Barkley was targeted in the first round last year, but he chose to return to USC.
Chip Kelly’s first NFL draft is being mostly applauded.
He went with the safe choice to start things, with Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson at No. 4 overall, then moved up three spots — ironically jumping over former coach Andy Reid — to land USC quarterback Matt Barkley in the fourth round.
Barkley, who was regarded as a first-rounder in last year’s draft, finds himself in the mix on a team desperately seeking a franchise quarterback.
“I’m going to come in and compete. My mindset is I’m starting Day One,” Barkley said. “Whatever happens, whatever the situation is, that has to be your mindset. Coming in and competing like it’s your job. Pushing myself, challenging myself day in and day out. I think it will be great to be able to learn from Michael [Vick].”
Eagles draft recap
1. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma (first round, No. 4 overall)
2. Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford (second round, 35th overall)
3. Bennie Logan, DL, LSU (third round, 67th overall)
4. Matt Barkley, QB, USC (fourth round, 98th overall)
5. Earl Wolff, S, NC State (fifth round)
6. Joe Kruger, DE/LB, Utah (seventh round)
7. Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon St. (seventh round)
8. David King, DL, Oklahoma (seventh round)
He said it …
Chip Kelly was asked to compare his first NFL draft with recruiting college kids. The coach said he prefers the draft over recruitment.
“The draft [is better] because it’s over and done with in three days and you’re not on the phone with a 16-year-old high school kid for five years,” Kelly said. “Three days and it’s done. There’s nothing you can say about it. I think the last guy to hold out was [John] Elway in [1983]. I don’t think that’s happening.”
