, Jamar Chaney, Omar Gaither and Keenan Clayton ahead of him on the depth chart). Additionally, head coach Andy Reid had only had one running back on the roster with more than one-year of NFL experience [free agent pick up Mike Bell].

Arrington (5-9, 212) was a second-round draft choice of the Arizona Cardinals back in 2005. With Arrington, the Eagles get a versatile back that does not run particularly well between the tackles. In his first four seasons, he rushed for 654 yards and three touchdowns. Nonetheless, he can receive the ball out of the backfield extremely well like former Eagle great Brian Westbrook was accustomed to doing in Reid's west coast offense. Over that same four-year span, he recorded 91 receptions for 693 yards and two touchdowns.

However, the biggest value with Arrington is his ability to make significant contributions to the Eagles’ special teams. As a kickoff returner, he has a career average of 23.6 yards per return and has taken two kicks to the house.

Last season, Eillis Hobbs was the main kickoff returner, but a severe neck injury suffered on special teams caused him to miss the final eight games of the season. This year Hobbs is penciled-in as a starting cornerback and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott would prefer that Hobbs not risk getting injured in one of the train wreck collisions that occur on special teams. Also so he can focus squarely on his job at corner. With Arrington in the fold, the Eagles finally have Hobbs replacement and somebody who is just dangerous.

Despite his ability to receive ball out of the backfield and return kicks, Arrington missed the entire 2009 season with microfracture surgery on his right knee. While he says his knee is "getting better every day," it is unknown if that knee will hold up once he has to take the physical punishment that comes with being a special teams player and running back.

In addition, Arrington still has to pass a physical in order to even get on the practice field. Otherwise he could be put on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list like DE Victor Abiamiri, who is recovering from the season type of surgery.

Whether Arrington does or does not make the club, the Eagles made a smart and savvy business decision to pick him up. Looking at the circumstances from afar, the trade looks like a win-win situation for general manager Howie Roseman. If Arrington's knee holds up and he is apart of the 53-man opening day roster then the Eagles have found an exciting return-man who can take it all the way at anytime. Plus they get themselves a nice third-down back.

On the other hand, if he is simply cut then the Eagles get a sixth-round pick. A sixth-round pick for Mays is great considering he was drafted in that round and was going to be release before the start of the season anyway.

In the NFL, there are not a lot of win-win situations for franchises, but he Eagles found themselves in that scenario tonight. And when a state of affairs like this one presents itself to a team, they should jump at the opportunity because in the end it could payoff huge dividends.

Graham Arrives With Big Smile On Face

Graham Meets the Press At Leigh

By Lance Epstein

Last night the Eagles and first-round pick DE Brandon Graham agreed on a five-year contract. Today, Graham left Detroit where he was working out and preparing for training camp and the upcoming season to join the club. After the team's first full practice Graham met the media and offered some of thoughts:

Here are his quotes from the press conference:

On why he cannot stop walking around with a smile:

"I have a lot to smile about. I'm finally here and that was the best thing. I'm just happy to be done with everything and be a part of the team now."

On his urgency and itch to get to camp:

"I just believe that my agent did a great job and he was coaching me through the whole thing. He was just letting me know that, 'I'm going to have you there on time, that's my worry' and he was there. He was right on time with it even though I wasn't here last night. I couldn't make the flight, but I was here early, first thing in the morning."

On getting a contract done when veterans arrived as the latest he’d sign:

"Yes, because he was telling me that realistically I wasn't going to be at the rookie camp. But for the veterans I was going to be there and he was like, 'You're really not going to miss too much.' I just wanted to make sure that I was here when the vets got here."

On if not having a lot of other first rounds signed made it harder on him:

"I wasn't really worried about it, but it took a lot of pressure off me because a lot of people weren't signed. I just wanted to get here because I wanted to show (head) coach (Andy) Reid and all those guys, Mr. Banner and Mr. Lurie that they didn't waste a pick."

On if it stressful sitting at home while selected veterans and rookies were practicing:

"It was kind of stressful because you want to be out here, but I just controlled what I could control and I made sure I tried to stay in shape and work out with the Michigan football team, just waiting until I came down here and show what I got."

On being in Michigan working out:

"Yes. I stayed up there. I still have my place there. The lease was up, what, last week, so they let me stay an extra week so it was nice."

