Kelly’s system has some similarity in scale to the Sooners’ offense that produced Bradford and Murray, who was NFL Offensive Player of the Year and rushed for more than 1,800 yards with the Dallas Cowboys last season.
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The fact that the Eagles traded Boykin isn’t a total surprise. Bradford hasn’t played since 2013. He is a former fourth-round pick out of the University of Georgia. Bradford is one of several new faces, joining All-Pro running back DeMarco Murray and rookie wide receiver Nelson Agholor. Yet, each player is gone. In a text message to CSN Philadelphia after the trade, Boykin said Kelly is “uncomfortable around grown men of our culture”. “I really don’t know”. The 5-foot-10 Boykin, a fourth-round 2012 pick, has played in 48 games and recorded seven interceptions and 32 pass breakups. Kelly and defensive coaches prefer taller cornerbacks on the outside. “At 5’9” and insistent on playing something other than nickel, it was unlikely that Boykin would sign any type of extension beyond 2015.
“I don’t know. In talking to him last night I think he was stunned, he was disappointed”.
“I think here they have certain requirements”.
He has a very high opinion of his play, and rightly so. And, somewhat like LeSean McCoy before him, Boykin’s comments could be interpreted to have racial undertones.
Ryans said he has no problem with Kelly. “I feel like my statistics show that and that’s what I’m focused on”.
Malcolm Jenkins defended Kelly with stronger backing. “Chip likes uniformity and I don’t have a problem with that”.
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The Steelers on Saturday acquired Boykin, considered a top-shelf slot corner, from the Eagles for a conditional fifth-round pick in 2016.
