From the time the Eagles drafted him last May, wide receiver Josh Huff seemed like the type of player that could excel in Chip Kelly's offense.

It wasn't just that he had already played for Kelly at Oregon and therefore knew the system. His strengths seemed like they were an ideal fit for the fast-paced spread offense the coach runs. Many have already pegged Josh Huff as a potential breakout star in 2015. So why is there reason to believe Huff's career could take off this season?

1. He's finally healthy. Huff started his first season on a sour note: he injured his shoulder in a preseason game and did not see his first regular-season action until early October. That's not the way any player hopes to kick off his NFL career. The wideout has had a full offseason to recover and is back at full health. Not only will that help him physically, but it should lift a mental burden as well. Both will help his game.

2. Not just a receiver. As a rookie, Huff had minimal impact as a downfield target for Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles. But he was a difference-maker on special teams. In a November win over the Titans he returned a kickoff 107 yards for a touchdown, a new franchise record. He had another 100-plus-yard return in the postseason. Players with those type of explosive return skills are not a dime a dozen. Huff could probably make this roster for his ability as a returner alone.

3. Fast and elusive. On paper, he's not especially fast. Huff ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds at the 2014 combine — nothing groundbreaking. However, game speed and track speed are two different things. The former Duck is elusive and quick, which is what makes him so effective on kickoff returns. Yards after the catch should be big for a player like Huff.

4. Impressive offseason. The coaching staff and media alike have made note of a strong drive in the second-year pro this offseason. He stays after practice to catch balls, doing everything he can to prepare for the upcoming season. Clearly the 5-foot-11, 206-pound receiver is committed to making a big jump in 2015.

5. Maclin is gone. Huff and the rest of this receiving corps will see more targets because Jeremy Maclin is out of the picture. He left for the Chiefs in free agency and left a major void in Philadelphia. As a rookie, he had only eight catches for 98 yards. The former All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection is set to sail past those numbers this fall, in part because he will have so many more opportunities. He was targeted only 18 times last season, and though he dropped a few passes, there were limited chances.