On delays in negotiations:

"I'm going to leave that up to my agent. I don't really know. He was just telling me that I was going to be there on time and I wasn't really trying to get into his job. I was just controlling what I could and staying in shape."

On talking with teammates while training camp was going on from Michigan:

"I talked to Daniel [Teo'Nesheim] and he was just telling me about the plays that we went over. It was pretty much the same thing as mini camp, he was saying and he said just make sure that you're ahead when you get here. Just make sure you're in shape because he said it was hard for them because there weren't really any substitutions and anybody here with them."

On the bending lock out and CBA expiring affected the negotiations:

"Yes. My agent explained that to me while we were going over the contract today and everything. He was just telling me, 'Don't worry about it, but just make sure you save your money because there's a potential lockout next year.' That's all I'm going to do is focus on football and save my money."

On his job and how he needs to prepare for it:

"I just have to go in there and get them comfortable with me, knowing that I know all the plays and I'm trying to do everything right as much as possible."

On whether he has to prove why the Eagles drafted him:

"Yes, I showed them that I'm paying attention out there on the field. I'm not really getting up and trying to do too much out there, I'm just trying to learn it and take it one day at a time."

On if missing practice time will hurt him:

"Well, I feel like I was there a little bit, because I talked to players every day, just to let them know that I wished I was there, let them know that I'm not being selfish, it's just the business part of it, and they understood. I just felt bad because I wish I could be out there and I don't want to feel like I'm better than anybody, but that's just how it is. I talked to Daniel every night and he was just keeping me updated on plays."

On the adjustments from college to the pros:

"Just working on my technique a little more. I'm learning everything defensive line coach (Rory) Segrest does in individual and trying to perfect my game on the technique."

On his total amount of sleep today:

"Three hours. I stayed up until about 2:30 a.m. talking to people; everybody was congratulating me. I woke up at 5:15 and got on the flight about 7:05, and I got here about 8:30. Ever since then I've been awake, doing everything I'm supposed to do, physicals, stuff like that."

On gaining weight was a goal for him heading into his rookie year:

"The goal was to just stay where I was and just to get a little bit more muscle and work on my core. That's the biggest thing, because my stomach, I just wanted to cut it up a little bit more, and I told coach in there that I'm going to be in the weight room a lot, every day, after practice, trying to get extra abs in, because that's a goal of mine, I've got a bet with some of the players at Michigan, because they call me fatboy."

On his exact weight:

"Right now, 278."

On the details of his bet:

"I just have to cut it up before camp's over with, and show some type of improvement."

On his speed being enough at this level:

"Yeah, the speed is good, and I'm working on my hands, and I think I have good hands and learning from coach Segrest, I think it's going to be even better. And that's all I'm going to do, just work on my game and what coach is trying to do out there on the field, and do everything within the scheme like I did back at Michigan, now I'm here in Philadelphia."

On his thoughts on veterans helping him:

"I need help out there sometimes, but most of the time, I know it is a business and everybody, at the end of the day, wants to be out there and be that guy. I know I got to step it up, and that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to go out there and be in my book every night."

On arriving at Bethlehem:

"I got picked up and went to NovaCare and one of the security guards, Dom, came to pick me up and drove me up here. We talked the whole time, and I got a little extra sleep, I got a 30 minutes nap, so I'm feeling kind of good."

Reid Press Conference After First Full Practice

Reid Breaks Down The Eagles

By Lance Epstein

After the Eagles first full practice (no contact) head coach Andy Reid addresses the press about injuries, his squad and expectations. Here are some of his quotes:

On injuries and opening remarks:

"Okay, we've got [DE] Victor Abiamiri, [G/T] Todd Herremans and [C] Jamaal Jackson are on the PUP list. It's good to get everybody back out here today. We've changed up the schedule just a little bit from what we've done in years past. We didn't have the conditioning drill this morning. The guys had gotten that done before they left for the summer. We had a couple guys that weren't there that last part of the last mini-camp. They came up early, they knocked it out and everybody passed and is in good shape. We had a good workout this morning. We did all fundamental work, so there was no teamwork. It was a good time just to get back into the flow of technique and fundamentals. We did that for about an hour and then we had the 10/10/10 practice this afternoon. Obviously it's too early to tell on the production of anybody right at this point, but we'll suit it up tomorrow and we'll get after it tomorrow. I think the guys are looking forward to it. Again, they seem to be in good shape and ready to roll."

