Sources: Matt Barkley was a Chip Kelly draft pick

By foxsports
Published

When the Philadelphia Eagles used the No. 98 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft on USC quarterback Matt Barkely, they expected to find a long-term solution at backup quarterback or a potential solution as the starter. Instead, so far Barkley has been unable to rise any higher than No. 3 on the Eagles' depth chart at quarterback. In his rare appearances during the 2013 season, Barkley displayed no ability to drive the ball to make NFL throws and subpar athleticism. 

Barkley will do battle with Tim Tebow in an effort to hold down the third quarterback spot and avoid turning the Eagles' top-100 pick into a completely wasted asset. Up until recently, the perception was that former Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made the decision to spend a the 98th pick on Barkley. However, multiple sources told Eagles beat writer Jeff McLane that it was actually Chip Kelly who banged the table for the Barkley pick.

This news would seem to suggest that Barkley has a longer leash, but at some point even Kelly is willing to admit a mistake. The Eagles' third quarterback spot will be a fun battle to track throughout OTAs. minicamps and training camp.

(h/t Philly)

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports