PHILADELPHIA — A couple of weeks ago, it was easy to see that Philadelphia Eagles second round pick Jordan Matthews wasn’t ready to come out of his shell just yet.

With some added time under his belt, Matthews emerged after Monday’s OTA feeling a little more comfortable at the NovaCare Complex.

“It’s different when you come into a new area,” Matthews said. “By the time I left (Vanderbilt) I knew all the in’s and out’s and knew every key-hole to get into the building as early as possible.

“As a rookie, I still have to learn the ropes and I’m not going to be able to come in and figure out everything early on. I take what the coaches give me, go over plays at night and if I have questions, I ask them the next day. I do what I can to come in and have a great practice.”

Matthews has flown slightly under the radar so far this spring, with Brad Smith taking first team WR reps with Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper. That formation will likely change by the end of summer with the Eagles wanting to see what their second rounder can do with QB-1 Nick Foles and the rest of the starting lineup.

“We’re in OTAs right now,” Matthews said of his second-string reps. “I don’t really get into that stuff. I’m just practicing and trying to get better.”

At Vanderbilt, Matthews had no worse than 94 receptions, 1,300 yards and seven TDs in his junior and senior seasons. He capped his career last year with a 112-catch season, good for 1,477 yards — both career-highs — and seven TDs.

It was a senior season worthy of the 42nd pick in May’s NFL Draft and a threat the Eagles organization wanted to add to their offense. Foles seems to be pleased with the choice and didn’t shy away from talking about his new weapon.

"I love him," Foles said. "I think he's a great addition to the team. He's doing a really great job buying into what Chip wants and what the coaches want. He's doing a great job."

Matthews has caught passes from multiple quarterbacks in OTAs, but if he's grabbing balls in the fall, they'll likely only be coming from Foles. The rookie wideout had no issue sharing his half of the mutual admiration with his QB.

“Leader is the one word I’d use to describe him,” he said. “His character is second to none. He’s a great guy and I’m glad he’s leading this team.

“You guys watch ESPN and see him (play). I care more about the other stuff. Up here (in his head) is where the game is won at.”

The key to the Eagles winning games this season will be Foles’ intelligence paired with his arm. Matthews contributing to the team like he did at Vanderbilt won’t hurt either.

Contact Rob Edwards at 856-845-9478 or at redwards@southjerseymedia.com