On if he needs to change the condition process so injuries do not happen:

"Well, we've done it for the last 11 years. Last year I contemplated on changing it, and so this year I finalized it. We had some nicks coming out of that thing, or in this practice here, or that first practice. That kind of contributed to fatiguing them with their legs and so on. I thought I'd give it a little change-up and try something new."

On if the new strength and conditioning coaches and program altered the change:

"No, not necessarily. Former strength and conditioning coach Mike Wolf and I talked about it last year doing it and head strength and conditioning coach Barry Rubin and I talked about it again this year and talked with head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder about it the last couple of years. I decided it was a good thing to do this year."

On if there will be less contact or changes with contact at practices:

"No. We'll see how it goes tomorrow."

On if he plans on giving returning players with injuries some days off in between practices:

"Well, we're going to watch them is what we're going to do. We'll just see how they're doing. Rick and I will meet on the players twice a day, so we'll have a good feel. We've highlighted a couple guys here that we'll want to make sure we keep an eye on."

On DE Brandon Graham signing and getting into camp for the first team practice:

"Well, a couple things. I think president Joe Banner did a phenomenal job with it and Joel Segal did a phenomenal job on Brandon's side. I think Brandon the whole time wanted to be here. This first round thing was a little crazy this year, so it's good to get him in. It looks like he's been working and we'll see how he does here."

On Graham and his physique:

"Yeah, he added a couple of pounds. I think it's good weight. It looks like he's been working, and I think he'll be ready to go. We'll see how he does."

On the additions and new faces will create more competition than in previous years:

"Well, every year I tell you that we try to strive to have competition at all spots. Obviously when you have established veterans, you present the competition to them and they take it that way. However, it's probably a little bit more solid situation than if you're a younger guy. I guess just with that there might be a little bit more. We're trying to present it at every position and that's what (general manager) Howie Roseman does with his crew and I think there are some situations here where there's going to be good competition."

On the starting LDE job and competition:

"You know my feeling on the defensive line. If I can come out of there with eight guys that can play, two at each spot, I'm great with that. If there's more, the more the merrier. You can't have enough good defensive linemen. So I like to rotate those guys and throw those fastballs at the offense."

On DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim playing inside as a DT and outside as a DE:

"Well, he does both. He did both in college. Again, he had a lot of sacks actually at each position, but probably more on the outside than on the inside. It gives us a little flexibility there to see what he can do."

On WR DeSean Jackson and his quest on receiving a new deal:

"Yeah, I think he just wants to concentrate on football, he doesn't want to be disrupted by any, I guess, questions on contracts or anything else. He's focused in and he's in a good place. You saw him out here today, he had one play here where you felt he read the thing the wrong way and he was very angry at himself, so he's ripping and ready to go. He did a great job on his conditioning test. He's in phenomenal shape, so I think he just wants to focus on football. He loves to play, and I think that's where he's at right now, and he's all business right now. And that's a good thing."

On Jackson still being on special teams one punt returner:

"Right now, yes."

On Max Jean-Gilles' surgery and weight being down:

"He looks like he's ready to pose for Esquire. He's looking good. He looks good and that will help Max. Max is a good football player, and I know about weight problems, so he'll be more effective, even more than what he was before. I think from a life standpoint, it'll help."

On the young players playing a bigger role this year:

"I think we have a stable of them that we can look at them, and how many actually work in the plan, we'll see over the next couple of weeks here, how many work into the rotation. I know we have a number of them. It's just a matter of getting out here and playing now."

On what he observes for D-linemen since they can't touch the QB in training camp:

"You're right, the quarterback's dead in training camp, but then you have the preseason game, so you have that end of the evaluation process, but you can tell if a guy can defeat the player over him and would have an opportunity at least to make the sack and most of these defensive linemen, once they get to that position they're pretty good at that, so it's just a matter of beating that offensive lineman."

On first full contact practice tomorrorw and find answer then:

"Listen, I don't think they'll all be answered tomorrow. That's not realistic, but I think that that situation, day after day, will tell you something. I'm always curious to see when they get into that third and fourth day of camp, and you're tired mentally and physically, and how you respond then."

