By Martin Frank

The News Journal

Switching positions a struggle in 2013

Kelly insists Graham still part of Eagles' plans

PHILADELPHIA – Brandon Graham made it clear after last season that he wanted to start, even if it meant leaving the Eagles and playing for another team.

Since then, the Eagles made it clear that Graham's chances of starting this season weren't going to be very good. They brought back Trent Cole, who started ahead of Graham at outside linebacker last season. Then they selected Marcus Smith in the first round of the NFL draft on May 8.

The irony wasn't lost on Graham, himself a first-round pick in 2010 under previous coach Andy Reid. Back then, Graham was the organization's prodigy, like Smith is now. But Graham said his perspective has changed somewhat, and he wants to stay with the Eagles.

Graham said he also believes the Eagles want him to stay, despite the trade rumors that swirled around the draft and will likely surface again before the season starts.

"I feel like they want me here because, shoot, I'm still here," Graham said. "All the rumors, whatever it is, it's just rumors. I feel like if there was something they wanted to do, I would already be gone. … I know the defense, and I want to show them I really want to be here because I love Philadelphia, I made it my home and I would be sad if I had to leave."

Graham spoke for the first time about the situation Thursday after the last session of the Eagles' first round of OTAs this week. At first, he turned down a request for an interview, saying that he didn't want to get in trouble. Later, he changed his mind.

"I'm controlling what I can," Graham said. "Whatever the rumors were, I really didn't pay attention to it. I have a role to play, and that's play my part and try to win games."

Head coach Chip Kelly said Graham still fits in the Eagles' plans. Graham is 6-foot-2 and said his weight is down five pounds to 265, attributing the loss to a better diet and workout regimen. He said that will make him better able to handle the speed required for his position, especially dropping into coverage.

Smith would seem to be more suited for that role. He's 6-3 and 252 pounds, and he's a converted quarterback. Graham was drafted as a defensive end under Reid, and he and Cole both moved to outside linebacker last season once Kelly and defensive coordinator Bill Davis took over.

It wasn't a smooth transition for either. Cole had all eight of his sacks in the second half of the season, while Graham finished with three sacks and 21 tackles and played just 27 percent of the snaps.

"I think [Graham] obviously has the skill set to rush the passer and set the edge," Kelly said. "And when he's been in [the game], he's been productive. The issue is that the other guy [Cole] is really productive, too. How many times can you get them all on the field together? It's really the pecking order.

"I feel confident that we're better at that position right now than we were a year ago because of whom we added."

So far, Smith has been practicing on the other side, behind Connor Barwin. He was seen covering Damaris Johnson and some running backs during 11-on-11 drills.

"I think I can run with smaller, faster guys," Smith said. "I think my speed is good enough to run with anybody. In football, you have to have the right angles and be in the right position to run with people."

Graham said that's partly why he lost the weight during the offseason. And that was before the Eagles drafted Smith. Graham said that sent him a message, one that he said he welcomes even if it means he could be traded.

"There's no more pressure now," Graham said. "I'm good. I know what I can do. I can't wait to go out and show I really want to be here.

"I want to end my career here if I can."

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com.