On when players become noticeable to him in camp:

"They're all different. There are some guys that aren't very functional their first year and they come back their second year and do well, so they're all different. You can't pick one spot. Some guys do better in games than they do in practice, and some guys do better in practice than in games and you have to go through it and evaluate each guy individually. And we do that. We evaluate every play and keep it open with the players, they can know where they stand every day."

All Aboard... Graham Flys Into The Nest

Graham Signs 5-Year Deal

By Lance Epstein

After missing the first three days of training camp, first-round pick Brandon Graham had the urge and itch to get into camp with his teammates. He wanted to prove to show the world and his coaches why the team moved up in the draft to snatch his talents. So it is easy to understand why Graham and the Eagles were able to agree to terms on a five-year contract on Thursday night.

"Oh man, I can't tell you how excited I am to get there and get it going," Graham said. "I had talked with Daniel (Te’o-Nesheim) and Eric (Moncur) and they were keeping me up to date. I didn't want it to seem like I felt I was better than anybody else. I left it all to my agent [Joel Segal] and I thank him and the Eagles for making this happen and getting me in after missing just a little bit of work.

The 13th overall pick in April's draft and former Michigan Wolverine is expected to be at training camp in Bethlehem (Leigh University) tomorrow. He also should be able to participate in the 3:30 p.m. full squad practice since he is expected to leave Detroit (where he is currently working out, training and absorbing the playbook) early in the morning.

“We’re doing our best to get him there in time for tomorrow’s practice,” Graham’s agent, Joel Segal said.

Even if Graham does not participate, he is just excited to be at the facility with his teammates for the team's first full practice.

“It feels good, because I really wanted to get to training camp and Coach [Andy] Reid really wanted me to get to camp and now it’s time to show them why they picked me,” Graham said. “I have a lot of work to do, but I’m ready to go.”

It was crucial for Graham to not miss anymore time nor the beginning of full contact drills (begins on Saturday) since he has stiff competition for the starting left defensive end job. Graham is expected to compete with veterans Juqua Parker and Darryl Tapp, but realizes it will take a lot of hard work to beat them out and just see the field.

"It's going to be a lot of work and I'm ready for that. It's my job. I have high expectations and I know that I have the challenge ahead," he said. "I've been studying my plays, working on my game. I can't wait to get out there."

Fortunately for the Eagles, they were able to get their first round pick into camp and signed. As of Thursday night, only seven of the 32 first-round picks had been inked to rookie deals. Additionally, the Eagles have all of their 13 draft picks signed and in camp, so their rookies should be able to be ahead of the curve by the end of the preseason. In addition, having every rookies in camp is extremely important for a team that is counting on those nine defensive draft picks to be significant factors on a revamped defense [as well as the rest of the league high 13 draft picks].

Furthermore, the Eagles and team president Joe Banner are "thrilled" that Graham is on his way to Leigh now rather than later. Especially since he is not going to miss any of the “meaningful” practices. So far the Eagles have not kicked off the full-contact practices with pads and the defensive lineman has been solely focusing on conditioning drills.

In the end, Graham is just glad that his whole contract situation is over. Now he can focus on his No. 1 priority, which is football and helping take double teams way from Eagles' star defensive end Trent Cole.

"It's time to get it going," he said. "I'm just glad it is all done."

Graham is absolutely right that it is time for him to get going. If the Eagles expect to beat the high powered Green Bay offense in week one then they are going to need his relentless motor to bring down quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Eagles Add Safety, Wide Receiver

Eagles Sign WR, S

By Lance Epstein

Earlier today, the Eagles invited wide receivers Kelly Washington and Jared Perry for a workout at Leigh. On Thursday night, the Eagles and Perry agreed on a contract.

Perry (6-1, 180) played his college ball at the University of Missouri, where he was a teammate of current Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Over his college career, he started 27 out of 52 games and posted 137 receptions for 1,844 yards and 13 touchdowns in four years. However his best season came in 2009, where he pulled down 46 balls for 696 yards and six touchdowns.

Recently Perry was released by the San Francisco 49ers after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft.

One player that comes to mind while watching game film on Perry is former Eagles' second-round pick Todd Pinkston. Like Pinkston, Perry has a skinny frame that needs some more bulk, but he does have the speed to blow past defenders. Additionally, Perry has a tendency to have alligator arms and is not willing to go over the middle into heavy traffic to make the tough reception, which drove Eagles fans crazy with Pinkston.

In order for the Eagles to sign Perry to the 80-man roster, they had to waive/cut a player to open up a roster spot. That player was wide receiver Kevin Jurovich. Jurovich and the Eagles agreed on an injury settlement, but the details have not been released.

Besides the addition of Perry, the Eagles have made two transactions today as they added and dropped a safety. The Eagles agreed to terms with veteran safety Antoine Harris and released Brett Johnson.

The current Eagles depth chart has only two safeties with significant NFL playing time in Quintin Demps and Quintin Mikell, so the acquisition of Harris brings some veteran presence.

Harris (5-10, 205) has spent the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Like Johnson, he signed as an undrafted rookie out of Louisville in 2006 with the Tennessee Titans (did not see action his rookie season). Last year, Harris played in 10 games but only recorded three tackles.

As for Johnson, he signed as an undrafted rookie out of Cal with the Buffalo Bills in April, but was eventually cut. The Eagles decided to take a chance on him, but decided to waive him on Thursday.

Better To Receive Than Give For Eagles

Eagles Workout Two More Wide Receiver

By Lance Epstein

Normally the phrase is "it is better to give than it is to receive." However that expression does not really apply when talking about the Philadelphia Eagles offense considering they throw the ball 67 percent of the time. So clearly it is better to receive than give a handoff to a running back.

And today, the Eagles demonstrated that they really do not listen to the notation behind that phrase as the team attempted to improve its receiving corps. On the Leigh practice field were undrafted rookie free agent Jared Perry and Kelley Washington who were running routes and being scouted by Andy Reid, general manager Howie Roseman, athletic trainer Rick Burkholder and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

Perry (6-1, 180) is a former teammate of Jeremy Maclin at Missouri. At Missouri, he started 27 of 52 games in his career. Furthermore, he recorded 137 receptions for 1,844 yards and 13 touchdowns in four-years. His best year came during his senior campaign as he pulled in 46 balls for 696 yards and six touchdowns.

Still, Perry was not considered “worthy” of being selected in the 2010 NFL draft. Yet, he managed to sign on with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. Fortunately for the Eagles, the Niners decided to part ways, which makes him available for the Eagles

For Eagles fans, Perry should remind them of former second-round pick Todd Pinkston. Like Pinkston, Perry has a slender frame that is ridiculously undersized for the NFL game, but does has the ability to accelerate past defenders and can adjust to the ball while in full stride. However, he also has a tendency to have alligator arms and is not willing to go over the middle into heavy traffic, which drew the ire of Eagles fans with Pinkston. Additionally, he tends to run sloppy routes and allow defenders to push him off the line of scrimmage.

As for Washington, he is heading into his seventh year as a pro. Although many feel as though he has never reached his full potential. More importantly, it does not look like he will ever meet those expectations since he turns 31 years old in August.

Nevertheless, Washington has experience and a nice pair of hands, which could come in handy for the Eagles. Last season, he started two games (played in 15 games) for the Baltimore Ravens and amassed 34 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns. While those numbers on the surface do not look that impressive, they were the best of his career (107 receptions for 1,327 yards and 11 TDs).

The former Tennessee Volunteer does give the Eagles something they lacked last year, which is a wide receiver with size. Of course the Eagles did signed Hank Baskett in free agency and drafted Riley Cooper to be their big targets in the red zone.

Nonetheless, Cooper does not have NFL experience yet so he is a bit of a question mark. Baskett has never been a great receiver in pulling down the ball on fade routes in the red zone, which is something Mornhinweg and Reid would like to implement with Donovan McNabb out of the picture. For Washington, the fade route is his specialty since he is 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds.

Ultimately it is hard to imagine that either player has a good shot at making the roster if they are signed. The Eagles top three wide receivers are set in stone with DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant and Maclin. Although Washington has the greater chance of the two to make the squad since Baskett is only on a one-year deal and Cooper is a rookie.

However, in Perry's defense, the Eagles could consider him for the practice squad if they truly like him. Needless to say it will be an uphill battle for him since he would have to beat out Blue Cooper, Jordan Norwood, Dobson Collins, Chad Hall and Kevin Jurovich.

If one signs than someone currently on the 80-man roster will need to go and with the plethora of wide receivers in camp, it looks like one of them will be the fall guy.

Mornhinweg Talks Goals and Offense

Mornhinweg Setting Goals

By Lance Epstein

After the final rookie and selected veteran practice, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg discussed his goals, outlook and offense for the upcoming 2010 season. Here are some of his press conference quotes:

On Kevin Kolb and his game:

"He's been outstanding up to date. The best qualities that Kevin has, and there are many of them, but the better ones are his quick decision making and his accuracy and his timing. He's got a good amount of skill and ability. I think he's got some guts and some gut instincts as well. ... He got into some regular-season games last year and played very well for the most part. There were 2 or 3 critical errors that he made and he learned from them. I can remember there was a play early in his career, there was a blitz and he just did the wrong thing. A year later in his second game last year, he was in the same spot. Similar play, similar situation. He did the perfect thing and we gained 16-18 yards. So he learns quick. He learns from his mistakes. ... I will say this. He’s still got a long way to go. There are so many things he has not seen quite yet. So we’ll see how he progresses here."

On the Eagles drafting Kolb back in 2007:

"The first thing you saw on film was that he made plays. He's a playmaker. His numbers were very good. He was sort of a dynamic in what they did. We went down to work him out and you could see almost immediately that his skill and ability was high."

On changing the playbook with 11-year veteran Donovan McNabb gone:

"We have a lot in our playbook. Literally thousands of plays. Within what we do, we’ll lean to his strengths. And he’s got many strengths."

On his own personal expectations for Kolb:

"I told him. I want a high completion percentage. And I want him to stay away from interceptions. If he does that, everything else will take care of itself."

On does he expect more interceptions and turnovers since McNabb has a league/NFL history best touchdown-to-interception ratio:

"Every quarterback’s a little bit different. Some don’t anticipate as well as others early in their career, and that could lead to a few more turnovers. I’m not sure Kevin’s that way. And he’s built up some time in the league, so he’s seen a lot. Maybe he hasn’t had quite the experience. But I think he’ll be just fine. We may go through some more ups and downs with him, especially early. So you can anticipate some of that. But he’s a quick learner who will learn from his mistakes and move on."

On if the offense will pass more or run more with Kolb at the helm:

"Every game is its own entity. Whatever it takes to win that game. There could be more passing that particular game. There could be more running that particular game. We could put men in different spots. So, I wouldn’t say that (throw more). We’ll do whatever it takes to put him in position to have success."

On if throwing the ball more means more interceptions:

"It’s just common sense to tell him not to throw interceptions. You want him to throw touchdowns, not interceptions."

On rookie Mike Kafka and what he has seen from him:

"He's the best rookie that way I've ever had in 15, 16, 17 years. He's really sharp. He's sharp book-wise, too, but he's also very intelligent athletically."

On Kafka responding to being asked to throw a ton of passes:

"I wanted to see how he could go back-to-back-to-back-to-back. You know he was going to make a mistake at some point in there and how he responds to that, and he did a terrific job today. It was a good experience for him."

On the second string tight end battle between Cornelius Ingram and Clayton Harbor:

"They’re both in that learning curve right now. They’ve both got a lot to learn. I would expect one or both to help us very quickly. But we’ve got a long way to go. This camp will be very important for both of them."

On rookie Charles Scott's role:

"He’s a big physical guy. He had a heckuva career in college. I’m gonna be excited to see him in preseason games."

On the running back situation and how he plans on utilizing it:

"The RB position in critical to our offense. LeSean [McCoy] has proven himself to some extent. He carried the load quite a bit last year as a rookie. That experience he built up will pay off this year. I would expect him to make a pretty good jump this year."

On free agent pick up Chad Hall:

"He’s doing an excellent job. Pretty sharp guy. He’s been playing all positions. He’s playing outside and inside. In the minicamps we even got him in at HB spot some. And we’ll do that more very quickly. He’s really catching the ball well. He’s very quick. He looks like he’ll be a very consistent player."

On if he rather DeSean Jackson stick to offense and not be on special teams:

"Oh no. He’s dynamite as a return man. Why wouldn’t you use him as a PR? We’ll see how it falls. But he’s one of the best at doing that. You want to utilize his strengths, and that certainly is one of his strengths."